It's tough enough keeping up with the fast-paced world of adult fashion so when kids come along, it's tempting just to dress them in outdated hand-me-downs from friends and family. But with so many great ranges of designer baby clothing available today, it's worth spending a little bit of extra time and money picking out one or two key pieces for your little angels to wear on special occasions or as a unique gift for new parents. Choosing designer baby clothing can be challenging because you will want to make sure that you pick garments that are hardwearing and practical but also something that looks good too.

Quirky Choices
A wonderful range to begin with is Dutch company Imps and Elfs, which offers a huge range of contemporary designer clothing for babies using only pure organic cotton and fully sustainable production methods. Beyond the traditional pinks and blues, the Imps and Elfs baby range comes in a wide variety of bold block colours making them great unisex pieces. The chocolate brown hooded jacket is a wonderful item for keeping baby snug and warm in the colder months as well as adding a stylish finish to any outfit.

A great fun range for some funky and alternative baby clothing is Oh Baby London, which does a quirky range of slogan t-shirts and bright playsuits. The camouflage short sleeve t-shirt with popper studs and printed with the words, "been inside for 9 months" makes a hip and humorous gift for new babies and it looks great without costing the earth.

Designer Accessories
If you would rather not cram the nursery full of designer togs that are likely to be outgrown in a just a few weeks, then why not add a touch of sophistication to your little cherub's look with some specially chosen designer accessories? The Baby Dior range of feeding bottles are available in pink, blue or silver with a silicone teat and come in a stylish Dior gift box, which could even be reused as a neat storage box for some of baby's favourite little bits and pieces.

Trendy Footwear
For an adorable touch of style on colder days, why not glam up your baby's favourite play outfit with a pair of cosy designer socks. Ralph Lauren offer great quality kids' clothing that is both resilient and adorable and will make your baby stand out from the crowd. Their gorgeous fluffy baby socks come in packs of two complementary designs and are perfect for adding a designer touch to any outfit that won't break the bank.

Indulgent Bedding
For a touch of luxury that will last longer than tops and trousers, splash out on one of Armani's delightful fitted sheet sets. Available in pink or beige, these crisp cotton sheets with linen trim and Armani logo come in a delicate organza bag and make a beautiful gift for a baby shower or christening.

It's great to know there are so many lovely designer baby clothes out there and shopping around for these is half the fun. Take baby for a day out to your favourite boutiques and designer stores and pick out a special treat for both of you. Even when these fabulous items have been outgrown, if you choose just a few really well-made pieces, you can hold on to them for unique family keepsakes and look back at them as your baby grows up.