Reddit mentions: The best baby girl apparel & accessories

Warning - lots of text below! My baby is about 6 weeks now and I'm exclusively breastfeeding. My Medela Harmony manual pump has been fine for building a stash - I pump 1-2 times a day for the freezer and occasional bottle feedings from Dad. I think it's pretty convenient, but I'll be using a double electric pump when I go back to work (waiting to see what Tricare will cover in 2015!).

Whatever you decide to use for diapering, I'd strongly recommend getting some prefolds (I got Osocozy unbleached). They're great for burp cloths, catching milk from your other boob during letdown, etc and they're also way cheaper and more absorbent than fancy burp cloths. Personally I love prefolds and covers for diapering, but don't buy too much into any one system or brand until you know what works for you. My husband hates prefolds so now I'm having to add pockets and AIOs to appease him.

I'd get some swaddlers (at least 2; my favorite is from Nuroo but that was a gift and they're pricey, the summer infant SwaddleMe wraps are good now that she's bigger but didn't fit well until about 10 lbs). My girl lives in footed pajamas and I love the Gerber zipped ones, we found tons at goodwill for $1.50 each but if you can't find them used, they're on Amazon for $10 for a 2 pack. You're right that other people will buy clothes, but they'll pick cutesy stuff and you need some practical choices too.

Nursing pillow - I had an unexpected C section and this has been so necessary. I love the Luna Lullaby since it's big and I had a big baby.

Some kind of baby carrier, I got a Moby wrap while she's small and it's amazing for running errands (I put it on before getting in the car and pop her in before going in the store, WAY easier than a carseat and stroller).

We were gifted a used swing and it is a freaking godsend. It's the only way I get chores done since I can pop her in there and cook, do laundry, clean, etc without her crying. YMMV, some babies hate them, but buy used and you won't be out too much cash.

Wubbanub pacifier is easy to keep track of and super cute.

Pack n Play with a mattress for cosleeping (recommended to reduce SIDS risk for the first 6 months). At least 2 mini crib sheets.

Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter is amazing for the first couple weeks.

QuickZip crib sheets will be amazing once you use the crib.

Simba baby safety nail cutter - no bleeding!

Finally, the Itzbeen pocket nanny timer is so helpful for keeping track of feedings and diaper changes, especially in the first few weeks.

Hope this wasn't too overwhelming. Good luck!

*Edited to add links to products.

This is so timely. My best friend had her first baby this last year and the little one just turned 6 months old. This is my pool pal and I started thinking about this upcoming summer and how her daughter will be old enough to enjoy it. I added the CUTEST little swimsuit to my list.

This woman and I have known each other for 7 years now. We were working as servers at the same restaurant but we weren't more than work-friendly for a couple of years. She and my sister were actually close first and we got to know each other better by proximity. One day she just opened up her heart to me and we have been besties ever since.

I do not know many people who have been through the relationship betrayals that I have watched her endure. She was in a 5 year relationship that ended with her SO in prison... she found out about his arrest on the news. I will spare you the details, but he is now listed as a sex offender. It was so painful to watch her try to reconcile this man that she loved, shared a home with, and thought she knew- with this separate life he had been living. I watched as she put herself out there again and fell in love. And I had a front-row seat when that fell apart spectacularly. It's a complicated story, but essentially that boyfriend had been cheating on her for pretty much the whole relationship- with his child's mother. Through some strange twist of fate, she fell in love with a man she would likely have never met if that precise scenario hadn't taken place. He respects her, he cherishes her, and most of all he makes her happy. They made the most precious little girl and I have the honor of planning their upcoming wedding.

Not only have I watched in amazement as she took blow after blow yet maintained her hope and ability to trust, but I have poured out my own soul to her. She has patiently listened to every crisis (small or large) that I have encountered and walked with me through all my hard times. Her counsel offers no judgment. She has been such a beautiful example of sacrifice, encouragement, and strength and I try to reflect that back to her at every opportunity.


Now that I think about it, I probably need to put that in a card for her.

