'All the things my baby actually wore, and what she definitely didn't.'

Once you have a baby, your life is very clearly split into two halves: before baby and after. The after, well, it changes you. And it takes you to places you never expected. Mainly, in the form of buying a lot of clothes for your little one because the person you thought you would be before the baby had no idea what was around the corner.

Before I had my baby, I was preparing to have my baby. This required buying a lot of cute little items I thought I would most definitely be dressing her in.

Overalls? Of course.

Outfits with lots of buttons? Buttons are easy to do up! (Ha, ha.) 

Headbands? Most definitely.

Shoes? Well, why wouldn’t I put my teeny tiny baby in some teeny tiny shoes that look adorable?

Ahh, ignorance is bliss.

When my daughter was born, I quickly realised the importance of things with zippers, that could be done up quickly and removed even quicker. And buying multiple versions of a sleeping bag for different seasons and because spew happens, a lot. This is also when I realised the importance of having around 12 different onesies on rotation because, again, spew happens a lot. A LOT.

This is why I thought I would come to you from the AB stage of life (After Baby) and use my wisdom to help you not make the same mistakes I did when preparing to dress my child.

Let’s start with all the things she did wear.

Onesies with zips

Image: Supplied. 

My daughter lives in these Wondersuits. They’re great for summer or winter because you can layer with a cute tracksuit and be extra warm and comfy or let their feet out when it’s warmer and help them get that pre-crawling grip.

Singlets

Speaking of layering, the humble baby singlet is also something that I can’t live without. Again, great for all seasons and very easy to get your baby in and out of. I think my daughter owns seven of these and we use them each day of the week. When it’s warmer, she will happily get around in just this, and when it’s cooler, it’s perfect to keep her little chest warm.

Sleeping bags

Image: Supplied. 

Sleeping bags sound easy, but when you throw in TOG ratings they begin to appear very hard for your sleep deprived brain. What TOG is the right amount to use? Will they be too cold? Too hot? HOW DO I WORK IT OUT?

Well, again, that’s where Bonds comes in. 

Their Cooler Nights Wondersleep Sleep Bag is the only TOG Rated Sleep Bag approved by Red Nose for a safer sleep. Which is a huge weight off any parents' shoulders.

They’ve also taken the difficulty of deciding which TOG is the right amount by designing two sleep bags with different TOG weights so your little one can be comfortable all year round. Oh, and they feature the iconic Bonds 2-way zip. 

You actually only need three pro-cuts for your baby, and thankfully, Bonds makes them all.

Which leads me to all the things she definitely didn't wear...

Puffer jackets

I remember being so excited to get my daughter into one of these because she’d look like a little marshmallow!

Little did I realise that getting her into said puffer jacket would be like trying to wrestle a puppy who has just spotted a new ball in the backyard. Limbs and arms everywhere.

While I am sure they work for some, I have found jumpers over Wondersuits so much easier for keeping warm and getting them on.

Jeans  

Image: Supplied.

Yes, they look like a tiny human when they are wearing jeans.

And yes, they look ridiculously cute.

But those baby jeans you just spent $49 on? Chances are, your baby is only going to wear them once. Because remember how uncomfortable you can get wearing jeans? Yeah, well, babies are the same.

So, if you’re expecting or considering buying your baby jeans. Maybe just don’t.

Mittens

Chances are, your mum and grandma have recommended that your child wear mittens to keep their little hands warm.

What your mum or grandma have most likely forgotten is that mittens can be easily pulled off and sucked on. If you try to make mittens happen, you will spend the whole day pulling them out of your child's mouth and putting them back on their hands. When the day is over, you will be absolutely exhausted from mitten wrestling and will need to lie down and take a breath. 

Shoes 

I spent a very large amount of money on two pairs of baby shoes before my daughter was born. I wish I had spent that money on multiple onesies instead.

Because let me say this very clearly: your baby DOES NOT NEED SHOES. 

If they’re wearing a onesie, most likely their feet will be covered.

And when you really think about it, where is your six-month-old walking to? No where. Because unless they’re incredibly advanced, they haven’t taken their first steps yet. 

Yes, the pink Converses and Roan riding boots look lovely sitting on the bookshelf, but take it from me, they will never, ever be worn. 

Anything with buttons

There is a certain pain which I would not wish upon a new parent. 

That pain is trying to button up your sleeping baby's outfit at 3am after just changing their nappy and trying not to wake them but then accidentally waking them because you’ve put the wrong buttons together and LOOK, buttons take too long. 

You don’t have time for buttons. You need things with zippers. 

For all your baby essentials, shop  Bonds  babywear.  

Feature Image: Instagram/ @lizaratliff .