A lot of thought goes into planning a new baby’s wardrobe. But if there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s that babies don’t need an abundance of matching outfits to feel cozy and comfortable. Instead, focus on building a practical capsule wardrobe that includes onesies, pajamas, pants and dresses that can be mixed and matched, as well as other staples like socks and hats. Then, you can worry about adorable matching outfits when they’re older.
Babies can go through a few outfits a day, thanks to spit-ups and blowouts, so it’s smart to stock up on soft fabrics that will get softer with every wash. Consider cotton, which is breathable and a natural fiber that helps regulate body temperature, as opposed to synthetics and polyester, which can cause overheating.
Look for GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals. Then, seek out certifications like OEKO-TEX, which means that the clothing was tested to ensure it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals or dyes.
Shop a variety of brands to find clothes that fit your lifestyle and budget. There are online baby boutiques that offer indie designers with one-of-a-kind looks, as well as big box retailers that can be depended on for everyday basics, like tees and pajamas.
Whether you prefer a simple solid color or fun prints, shop the brands below to build a practical capsule wardrobe for your newborn that’s made from safe, breathable fabrics. And to make shopping even easier, many brands have pre-matched two and three-piece sets that make it easy to build a cohesive wardrobe from head to toe.
In the early weeks, you’ll need a few pairs of footie pajamas and a few long-sleeved onesies to dress your newborn for daytime wear. Also grab a few soft skull caps and thick mittens to keep baby warm (they lose heat through their heads). If you’re going to be out and about in the winter, add leg warmers to your cart so they’re ready to slip on over booties or panty socks when temperatures drop.
A few cute outfits are always handy for special occasions, like taking the new bundle of joy home from the hospital, family photos or meeting friends and family for lunch. Look for clothing from a brand that offers a range of styles, including dresses and skirts, so you can have a few special outfits on hand.
For a brand that offers a mix of stylish prints and simple solids, check out Little Sleepies. The brand’s tees and pants are sewn in India, Africa or China by a family-owned factory that works with smaller factories to ensure safe working conditions. Little Sleepies uses a soft fabric blend called Lunaluxe, which is a bamboo viscose and Modal derived from Beech trees. The soft fabric is incredibly smooth and calming to the skin, so it’s an ideal choice for infants. And the best part is, the clothes won’t break the bank: A tee is just $10 and the pants are around $15.