Here goes! It looks like I got all but 1 item from my current wishlist. Yah!

1.) Something that is grey.

2.) Something reminiscent of rain. Why not a raincoat?

3.) Something food related that is unusual. These are from Japan and Matcha flavor is hard to find in the US!

4.) Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!) For my son! He's a nugget.

5.) A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it! Guy Gavriel Kay is an amazing writer and I think everyone should read his books. They evoke so many emotions!

6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related! How about free? Read the classics!

7.) Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...) NO.

8.) Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it. I think by definition art is not useful, but very beautiful!

9.) A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? Because Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion are amazing.

10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain. For stabbing. It's a silent weapon, which is best. You don't want to attract more of the undead.

11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals. My current goal is to be more active as I try to lose weight, but foot pain is a big barrier to walking/exercising more. I have heard awesome things about this foot wrap and it would be a huge help and keep me from being in pain as I exercise!

12.) One of those pesky Add-On items. It's hard to find in stores now, weirdly. And it's all I wear daily!

13.) The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why? PS4!

14.) Something bigger than a bread box. EDIT A bread box is typically similar in size to a microwave. Home. Made. Cappucino. It can go right next to the breadbox.

15.) Something smaller than a golf ball. This is pocket sized!

16.) Something that smells wonderful. Apples!!

17.) A (SFW) toy. She-Ra is pretty safe for work

18.) Something that would be helpful for going back to school. If you're in college, you're gonna need one of these.

19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. Adventure Time! Come on, grab your friends!


20.) Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand. What's mrore amazing than being INSANELY comfortable? Just look at it! Get inspired to sleep. It looks so comfy, I can't handle it.

fear cuts deeper than swords

Not a parent, but I'm a neonatologist with RA, so I spend a lot of time with newborns and have a couple of ideas! First, register for baby clothes that don't have tons of snaps! Those cute little outfits with a million snaps are impossible when my hands are flaring. I find the onesies with zippers (like this) much easier. I'm also a big fan of sleep sacks because they make it super easy to get newborns snug and swaddled, and I've never met a newborn who doesn't like them. Also, I don't have personal experience with them, but I have friends who've used a co-sleeper as a safe way to have a newborn within reach while sleeping but still in a safe sleep environment, and I would think it would be really helpful for still being able to care for a baby when just getting out of bed is hard. Good luck!!

Is your daughter in aba therapy? I would definitely ask her therapist if she has any ideas or witness this kind of behavior before and see what she recommends.

For clothing, I suggest getting bodysuits for your daughter that have snap enclosures at the bottom:

https://www.amazon.com/Toddler-Sleeveless-Bodysuit-8-10-10-12/dp/B0087PZ7DA

They are much harder to open and as you can see from the reviews is popular for older special needs kids. Another idea would be to get rompers that have buttons on the front or back in order take off like:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHL2F3C/

Do avoid spaghetti straps or anything with large necklines cause those are easy to wiggle out of.

If your daugther likes tight fitting clothes, weighted blankets/vests, etc. You can also try a gymnastics unitard out.

For the pottying aspect, I suggest getting portable potties for every room she spends times in so you and her have fast easy access to plop her down when she needs to go. I suggest sitting her on the potty every hour while awake and every 3-4 when asleep. This can be tweaked based on what you think her pottying habits are, but its a good baseline to start at and time can be slowly incremented once you get a good feel for her toileting times. It helps to keep meals and snack time to be around the same times.

Whenever you sit her down on her potty use sign language, pecs, vocalizaton, whatever you think she will catch on first and be consistent. Let her sit for 5-10 mins than continue throughout your day. When she does potty, make a big deal out of it with whatever motivates her might be singing a song, few m&m's, her favorite youtube video, whatever you decide to use make sure you use it exclusively for a successful potty.

You're right that she see no benefit for her to potty successfully, so that's why you need to create one for her to see and kids with autism it's harder for them to connect the dots, so it's important you are consistent.

It's also okay to take a step back on trying to potty train if you don't think she is developmentally ready and just focus on trying to keep her diaper on.

