Have you recently found out that you’re having a baby boy? Congratulations! Now that you know what gender your newest family addition is, it’s time to start shopping for baby boy clothes. Whether this is your first baby or you’ve done this whole process before, preparing for your bundle of joy can be exciting and nerve-wracking. The good news is that the more prepared you are, the more you can simply enjoy your child without worrying so much about things you’ve forgotten to provide for him.

Your baby will obviously need comfortable clothing when he’s in the hospital and when he comes home. Here’s how to prepare baby boy clothes before delivery, so they’re ready to go before you head off to the hospital.

Pima cotton, formally known as Gossypium barbadense, is especially known for its long, silky fibers and is referred to as extra-long staple (ELS) cotton in the textile world. This fabric originated in southwest Ecuador and northwest Peru. The Pima variety accounts for only 2% of the world’s cotton and is cultivated mainly in Peru, the southwest United States, and Australia. As an ELS, Pima cotton has been steadily gaining popularity since the 1970s due to its versatility, durability, and softness. It now rivals Eqyptian cotton and is known as being the “cashmere” cotton.

If this is your first baby boy, it is easy to underestimate just how quickly he’s going to grow. That’s why it’s a good idea to buy clothing in a variety of sizes to get him through the first year. Keep in mind that most babies only stay in newborn clothing for a couple of weeks at the most. After that, they fill out rapidly.

You should also know that babies tend to ruin clothing. Not on purpose, of course, but you’re bound to experience diaper blow-outs and spit-up stains through the first few months. What this means for you is that you’ll probably need more baby boy clothes than you realize, unless you know how to get very stubborn stains out of clothing. Many moms throw out soiled items once they become too embarrassing to put on their babies when taking them out.

Once you touch your baby’s impossibly soft skin for the first time, you’ll understand how important it is to protect it with quality clothing. Some items are obvious, such as pants, shirts and onesies. But have you taken the time to buy socks, booties, shoes and even mittens? These keep his skin safe and smooth. Depending on the season, you may also want to invest in beanies or sun hats.

In addition to purchasing the right types of clothing for comfort and protection, you also need to consider the quality of the fabric. Some baby boy clothes are made with scratchy, low-quality materials that won’t feel nice against your baby’s skin. Many parents invest in the finest Pima cotton, which is delectably soft and gentle enough to avoid scratching the most sensitive skin types. Pima cotton is so soft, in fact, that it’s often referred to as the finest fabric in the world. No other material can cradle your baby’s skin so well.

You know when your due date is, so you know when your baby boy is most likely to make his grand entrance. But when it comes to purchasing clothing for your little one, it is wise to prepare for the unexpected. You never know if he may become a little too eager and arrive a week or two early. If this happens, make sure you’re prepared with preemie baby boy clothes. Your preemie probably won’t need this tiny size for long, but you’ll want to have a few outfits ready just in case.

New baby clothing should always be washed before it comes into contact with your child’s delicate skin. Just make sure you purchase a gentle detergent that’s meant for babies. The one you wash with is made for adults who don’t have virgin skin.

Ideally, your baby detergent should be free from perfumes and dyes. Though they may not seem like a big deal, these additives can irritate your baby’s skin and potentially cause breakouts or allergic reactions. Once you find the right brand for your needs, wash all your baby boy clothes with it. Don’t use a fabric softener when drying the clothes. Dye- and perfume-free dryer sheets or dryer balls will do the trick.

Before your little one arrives, take time to organize all his clothing, so it’s right where you need it when the time comes to bring him home. A small dresser will do, or you may decide to hang his clothes in his bedroom closet. It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just as long as you have all items organized in their own special sections, so they aren’t mixed up and in disarray.

You may choose to sort by size or type. You can put clothing your little one won’t fit into now but will within the next few months into marked bins. Once your baby outgrows his clothing, either store it away for future use or donate it to charity or a friend, so it doesn’t clutter your home.

Your little one deserves to feel the finest, gentlest baby boy clothes against his skin. When you’re ready to find onesies, bodysuits, soft hats and receiving blankets, visit The Smiley Baby. Our clothing is made to fit babies 0–12 months old and is made from fine Pima cotton. While you’re here, check out our baby accessories so you have everything your bundle of joy will need for the first nights in his new home.