Dressing a baby is one of those super cute fun things that every parent I know looks forward to, but once you’re in the thick of it there’s a lot more complexity than one would expect! Fit, comfort, laundering and ease of changing diapers are all important factors to consider, and a lot of these specifications are impossible to plan for until you actually meet your own unique baby.
Summer was born very small and dainty, but also tall, which means one day everything was HUGE on her and the next day all of her footed onesies were way too tight lengthwise. So many parents had advised me not to waste money on newborn sizes, especially for shoes, but at 6 months she’s STILL wearing size one shoes, and had I not picked up a couple of newborn onesies in those early days she would have been naked for months because of her size!
I also didn’t find out my baby’s gender before she was born, and it was such a struggle to find cute, colourful clothing that didn’t have ruffles and bows all over it to mark that it was specifically “for girls”. The “mommy and me” matching category was particularly dire. I just wanted mom and baby pink coverall-style onesies without the frills, is that so much to ask for?! I ended up with a lot more grey than I had hoped, and now that I know the options better I am confident I can put together a perfectly pastel, gender neutral wardrobe if there another baby in my future!
It’s taken me awhile to figure out our very favourite brands (with all of the above mentioned factors considered), but now that we have a long list I wanted to share our #pastelpicks.
And now on with the reason we’re all here: many adorable photos of Summer in tiny little outfits.
Jamie Kay //
This New Zealand brand is so beautifully crafted, and though it’s a splurge the quality makes it so worth it. I ordered a whole bunch of the simple ribbed Organic Cotton Bodysuits, tights, and knee socks, all of which are surprisingly hard to track down in teeny sizes but so necessary for a winter baby. We also loved the organic Cotton Leggings in Bloom & Golden. Though this brand might seem super “girl heavy”, they actually have a ton of great basics and neutral pieces.
Fun, colourful, AND they make mommy and me items that work for both genders (aka not just dresses!) Summer and I are all about our Mommy & Me Pink Dog Sweatshirts. No one does cool kid prints quite like this brand.
Kyte Baby //
This brand was the only one that actually fit Summer right from birth because it’s cut less wide, but the material is super stretchy. If you have a tall baby, this is the brand for you! Plus the colours are amazing, and the bamboo fabric is unbelievably soft. They wash well, wear well.. I can’t say enough good things! We especially love their Colourful Cotton Sleepers.
We LOVE The Bonnie Mob SO much. Hailing from the UK, this sustainably crafted heirloom children’s brand is all about sunshine, rainbows, and imagination. Their motto is “Buy once. Buy well. Pass it on.” and we couldn’t agree more. The Organic Cotton Paw Playsuit was one of our very favourite wintertime pieces.
CANADIAN FAVES //
Agaboshi // The cutest little Korean baby store right here in Toronto, this shop offers minimalist oversized basics in soft shades and almost everything is gender neutral.
Mini Mioche // This brand is like a cuter American apparel for babies – the BEST basics, and they actually carry teeny tiny sizes for new babies. Summer lived in their grandpa cardigans the first few months!
Little and Lively // A children’s line hailing from Abbotsford, BC, Little and Lively also makes coordinating adult clothing so you can twin with your mini!
Mini Moc // Also a BC brand, Summer has worn Mini Moc’s shoes constantly since she was born and they’re the only brand that seems to stay on her tiny toesies!
Ulla & Viggo // This Winnipeg-based children’s shoe company is so popular I had to wait by my computer multiple times to order Summer her beloved pom pom shoes. These handmade beauties are so special!
OLE Design // Handcrafted, sustainable, AND their adorable fruit prints are FRUIT SCENTED! I can’t say enough good things about this bright Canadian baby brand.
Pehr // I only recently discovered this beautiful nursery brand made baby clothing, and I’m so glad I did! Designed in Canada with hand-painted prints and natural fabrics, this Summer has been in their sun hat all summer long.
Angel Dear // When it comes to watercolour prints, Angel Dear simply can’t be beat, especially considering the ultra-soft muslin fabric they use for everything!
Quincy Mae / Rylee + Cru // I know it’s predictable, but Kelli Murray’s children’s clothing really is so beautiful and well made. Not an everyday shopping destination but worth the splurge every once and awhile. I also feel this way about Oeuf NYC and Mini Rodini.