I don't LARP, but I have camped several times while pregnant and with a baby (kiddo is now a year old). There wasn't much that changed when pregnant (other than #2 below), but there are lots of little things that can make baby camping easier.

Things to consider/items that helped us:

1. Upgrade tent to a larger size. Our old one fit 2 - that wasn't going to cut it with a baby. We bought one big enough to stand in and one that is darker during the day (clutch for naps!)
   
2. Upgrade to a nicer air mattress. We used to use ultralight camping pads - that did NOT cut it when I was 7 months pregnant (such back pain), and sleeping basically on the ground after birth gave me clogged ducts since I was breastfeeding. OW. So a good air mattress is essential.
   
3. Pack n play. We tried just having her sleep between us one night. I didn't sleep a wink and it confused her too since she sleeps in a crib at home. So she now sleeps in a pack n play.
   
4. Heavy weight sleep sack. Even if it's warm during the day, nights are usually colder than your temp at home. Some people do baby sleeping bags, but a super heavy weight sleep sack did the trick for us. We did not camp when baby was still in a swaddle so can't speak to that. Bring warmer gear in general (hats, buntings, fleece jackets, etc.)
   
5. Bring a camping high chair. This is once baby is sitting/eating (~6 mo+). Something like this or this. Essential for meals and just generally containing baby if you need to be doing things around camp.
   
   The above were the absolute essentials for us. Other things I've seen be really successful for friends camping are a white noise machine (tent walls are thin if camp is noisy), giant play pens so you don't have to hold baby constantly, and as someone else mentioned, carrier or hiking packs.
   
   Last, go in flexible. Baby still has to nap, they're in an unfamiliar space, etc. Camping/LARPing post-baby will NOT be the same as it was before baby. And that's okay - just go in knowing that and you'll have a blast!

I haven't read yet but I LOVE THAT ONESIE SO VERY MUCH, I HOPE SOMEONE HAS POSTED A LINK FOR WHERE I CAN BUY IT!

ahem sorry for the enthusiasm. I'll read now. Congrats, that's a beautiful baby.

Edit: excellent birth story. Congrats! I refused an epidural last time with the induction. 0/10 would not recommend

Also, found it:

Rosie Pope Baby Girls 5 Pack Bodysuits (More Colors Available), Space/Stars, 0-3 Months

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HCBHFH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EsN6AbJYRP1SE

1. Something grey

2. Thunderstorm MP3

3. Take your pick just scroll down

4. For my baby because I want a cool ass baby haha! Also, daddy will like it!

5. The Hater trilogy, linked is the first of the 3. This book keeps you on your toes. It's an amazing apocalyptic book that has immense imagery. All I can say is read it.

6. Nail tape, it's not nail polish, just decoration.

7. Cats! There is a cat in the design.

8. So pretty!!

9. Because it'll always put a smile on your face!

10. Survival Backpack Has enough items to help a group of 4 survive for 72 hours. This will give the people with the pack a 72 hour head start from everyone else to establish a safe spot. Everyone else is trying to find essentials now getting stuck and eventually taken over by a hoard, whereas the person with the pack doesn't need to waste time getting food, water, and some medical kit.

11. Cookware My boyfriend and I have been living with his parents for a while now and we are getting our own apartment soon (all utilities included, yay!!). His parents decided not to pay the gas company the $500 deposit to have it turned on because we live in the south and don't need to heat our apartment, we would only use gas for cooking. Because of that I haven't had a meal cooked on/in a stove in about a year. We either eat things fresh, microwaved, in a crock pot, or fried. I am sick and fucking tired of it. With the cookware I'll be able to change my eating habits because I won't be limited to what things I can cook with. Also, when I was a little girl, I never ate at a kitchen table because we didn't have one. We would eat meals separately, and I always longed for the family dinner atmosphere. My goal is to have a family dinner at least 3 times a week. I know the cookware won't help me achieve that goal, but it puts me one step closer.

