Baby shopping is fun and you want to buy all those cute and adorable little outfits that you see in shops. But it is imperative to think wisely and buy only those things that you will definitely need. Lets take a look at the essential clothing the baby will require from his birth up till the time he is a few months old.

The first thing to remember is that a baby's skin is soft and sensitive and harsh and rough seams may cause itching, burning and discomfort. Thus, for everyday wear, it is recommended that you choose soft, roomy durable clothes, which though may tend to be more expensive than less well made clothes, are safer and better for your baby's comfort. Also, the more durable they are, the more they will last and the fewer you will have to buy. Always buy slightly bigger sizes as babies tend to grow really fast.

One-piece outfits These are convenient and comfortable for both you and the baby. Once you have popped this outfit on the baby, you are done with the hassle of adjusting while the baby is free to wiggle and wave his limbs easily. For ease and comfort look for jumpers that have a snap button down the front or on the inside of the leg. These are especially good for a crawling baby. The snaps should hold and close well and ensure that the outfit opens at the bottom for easy diaper change.

Shirts and leggings Cotton T-shirts and turtlenecks with snaps at the neck allow the garment to slip easily over your child's head. Undershirts form an extra layer to keep the baby warm. The one-piece style that snaps at the crotch is popular baby wear. Separate legging or pants allow you to change one piece of dirty clothing without putting on a whole new outfit. Stretchy material fits best over a baby's big belly and tends to be more comfortable.

Cardigans, sweaters and sweatshirts Button-up or zippered sweaters and sweatshirts are more popular because they're easy to put on and take off. Often children do not like their heads to be shoved in through narrow neck holes. Buying bigger sized sweaters with loose armholes and zippers or snap buttons makes more sense.

Fleece jackets The best way to keep your baby warm and protect him from the cold is to make him wear fleece. It comes in a variety of styles, from one-piece suits for babies to jackets for older children. These are also available with hoods to protect the head and the ears from cold winds.

Hats and mittens In the summer you will require a broad-brimmed sun hat to protect the baby from sunstroke and in winter, one that covers the ears well from the cold. Some hats have a string at the bottom to tie under the chin ensuring that they stay on the baby's head. Mittens for babies are shaped like bags with a drawstring at the bottom, making them much easier to get on and off the little hands.

Socks, booties and shoes You'll need socks for the indoors and booties that can be tightly tied for outdoor wear. Typically babies only start wearing shoes after the age of one. Some paediatricians recommend waiting until your child can walk steadily, as shoes can interfere with their motor development. Shoes should be bought from a specialized children's store as it will enable you to get good advice on which shoes are most comfortable, what size to buy, and whether the shoe allows adequate room for growth. Until your baby's walking well, cover his feet with socks or booties that hold firm and prevent the baby from slipping.