When a child is born, they have very delicate and sensitive skin. In addition, a newborn’s skin loses moisture very quickly; thus, anything harsh that touches the skin can irritate it and cause rashes. That’s why parents always prefer to keep the clothes for newborn babies ready in advance after proper washing. It is also a tradition to pass on older siblings’ clothes to newborn babies in India. It was traditionally believed that used and multiple times washed clothes are softer and more suitable for the skin of a newborn baby. Thus, babies in some cultures are not allowed to wear anything new for the first few weeks.
But in modern times, this has changed. Many carefully chosen fabrics are used to make newborn clothes. Popularly known as Jhabla, any one-piece piece of clothing appropriate for a newborn is what most parents look for. This article will discuss different types of jhablas for babies, some essential tips for buying baby clothes and jhabla, and how to take care of baby jhabla to increase their life.
Types Of Babies Jhabla
Most newborn jhabla are made of mulmul, cotton or organic cotton. Thus, jhabla serves the primary purpose of keeping your baby comfortable and their sensitive skin safe. Therefore, no matter your chosen design, it will solve the purpose. However, your design will depend upon what you and your baby find the most comfortable. Here are the different types or designs of jhabla available for your newborn baby.
- Side Open Jhabla – In the initial few days, when the newborn baby is very tiny, parents are scared to end up unknowingly hurting them. Changing clothes is also a task that might not come naturally to many from day one. Jhabla with side openings is the easiest option for babies to wear and take out.
- Shoulder Open Jhabla – Spitting milk and throwing up are very common for kids. If they have done this on themselves and soiled their clothes, taking the clothes off might be a tricky task without spoiling their face or hair. The jhabla that opens from the shoulder can be pulled down and taken off quickly.
- Neck Gathering Jhabla – A little fancy design, this jhabla style is ideal for outings, photoshoots, or occasions.
- Front Open Jhabla – Again, one of the most popular and easiest to open and change, even while the baby is asleep, is the front opening jhabla. With buttons or drawstring openings, front opening jhabla are the most comfortable design for babies, as they mostly sleep on their back, and the strings or buttons cannot bother them.
- Frock Style Jhabla – Although it is frock style, this is a unisex style jhabla that looks equally adorable on boys and girls.
Tips To Buy Baby Jhabla
Here are some tried and tested tips for buying baby apparel or jhabla that will help you buy the best ones for your baby:
- Buy jhabla and baby clothes of natural and soft materials such as mulmul, cotton, organic cotton etc.
- Keep your city’s current weather in mind before investing in a new piece of clothing. Kids outgrow the clothes within a new month; not all clothes are suitable for all seasons.
- Babies outgrow their clothes pretty soon. On top of it, tight or fitted clothes might be uncomfortable for a baby. So, whenever you are buying jhabla or any baby clothes for your baby, go for a size bigger than your current size.
- It is also wise to buy in bulk, for a few weeks or months in advance. Buying in bulk is economical and will save you a few trips to the market.
- While buying branded or fancy jhabla and clothes, be mindful. Do not spend too much on a single piece, as babies would wear such fancy clothes a handful of times before they outgrow them. This is expensive as well as non-sustainable. Make your baby’s comfort a priority over fashion and looks.
- Passed down and handed down clothes should always be a welcomed choice. However, clothes that have been worn and washed a few times are a softer and more comfortable option for babies.
Tips To Wash baby Jhabla
Because of the softer fabric and the spit-up, throw-up, and food spill on baby clothes, they need a little extra care while washing, drying and storing. Here are some washing tips, drying and storing tips for baby jhabla and other baby clothes.
- Do not wash baby clothes and jhabla with hot water. That can be too harsh on the fabric and reduce the life of the material as well as the apparel.
- Separate heavy clothes from delicate baby clothes before washing them. Washing jhabla and baby clothes mixed with other clothes can cause damage to them.
- Most garments these days come with washing instructions. Ensure that you read and follow those carefully.
- Use a baby laundry detergent for baby clothes. They are mild yet effective, and they do not leave residue behind. However, residue in baby clothes can irritate their skin and lead to rashes.
- Follow a pre-soak routine. Baby clothes are usually full of drool, spit, and milk. This can cause bacterial or fungal build-up if not washed properly. Soak the jhala and baby clothes for at least 20 minutes before washing them with your hands or in a washing machine.
- Dry all baby clothes in the sun. Unless it is monsoon and there is no option, sun drying is the best practice, as that kills all bacteria in the clothes and makes them more hygienic for the next wear.
- Do not forcefully wring the baby clothes and jhala to take the water out. Most baby clothes are made of natural fabrics such as mulmul and cotton. The weave can lose shape if you wring them hard. So instead, gently squeeze them and put them up in the sun to dry
- Store the baby clothes in a dry space, so they do not catch moisture. Keeping a few pairs handy within your arm’s reach in a caddy or organizer in the baby’s room for any emergency and instant change is a wise thing to do.
Keeping the baby safe, healthy, and comfortable is every parent’s priority. Jhala, as an article of newborn clothing, can ensure that the comfort part is taken care of.