12. Baby mittens

13. Soda Stream It's the 2nd most expensive item, the survival pack above is, but the Soda Stream is my dream item. My ex roommate had one and it's amazing! Also, I'm pregnant and can't have caffeine, but I love the bubbles so much!!! With the Soda Stream, I'll be able to make anything carbonated!!! I LOVE mixing in the Crystal Light powered packets, yummy!!

14. Cute storage cube

15. Owl Necklace

16. Chocolate

17. Beautiful Katmari

18. Pens

19. I'm obsessed with my unborn baby. But then again, aren't most expecting mothers??

20. Instant smoke ring machine! Does the awesomeness of instant smoke rings need to be described!?!

Made in Oregon

Thanks for the contest, this was fun!!

fear cuts deeper than swords

A couple things you might want to consider but your list looks good! And like you and others have said you'll probably get other clothes because people love to buy tiny adorable clothes. If you get items that aren't practical or duplicates you might think about returning and using the funds later to fill in any gaps in baby's wardrobe. Unless of course the items are sentimental or the gift giver will take it poorly...


Ok my things to consider:

• Because baby might be long you might want to try and find sleepers that don't have feet so they last a bit longer. Hanna Anderson has them but they can be pricey. Then you can do socks (if they stay on) or booties (Zutanos makes ones that stay on, we loved them!)
  
  
• You can get a few onesie extenders to maximize the life of your onesies
  
  Edits- formatting

We've taken our almost 6 mo old swimming, she's not sure about it but it's fun :)

1. yes! we've tried to go late in the day to avoid exposure, but I got some of the Blue Lizard Baby stuff.
   http://www.lucieslist.com/lucies-list-blog/2013/5/2/guide-to-summer-part-1-sunscreens-and-such.html
   She recommends "blocks" over "screens" which is basically physical blocks vs. chemical screens that absorb into skin. Makes sense to me...
   
   
2. they're instead of a regular diaper (that would just absorb TONS of water). I've used reusable (Kushies) so don't know about disposable ones. they're worth it if you're going to swim much though ($10-20 each dep on brand). she hasn't pooped but online amazon reviews for this situation were good for Kushies and others :) http://www.amazon.com/Kushies-Diaper-Boats-Print-Medium/dp/B0029Z29VC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373569277&sr=8-2&keywords=kushies+swim
   
   
3. I'd get him a rash guard or something to protect from sun if nothing else. you can find long sleeve ones with UPF 50+.
   
   
4. pretty much what you said. I try to float her on tummy and back and splash a bit. nothing too exciting. if there are stairs or really shallow parts where they can stand/sit that is more fun for splashing around
   
   be careful of the sun, he probably can't go too long. Have fun!
   

Mitten cuff onesies are our favorite to use on our little one. Especially when he was just born, it was too hard to trim his nails and having the option to cover his hands without dealing with mittens made it so easy. We also don't use much of the pajamas that covers their legs because the less buttons you have to deal with in the middle of the night, the better.


Gerber Unisex-Baby Newborn 3 Pack Longsleeve Mitten Cuff Onesies Brand, White, 0-3 Months https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C2PVT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IdtQDb99VDGMH


You'll definitely need more burp cloths. I have about 30 and could use more. Cloth diapers as burp cloths are great since they're so absorbent. We use these the most.


Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers, White, 10 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VBYVWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cGtQDbV795PPP


Our baby also loves his Wubbanub and they're nice so baby can practice grabbing things and they don't roll off baby as easily as a regular pacifier would. They have a ton of different animals.


WubbaNub Infant Pacifier - Baby Penguin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018HJ0TXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LPtQDbK2J7FFW


But really overall your registry looks good! You have a great variety of different sized clothes so that's good. The Dr. Brown's bottles are also great, I would just suggest having a large bowl in your sink to soak all the parts without them touching everything else in the sink. Or if you have a divided sink maybe use just one side for baby things. The only extras I would suggest are a small nail kit to keep in your diaper bag, baby blankets to cover baby up in his car seat or to swaddle, and Aquaphor when lotion isn't enough. Hope that helps!

