Newborn babies are very sensitive to both heat and cold, and keeping them at a comfortable temperature is the main practical job of their clothing. Garments with a good firm construction help considerably.
Since most baby clothes are cotton or a thicker fabric, adding crocheted pieces over the top works well outdoors and looks good doing it.
What crochet is good for here
Crocheted fabric is thicker and warmer than knitted fabric of the same yarn, which makes it well suited to outer layers – cardigans, jackets, hats, booties, blankets.
It is less suited to anything worn directly against the skin all day. The fabric has more texture and less give, and for a vest or a bodysuit a soft knitted or woven fabric is more comfortable.
Think of crochet as the layer that goes on top.
Yarn
Soft and machine washable, without exception. Baby items are washed constantly, and anything requiring hand washing will be worn once and quietly retired.
Test yarn against the inside of your wrist rather than your fingers. Baby skin is far more sensitive than adult hands, and something that feels acceptable to you can be genuinely uncomfortable against a neck.
Cotton and cotton blends are good for warm weather and wash beautifully. Superwash wool and soft acrylics are warmer for winter.
Construction that matters
Work firmly. A loose fabric lets small fingers and toes through the stitches, and it stretches out of shape.
Weave every end in thoroughly and trim close. Loose strands are the hazard people forget.
Keep seams flat. A ridge inside a garment presses on skin. Seam with the same yarn and press the seam open where you can.
Embroider features rather than using safety eyes or sewn buttons where a small baby is concerned.
No cords near the neck. A hat or a cardigan that fits properly does not need a tie.
Sizing
Make it larger than the baby is now. They grow through sizes in weeks, and newborn-size garments are frequently outgrown before they are worn at all.
If you are making a gift and do not know the size, the six-to-twelve-month range is the safest choice.
Generous sleeves and hems that can be turned up buy several extra months of wear.
What actually gets used
Hats, cardigans and blankets, in that order. All three are worn constantly, are easy to put on a wriggling baby, and forgive an imperfect fit.
Elaborate outfits photograph beautifully and are worn once. That is worth knowing before you spend a month on one.
