Baby Cardigans

By Jenny Wells

Babies will outgrow clothes very quickly. When buying baby clothes, many people tend to look for clothes that will fit the baby for a longer period of time. One piece of clothing that babies can wear a bit longer than other types of clothes is the baby cardigan. Recently, baby cardigans have become a more popular choice of parents when purchasing baby clothes.

Why buy a baby cardigan
Many parents are now choosing to buy baby cardigans for their babies. A key reason is that these items are easy for the parent to put on the baby. Since cardigans are open and can be buttoned up, you do not have to enclose the baby in an item and worry about sticking your babies head through the piece of clothing. Additionally, a baby cardigan will keep your baby extremely warm. It is much easier to put the cardigan on and off the baby than another sweater and therefore, the cardigan really helps to control the baby's temperature. Finally, baby cardigans can be purchased a bit larger so that your baby can grow into it. You don't have to worry about it not fitting well. When your baby is smaller, he can wear the cardigan over bulkier clothes in the winter. As your baby grows, he can start to wear the cardigan over his thinner shirts and outfits.

Types of baby cardigans
There are many different types of baby cardigans. These cardigans come in all different colors and patterns. Sometimes, they are part of the outfit and will match the pants or the shirt. Some of them are wool or hand knit while others are simple cotton. Some are very stylish and will have little bows on the side or intricate designs and patterns. If your baby doesn't have very many cardigans, start with the basics. Basic colors that can be paired with any outfit and can be worn in all seasons. Then, as you start to purchase more, branch out to things that are more fashionable and trendy.

When to wear
Your baby can wear the cardigan year round. In the winter, when it is cold, you can purchase a cashmere cardigan for your baby to wear. The cashmere cardigan will keep your baby extra warm without making him feel itchy or uncomfortable. He can continue to wear the cashmere into the Spring or starting in the Fall. Cotton cardigans are always useful to keep your baby warm in the summer since they are breathable and light. Baby clothes need to be light so your baby won't feel weighed down by the clothes. Finally, try to avoid wool cardigans because they are itchy and won't feel good against your baby's skin. If you do buy a wool cardigan, look for something that is soft and feel the material against your cheeks to make sure that your baby will feel good in it.

Where to buy
Baby cardigans are sold in a number of baby stores like Babies R' Us. They are also sold in department stores like Nordstrom's, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's. Finally, many specialty retailers and designers will make special baby cardigans in their baby lines. Check out the Children's Place, Jack and Jill and Ralph Lauren.

A baby cardigan is one of the cutest pieces of clothing you can purchase for your baby. I've found that the cashmere cardigans cashmere cardigans are one of the most useful for keeping your baby warm. Whatever you choose to buy, make sure you purchase one that is slightly larger so you can get more use out of it.

Jenny Wells is a personal shopper for women in Los Angeles and Miami. She is also a parent of 3. She has found that each article of clothing conveys something different and unique. She loves her cashmere cardigan and thinks that everyone in the family should have one.