A Study of Current Newborn Clothing and Consumer Complaints

This study explores newborn clothing with regard to clothing type, construction, textiles, design, size, and label placement. Related consumer complaints are also analyzed. Analysis of 50 newborn clothing items revealed six types of newborn clothing: baenaet jeogori, baenaet gown, bodysuit, one-piece, shirt and pants set, and pants. The baenaet jeogori was the most common type, and the most commonly used fasteners were ties and snaps. The following characteristics were commonly observed: front opening, long raglan sleeves, mitten cuffs, cotton fabric, white/ivory color, animal print, contrast hem, $appliqu{\acute{e}}$, and size 60. In-depth interviews of 12 mothers with children under 24 months revealed that the baenaet jeogori was the most unsatisfactory type; the shirt and pants set and bodysuit were preferred. Interviewees were dissatisfied with types of openings, expressing a preference for snaps and complaining about ties, too many snaps, metal snaps, and shoulder openings. Overly wide or narrow sleeves resulted in improper fit, and long sleeves made it difficult to dress the baby. Interviewees required diverse sleeve length options. They were dissatisfied with heavy fabric for hot and warm seasons, and with labels attached inside clothing or outside near the neckline. Mothers with particularly small or big babies complained about limited sizes. To improve current newborn clothing, additional items such as shirt and pants sets or individual pants, front opening clothing with few snaps, proper sleeve fit with diverse length options, lightweight fabric for hot and warm seasons, label placement that avoids skin irritation, and size segmentation are recommended.

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