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Preparing for your baby’s arrival is probably one of the most challenging experiences for new parents, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. The choices are endless and there are so many fun and adorable newborn outfits to choose from that you will surely enjoy your time getting all the new stuff for your little one. But the truth is it might get overwhelming at some point.
With so many different options you will probably ask yourself if you need all of it and, as most parents, get even more baby clothes than you really need. Babies grow fast, so buying the minimum number of clothes in each size at least for the first couple of months is always a good idea.
Build Your Little One’s Wardrobe Easily
Newborns don’t require a lot of clothing in their first weeks of life. You’ll need a few basic pieces for inevitable changes throughout the day and during the night, and to buy yourself some precious time before the next load of laundry. When you buy newborn outfits, having a simple checklist of baby essentials is a great way to help you get what your little one actually needs, like the following.
Onesies
Kimono-style onesies and/or onesies with two-way zips are a must for easy changing. Having at least 2 of each in your newborn wardrobe rotation can be a real game changer. Both long-sleeved and short-sleeved options are available, suitable for year-round use.
Growsuits
Your baby will spend a lot of time in growsuits for the first couple of months. They’re designed to keep your baby warm and comfortable and are available in both long and short-sleeve options, so you can choose depending on the season. You’ll probably need around 4 to 6 of them at the beginning.
Bodysuits
These are essential clothing items for newborns. They’re versatile, easy to put on and take off, and can be worn as a basic layer during the day or when sleeping. Many of them feature snap closures at the bottom for easy diaper changes. Some also have built-in mittens to prevent babies from scratching their faces with their sharp nails.
Tops
Tops are great paired with leggings, shorts or nappy pants, but not as practical as other newborn baby clothes such as growsuits and bodysuits for the first couple of weeks. Two tops may be enough for when you want to put your little one in something dressier. Around 4 tops may be enough for the first month or two.
Bottoms
Make sure you get at least two pairs of pants and/or leggings to pair with your tops or bodysuits. They can be very handy when you need to complete a dressier outfit and keep your baby comfy. Look for stretchy and soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo to ensure maximum comfort for your little one.
Cardigans
Soft cardigans are an essential layering piece for a newborn. Whether over the growsuit or a bodysuit, a cardigan is a great solution to keep your little one cosy and warm on cooler days. You may get one or two plain cardigans for everyday use and one or two more dressy ones for taking your baby out.
Jackets
You need at least 2 jackets, one heavy and one light. Heavy ones can be used in colder seasons while the lighter ones can be used for warmer days or as an extra layer when needed. Choose models with hoods to protect your baby’s head from wind and rain and look for soft and breathable fabrics to avoid irritation on their delicate skin.
Hats or Beanies
Hats are some of the essential items for babies. They’re very important during the first few weeks to keep the warmth in. Around 3 hats or beanies will be enough for the first couple of weeks. You don’t have to go for fancy options, simple and comfortable ones will do the job perfectly. Avoid hats with tight elastics and opt for soft, stretchy materials like cotton or fleece.
Socks
Small, but important, they can help keep your baby’s feet cosy and warm, especially during winter. Get at least 6 pairs and make sure they’re soft, stretchy, and have good elastic to avoid them falling off. Some models also have non-slip grips on the bottom to help with your baby’s first steps.
Muslin Wraps
They’re essential for swaddling, but have an array of other uses as well. Muslin wraps are light, breathable and designed for practicality, so have at least 2 and keep one always at hand.
Cot or Bassinet Sheet Sets
If you’ve chosen your baby cot bed, then it’s time to create a super comfortable sleep space for your little one with high-quality and soft sheet sets. Always have one in use, another one in the wash and a third one folded away and ready to use as a backup.
Hooded Towels
Essential for baby bath time, make sure you have 3 of them. Why 3? Well, same as with the sheet sets, one in use, another one in the wash and the third one ready to use if needed.
Final Thoughts
When buying newborn baby clothes, there are a few things to keep in mind such as sizing considerations as sizes may vary from brand to brand, so make sure to check the size charts before making a purchase. Look for materials that are soft, breathable and gentle on your baby’s skin and make safety a priority.
