Newborn babies require a lot of clothing. Between diaper changes, feedings and naps, they go through clothes at a dizzying pace. To keep the littlest member of your family comfortable, choose soft fabrics in neutral colors that are easy to mix and match. Start with a wardrobe of bodysuits and onesies (also called bodygrows) to pair with pants and hats for daytime wear, then add in a few pairs of cozy pajamas, including footie PJs and Carter’s 5-Star Sleep & Play, as well as wearable blankets for warmth on pram and stroller trips and to help you swaddle your baby for a good night’s rest.
Baby clothes are often crafted from cotton, which is both lightweight and absorbent. Cotton is also gentle on your newborn’s sensitive skin and has a smooth feel, making it an ideal fabric for infant garments. You can also find a variety of organic cotton and eco-friendly clothing options that are perfect for your baby’s skin. Whether you’re looking for a simple cotton shirt or something with embellishments, there’s sure to be a style that suits your baby’s personality and tastes.
Many newborn outfits are designed to be quick and easy to put on and take off – an important consideration given how frequently babies need to change their clothes. For example, bodysuits with snaps or poppers are an easy option that allow you to quickly get baby dressed in the morning or undressed for a nap. Long-sleeved onesies with built-in mittens are another great way to keep baby warm and prevent scratches on delicate hands. Some baby clothes come with a hood, which is useful for keeping the head warm and protecting the ears and neck from sun exposure.
In addition to everyday clothing, you’ll also need a few special occasion outfits for your baby’s first pictures. These might include an outfit to wear home from the hospital, for family photos or to meet grandparents. In order to keep these clothes as clean as possible, look for fabrics that are machine washable and durable.
As soon as your baby can hold their heads up, they’ll need a hat to protect their little faces from the sun and keep them cozy in cool weather. Thin cotton hats are suitable for spring and summer, while thick woolly hats provide extra protection in winter.
You’ll also want to stock up on a range of baby blankets in different sizes and styles, depending on the season. Lightweight muslin blankets are great for absorbing spills, helping to keep your baby warm during pram or stroller trips and providing comfort for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. You can even find swaddle blankets which are similar to regular blankets but are designed to keep your baby warm and secure and may have a velcro closure that helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
A bib is an essential for feeding time, especially when you’re trying out different formulas or bottles. Look for a reusable one with a bib clip to attach to the neck of your baby’s t-shirt or bodysuit.