I am a HUGE fan of Robeez for early walkers. They worked great for my son! There's a soft sole sandal version for warmer weather, too. We didn't use the sandal style because it was fall/winter when my son started walking, but if they're as good as the full shoe then you'll love them.

As far as sizing - they're pretty true. I bought my son the 12-18 month Robeez and he started wearing them around 12 months. He's 17 months now and they still fit. He's just now grown out of 5T Converse and I put him in 6T Vans last weekend. So I'd say the 12-18M Robeez are the equivalent of a 5T and a 6T (as they tend to be a bit forgiving with the elastics and typically span a few sizes).

I also have a bunch of stuff on my registry that is inexpensive ($10-$25) for friends and if my coworkers decide to do a shower here which they have done for other new moms in the past. Here are some of the things I have on mine
Sleeping gowns so you don't have to unsnap the onesie for midnight changes

A baby tub

Tub Thermometer

Baby thermometer

Nose Frieda which others have mentioned

preferred bath/care products

Cloth diaps which make fantastic burp cloths/cleanup

Nursing pillow also good for tummy time


Plus some other odds and ends. People will also buy stuff that they like, so you'll probably get stuff that was not on your list and that is ok. You can also request to have a "diapers n wipes" shower which a friend did since she was on her 4th child, and she probably got 2 months worth of diapers and wipes out of it if not more. Also, make sure you get multiple covers for your changing pad, it'll be nice to have more than 1 when it needs washing! Congratulations!

Nosefrida - gross but works much better than a bulb syringe. When your baby can't breathe well because of a clogged nostril, saline spray + Nosefrida is awesome.


Kimono style clothes - newborns have no neck strength and their floppy heads make it hard to dress them in regular clothes that pull over their head. Kimono style is amazing. You just lay it on the ground, lay baby on top of it, and then button it up. Once I figured this out, I had my baby in nothing else.

Get some sort of swing, stroller + carseat connector (convenient), a wearable baby carrier (nice to help you get things done when baby doesn't want to be put down, and helpful in places like the supermarket), and pack n play

"Misfit I need help! Mom says it's bedtime but I can't find my favorite toy! Can you help me find it so I can go to bed? I can't sleep without it!"

This is an every night thing in our house lol. Seriously Misfit if you could help her find it so I don't pull all my hair out that'd be great! :-p

Under $20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HDA2TN6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=J9JA468FH4KM&coliid=IKNHP4C91UDM6&psc=1

Under $5

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K02ES56/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=SVP99RT3K8E3&coliid=I2HU5MZ64GB5OD

Thanks for the contest!

I had a lot of Gerber brand ones that I got on Amazon in the beginning, here's a random listing for one set: gerber zippered sleep n plays
I had a bunch of different designs, and probably had about 7-10 just to have plenty so that I wasn't doing laundry constantly.
I also got a lot of Carter's ones. Not as many when she was a newborn, but once she grew out of newborn size I only got them from carter's. Here's a listing of one they're selling now:
Carter's zip up
Carter's has a lot of good sales on and off, and always discount coupons too.
I would avoid snap up, buttoned ones at all costs. They are a pain in the butt. Especially at 3am when you're pretty exhausted and just trying to do a quick diaper change in the semi dark! Onesies too were just a pain. Buttons in general are a deal breaker for me. These zippered ones for those first few months are just sooo easy. It's survival mode at that point. Lo will nap on and off a lot, you'll want your baby comfy and decently warm..and in something you can quickly change diapers from, or unzip and get off easily if there is a blowout. We were lucky and had really only one blow out (she's 1 now!) and it was so easy and contained with these jammies. Really, they are the best things I had on hand when she was born. I have a bag of about 30 onesies that she has never worn. I stocked up several sizes, she wore the one for a whole day and I said well I'm over those. Plus her legs were cold, so you had to deal with pants too and that's just one more layer + buttons on the onesie to deal with. Never put her in another one after that, except to wear a quick holiday outfit for pics and back out of it. She wears regular little tshirts and pants/capris/shorts depending on the season.

