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The Best Baby Clothes of 2023

These top labels offer super-soft fabrics in classic and trendy styles for infants and toddlers.

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The Best Baby Clothes of 2023

From accidents and messes that require a fresh outfit to never-ending growth spurts during your baby's first year, it feels like you can never have enough clothes for your infant to change into. Of course, you want to dress your baby in clothing that looks cute, but it's also important to ensure that it's comfortable, durable and functional.

The good news is that there are plenty of high-quality baby clothes brands for you to choose from, with options that are both stylish and highly rated by our experts.

In our Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles and Parenting Labs, we regularly test and review children's products of all kinds, including the best baby walking shoes, the best kids' clothing brands and the best school backpacks. To put together this list of the best baby clothes, our experts evaluated dozens of popular baby clothing brands, considering quality, price, style and more. Our top picks include styles that have performed well in our Lab assessments, as well as brands that our editors and analysts regularly buy for their own kids.

Keep reading to learn more about the best baby clothes brands to shop online and in stores and find helpful shopping tips from our pros. Your baby will feel comfy and looking extra-adorable in no time!

From short-sleeved bodysuits to pull-on pants and pajamas, Carter's has a variety of simple styles in both solid colors and classic patterns. The brand carries baby sizes from preemie to 24 months, but it also offers clothing for toddlers and older children up to size 14, so you can continue to dress your kids in Carter's as they grow.

We're impressed by the brand's level of quality at such an affordable price point. We also love that Carter's clothes are carried by lots of major retailers, making them easy to shop (and make returns, if needed). If you like the Carter's brand but are looking for organic options, try Little Planet by Carter's, a line that uses Global Organic Textile Standard-certified organic cotton.

SHOP CLOUD ISLAND BABY CLOTHES

Available in multipacks of two to seven pieces and priced no higher than $24, baby clothes from Target's Cloud Island line — which includes bodysuits, sleepers and pants — are an incredible value.

One GH analyst who has purchased pieces from Cloud Island for friends and family says the brand's knit cotton jersey material is soft and stretchy. And according to online reviewers, the material doesn't show major signs of wear or shrinkage after washing, with one reviewer raving that the clothes "still look brand new" after months of use.

That said, online reviewers have also noted they've experienced inconsistencies in sizing across styles: Some say the styles run large, but others say they're too small. So, be sure to review Cloud Island's size charts before purchasing to determine the appropriate fit, taking your baby's weight and height into consideration.

SHOP HANNA ANDERSSON BABY CLOTHES

Covered in colorful and playful patterns, Hanna Andersson's baby clothes are a stand-out pick. In addition to classic looks, there are also plenty of fun designs featuring characters from popular franchises like Sesame Street, Peanuts, Winnie the Pooh and Star Wars.

Our analysts appreciate that the brand uses high-quality, GOTS-certified organic cotton material, along with nickel-free closures, soft tags and flatlock or seamless construction where possible to help reduce irritation. Just note that the brand's clothes run on the smaller side, with narrow cuffs and leg openings, so be sure to review the sizing chart before you buy.

If you love the idea of dressing your family in similar styles, Hanna Andersson's most popular pieces are its coordinating family pajamas. You can dress yourself, your kids and now even the dog in matching sets.

SHOP JANIE AND JACK BABY CLOTHES

Janie and Jack sets itself apart from our other baby clothes brands by offering classic keepsake outfits that are perfect for special events — but the brand carries cute everyday looks too. We were impressed by the attention to detail and high-quality fabric construction, with styles using poplins, chambrays, jacquards and cable knits. Even the brand's basics feature adorable elements like ruffled sleeves and collars.

While Janie and Jack's clothes can be pricey, they're also timeless and made to last, making them perfect to pass down to younger siblings.The brand also offers options for older kids, up to 18 years. Some online reviewers have noted extended delivery times, but the brand offers a live-chat customer service option, along with the choice to communicate via email or phone if you experience any shipping woes.

Well known for its always-on-trend styles, Zara is a go-to brand for fashionable baby clothes. Some styles veer childish, while others are closer to what Mom or Dad would wear. GH staffers who buy Zara's clothes for their own babies say that even though the clothes are on the expensive side, they feel they're made with higher-quality materials and designed with a keen attention to detail.

The brand even offers customization options on many of their pieces, like the set featured here, for a small fee. You can choose between kid-favorite motifs like unicorns and dinosaurs or add text in your choice of 11 different colors. We've noticed that Zara's clothes run a bit big, so you may want to consider sizing down. Each piece has its own corresponding size guide, so we recommend checking that out before buying.

SHOP MAKEMAKE ORGANICS BABY CLOTHES

A winner in last year's Good Housekeeping Parenting Awards, MakeMake Organics' line wowed both our GH analysts and parent testers. The brand offers sustainable baby clothes made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, which our testers said feels soft and thick. They also raved about the construction and noted that the clothes felt higher quality than some other brands they've tried.

