Knitting for babies

[independentfriend]

When you're knitting a cardigan for a baby, and you're going for something neither pink or blue to make it gender neutral how do you decide which way round to do the button holes vs. buttons? Is there an easier/harder way for people to do up buttons on a wriggly baby from above?

How do I select baby friendly buttons? Is it worth trying to replace buttons with magnetic closures? Or should I just find a pattern that is for a loose cardigan that doesn't button at all?

I've used buttons all through making things for my DD, she's 22m now. I just always made sure they were very well sewn on. I wouldn't use magnets as they have an additional risk if swallowed on top of the choking risk. Snaps are convenient, would be a good option either sewn on (they are usually sewn at four points so should be very secure) or using a plier tool - which is how they're fixed on commercially made babygros so must be safe.
Apparently which side you put buttons on depends on whether the wearer is male or female! I don't think either side is more or less easy to do up so i wouldn't worry about that.
Having said all that, cardigans with no fastenings are fine for newborns I find. There are also lots of kimono style patterns that tie by the chest or waist, the tie is kept short so no risk of wrapping round the neck.

I am 44 and still not sure which way is "right" for the buttons to go for girls and boys. I don't think I'd notice if someone gave me something which was the wrong way round.

I usually get round this by knitting a blanket.