This is what I think I'll do! I'll get a onesie like this (below) and show my parents and say "Hey look at this cute onesie I found for <sister's name>" I'm hoping it will make them scratch their heads for a minute! Thanks for the great idea :) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792XNFCH/?coliid=I1YIN4SZJ06XFA&colid=2BEMR5GEVICVN&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I hope you have a wonderfully prosperous C-A-K-E day!

I really like the L'ovedbaby brand with my first. They're expensive but really high quality, organic cotton, and super soft. I'm hey come with short sleeves too, as well as a footed variety. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O0O5J9O/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can buy/ make some extenders for the onesies, like this

Also I've had good luck with h&m baby clothes fitting over the bulky butt.

[This dress] (http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Dream-Toddler-Lavender-Flower/dp/B00CIBL2VU/ref=sr_1_9?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1397330067&sr=1-9&keywords=toddler+easter) and [This hat] (http://www.amazon.com/Mud-Pie-Flower-Straw-Large/dp/B00AHDYZN8/ref=sr_1_43?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1397330067&sr=1-43&keywords=toddler+easter) make a super cute combo :D

My 3 week old daughter likes to have her arms out of the swaddle sometimes at night and we have this same problem. I've been putting her in these under the swaddle and flipping the cuffs down to cover her hands. Works great.

This is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to have a baby girl to dress in stuff like this.

I Love This dress with This hat and These shoes!

D

We've gotten several of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EMG3WG2?cache=33aefdede6b88ed451099b86dc39a432&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1408960154&sr=8-93#ref=mp_s_a_1_93

They're a pretty universal fit and the sleeves work as mittens. Plus the bottom is convenient for quick diaper changes since you don't have to zip/unzip.

Guogo Newborn Baby Boys Girls Bodysuit I May Be Little But I'm Going To Be A Big Cousin Bodysuit Onesies Baby Romper (White, 0-6M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792XNFCH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_70lZCbVRRKRN5

I found this onesie I want to get for my niece who will be 12 mo ! I’ll send it to them right around my 12 week mark to surprise my brother and his wife , then We have a big family outing on July 4th that she could wear it to to surprise everyone then!

We ran into this exact question when we signed up for swim classes! This is what they're talking about. Apparently they don't think a swim diaper will actually do the trick? We use GroVia swim diapers which have worked great and our pool had these for us to buy at the counter. I don't know why they're necessary if you have a good swim diaper (I also don't know how effective disposable ones are having never used them), but I'm a rule follower so we used them. They seem so uncomfortable though!

I liked using Gerber diaper covers over a swim diaper when my son was a baby. Kept me from getting peed on while holding him out of the pool (since swim diapers aren’t waterproof) and the elastic on the legs was tighter than our reusable swim diapers so felt like it gave more insurance against poop leaking. Once he was old enough that he didn’t poop without some warning, we just used a reusable, unless the pool required also layering a disposable underneath. https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Baby-Girls-2-Pack-Waterproof/dp/B00742VTDY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=gerber+diaper+cover&qid=1555426989&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Thanks!

Link- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HCBHFH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EsN6AbJYRP1SE

I like the kimono style with snaps. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007C2PZQ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522428059&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=kimono+baby+shirt&dpPl=1&dpID=31H3T855qIL&ref=plSrch

Several people have recommended side-snap baby shirts for while the cord stump is still attached, so I have ordered a few. I can see how they wouldn't tug against the stump like a onesie would, but I also see lots of people dress their newborns in whatever, so I don't think it's totally necessary either. I plan to use the side-snap shirts and gowns for the first few weeks.

These are the ones I ordered.

Amazon

I've been eyeing them, they're so cute!

This doesn't answer all your questions but I got these for the first couple weeks until the umbilical cord stump falls off.

You can. We also used kimono tops because I hated the idea of pulling a onesie over his head. (He had a big hematoma on top of his head, so we were extra careful, but even so I probably would have been intimidated!)