GH analysts were impressed by the brand's clever design choices, like two-way zippers, button-close necklines and snap closures in the back that can help make changing your baby a breeze. Just note that clothes from MakeMake Organics do require more delicate care: Washing them on a gentle cycle is recommended.

SHOP POSH PEANUT BABY CLOTHES

Looking for baby clothing with a little personality? Posh Peanut really has dozens of fun prints — including popular characters. But consider yourself warned: They're super-popular and can sell out quickly.

In addition to the cute patterns, you'll also find options with fun flair like ruffles or a 2-in-1 convertible style that swaps from footie to footless. There's also matching adult versions of many of the baby clothes. One GH tester said that the fabric felt very soft — but the material is viscose, meaning it's not organic and not quite as durable as cotton. But otherwise, our experts don't have any major quality concerns.

Sometimes babies need to dress up, too. With options like little footies with fake suspenders or bow ties and rompers with frills to mimic the look of a party dress, Miniclasix is a great brand to get your little ones into for weddings or a christening. Even if you don't have a special occasion, these clothes make for very cute photos!

Materials range from synthetic polyester to radon to spandex, so they're not natural or as soft as materials like cotton. However, for a few hours, they shouldn't be uncomfortable for your child to wear.

SHOP SIMPLY MAGNETIC ME BABY CLOTHES

A winner in this year's Good Housekeeping Parenting Awards, our testers loved these adaptive baby clothes that use magnets for closures instead of zippers or snaps. They're great for any parent with mobility issues, but also just convenient in general since the magnets make outfit changes much quicker and easier (several of our testers said they were planning to buy their own Magnetic Me pieces after trying them out).

The clothes come in a variety of styles, including bodysuits, coveralls, footies, toddler pajamas and even adult women's pajamas, and the organic cotton and Tencel fabrics feel soft against skin. For parents concerned about the strength and safety of the magnets, our Lab testers found that they were sewn in very carefully and not strong enough to cause a safety concern for little fingers.

SHOP BURT'S BEES BABY CLOTHES

Babies spend most of their time sleeping, so good kids' pajamas are a wardrobe staple. Burt's Bees' best-selling baby pajamas are designed with a soft jersey material made of GOTS-certified organic cotton, which has been combed for an extra-cozy feel. The best part? They won't break the bank.

Footie pajamas with nonslip grips are great for babies on the move, and diagonal zippers running down the bodice of these ones allow for easy access during diaper changes. Burt's Bees also carries additional footie styles and two-piece sets for toddlers and kids, as well as swaddles and wearable blankets.

When testing the brand's baby clothes, we found that the cotton material is prone to shrinkage, so be sure to follow the brand's care instructions when throwing them in the wash. If you're hoping to find all of your baby's bedtime necessities in one place, our analysts are also fans of the brand's crib sheets, which are simple in design and use the same soft jersey fabric.

SHOP ALL H&M BABY CLOTHES

If you're looking for a brand that offers it all, H&M carries a wide variety of classic and trendy styles, from delicate knits to neutral onesies to Keith Haring-print pants. With clothing available in sizes from preemie to 18 months and in kids' sizes ranging from 2T to 14Y, you can continue to dress your children in H&M's trend-forward styles as they age. And while you're shopping for them, you can grab something for yourself and even coordinate your styles to match.

Although the brand's clothes may not be as high-quality as those from some other baby clothing brands, H&M's options are affordable, and our experts have rarely experienced issues with the materials.

Organic options can be pricey, but Honest Baby's clothes are a fraction of the price of clothing from other organic baby clothes brands. The brand uses GOTS-certified organic cotton material and nickel-free metal snaps to help prevent irritation. When our parent testers tried Honest Baby's bodysuits, they rated them high for feeling soft both before and after washing.

Although the brand carries a more limited selection of styles than other baby clothing brands, our testers appreciated the simple look and gender-neutral color options available. As your child grows, you can continue to dress them in Honest Baby clothes, with sizes available up to 5T. The brand also sells necessities like our favorite knit crib sheets, bath products, diapers and cleaning products, making the site a one-stop shop for baby essentials.

When it comes to baby swimwear, our pros and thousands of reviewers on Amazon highlight RuffleButts' incredible quality and thoughtful design. The brand incorporates design elements like snap bottoms and zippered tops that can make it easier for you to dress and undress your baby or change a swim diaper at the pool.

There's an array of colorful prints and patterns to choose from, and each piece features the brand's signature trio of ruffles on the suit's backside. According to the brand, its clothes have a UPF 50+ rating; still, be sure to lather your baby in kid-friendly sunscreen for safety.

It's important to note that RuffleButts offers only girls' swim styles, but its sibling company, RuggedButts, carries boys' styles, which have received similar praise from online reviewers. The brand also offers swim accessories like hats and cover-ups, as well as baby clothes and kids' apparel.

