Glossary

Baby Kimono - Baby kimonos can be a useful part of your baby's layette. A baby kimono is a gown-type garment that resembles a long t-shirt. Kimonos open to the front like a robe or coat, and are wrapped across baby's front and secured with ties. Longer kimonos work well as night gowns for babies, and will make short work of night-time diaper changes since there are no snaps to unfasten at the crotch. They also make a good wardrobe choice for newborns whose umbilical cord stumps have not yet fallen off, because the kimono fits loosely across the baby's tummy and therefore does not rub on the cord stump as much as other infant garments. Kimono gowns come with short and long sleeves and in varying lengths. They can be used as a shirt or as an entire outfit.

Baby Layette - The items in a layette can vary, but all babies need an infant layette. It is a complete set of clothes, sheets, bed covers and the other items needed for a newborn.

Baby Sleeper (or Blanket Sleeper) - An infant or baby sleeper is a one-piece outfit for night-time that helps keep baby warm and comfortable without blankets. Infant sleepers may also be called stretch-suits, and thicker versions may be called blanket sleepers. Thick blankets and bedding are not recommended for babies because of the risk of suffocation, but newborn babies still need to be protected from chilly night air. That's where the infant sleeper comes in handy. These garments usually have long sleeves and long legs to chase away chills. Often, sleepers even cover a baby's feet, and many feature snaps at the legs to make diaper changes easier. Sleepers come in a variety of materials, from airy cotton to thick fleece, which means there is an infant sleeper for any season. Sleepers are a good choice for older babies and toddlers, too, especially those who move around a lot and kick off their sheets or covers.

Onesie - A onesie is a one-piece, t-shirt-like baby garment that has snaps at the crotch to keep it from riding up and exposing the baby's tummy. Onesies are also called bodysuits. The term "onesie" is most often used to describe a short-sleeved bodysuit that does not cover the baby's legs, but it also can refer to versions with long sleeves and long legs. Onesies can be used as a complete outfit, as a t-shirt, or as an undergarment. Onesies range in style from simple, white, undergarment versions to colorful, patterned and embroidered types.

Synthetic clothes - clothes made from synthetic fibers.

Toddler - Generally the second year of life (ie, from 12-24 months), or the time period beginning when a child begins walking ("toddling") and becoming a 2-year-old