Primary offers high-quality basics at reasonable prices, which is ideal if you prefer simpler styles without zany characters or embellishments. Its gender-neutral designs include everything from puffer jackets to jeans to footie pajamas to rompers. And since they're available in bright colors and geometric patterns, they're just as exciting without all the extra details.

Our experts found the cotton material to be soft and substantial in Textiles Lab evaluations and noted that the outfits held up well to repeated use. Our analysts also say Primary's clothes are great for passing on as hand-me-downs, and we love that you're able to coordinate bold looks for the whole family (kids' and adult sizes are available, too).

Using durable materials and construction techniques, Patagonia's baby clothes are built to last. The brand's outerwear for babies is especially impressive because it features the same design elements used for its adult-size garments (including our favorite down jacket), like high-fill-power down and lofty down alternative for warmth, structured hoods that stay put and durable recycled nylon and polyester fabric shells and linings.

Plus, Patagonia truly prioritizes sustainability, incorporating recycled materials into its clothing and using low-impact production processes. While the brand is pricier than other children's outerwear brands, the products can withstand long-term use and are great as hand-me-downs. Most styles even come with a convenient patch for easy mending, and Patagonia offers repairs for more involved fixes.

Gerber is popular for its baby foods and snacks, but the brand also carries baby clothes at low prices. There are plenty of basic styles, such as rompers, footie pajamas and bodysuits, as well as socks, hats and mittens.

Online reviewers say the brand's affordable baby clothes are perfect to stock up on as backups for endless diaper changes and messes. While the clothes aren't as high-quality as those from other brands, reviewers say they love using Gerber's cotton basics for layering — and they even recommend them for DIY designs and tie-dye projects.

If you're searching for baby clothes that are super-soft, Gerber's Our Softest Edit line includes styles made with viscose material, which reviewers say is buttery soft and offers great stretch.

Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have been testing baby clothing for over eight years and have looked at dozens of brands. We also enlist the help of parent testers, who are able to try out garments with their babies and provide feedback about their real-life experiences.

When we review baby clothes, we evaluate several factors, including:

Our recommendations for baby clothes include products from brands that have performed well in consumer tests, are favorites of GH analysts and editors or have rave online reviews from verified users.

While you're browsing for the best baby clothes, here are a few things to consider:

✔️ Material: Fabric construction and fiber content have a significant effect on the overall feel of clothing, which can ultimately affect your baby's comfort level. Look for baby clothes designed with knit fabrics, which are ideal for growing babies because they're extra stretchy. Also, check the fiber content (typically located in the product description and on the clothing label) for cotton, which is a comfortable, natural fiber that's gentle against your baby's delicate skin.

✔️ Closures: A garment's closure, which may include snaps, zippers, elastics and hook-and-loop fasteners, can have an effect on how difficult or easy it is to dress and undress your baby while he or she is wiggling around. Opt for closures that can make things easier, like double zippers with two pulls, or snaps instead of standard buttons. Safety tabs (small pieces of fabric that cover closures) can help prevent irritation against your baby's skin.

✔️ Certifications: Check for certifications like GOTS, which ensures that the entire manufacturing process, starting with harvesting fibers, is organic. Clothes with an OEKO-TEX certification have been tested to ensure the clothes don't possess harmful levels of chemicals.

✔️ Washability: Babies are notoriously messy, and you'll need to change and wash their clothing often, so it's important to look for clothes that are easy to care for. Review the care instructions, which are usually found on the care label or in the online product description, to ensure that the baby clothes won't require extra attention like hand-washing, laundry bags or dry cleaning.

Baby clothing sizes are determined based on height and weight and are listed according to age. A general rule of thumb is to choose the clothing size that coordinates with your baby's age. For example, a preemie baby typically wears "preemie" sizing, while a 3- to 6-month-old baby wears "3-6 months" sizing.

However, like with adult clothes, there's unfortunately no universal baby clothes size guide to follow. Each baby clothing brand develops its own size chart based on its own designs, so sizing can be inconsistent between brands. Some brands run narrow and long, while others have a looser fit, so your baby may wear 0-3 months with one brand and 3-6 months with another. It's always best to consider a brand's size chart before buying to ensure you're getting the best fit for your baby based on their height and weight.

Also, keep in mind that baby clothes that are too large can become tangled and wrap around your baby, posing a suffocation or strangling risk. On the other hand, clothes that are too tight can feel uncomfortable and could potentially affect your baby's circulation in severe instances.

Our research shows that most baby clothing falls into a range of $10 to $20 per garment, which can add up quickly as your child outgrows their clothes every few months. That being said, there are some excellent value sets out there, with pieces under $10, as well as high-quality items that can be passed down to younger siblings, making them worth the splurge.

Before spending too much on baby clothing, consider how regularly your baby will wear the garment and whether it can be passed down to friends or family. Alternatively, you can always resell baby clothes for cash through sites like Poshmark and ThredUP, or pass down your clothes to other babies in your community.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!). 

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Prior to joining GH in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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The Best Baby Clothes of 2023

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