What Clothes Do I Need for a Newborn?
Many parents think that newborn babies need a lot of things in their initial months, but that's not entirely true. If you do your research well, you will realise you only need a handful of good-quality essentials. From baby's clothes to swaddles and nappies, anything you buy for your little one must be made with premium fabric and material so that they are gentle on the baby's sensitive skin. Another thing to note is that most newborn clothes are designed for babies weighing between 5 and 7 pounds. However, many newborns grow out of these sizes within just a few weeks. If your baby weighs over 7 pounds at birth, they might not need newborn sizes at all, so it's wise to have some 0–3 month outfits ready as well.
These details may overwhelm you, but you need not worry. To make life easier for new parents, we have listed below all the essentials you need––including how many newborn clothes––for your baby's first few weeks. You can also explore these options at Baby Box Shop for the most adorable assortment of newborn essentials. And if you're shopping for a family member or close friend who has just had a baby, check out our newborn essentials gift collections.
Let's explore cute and functional newborn clothes below.
Bodysuits
Let's start with the most basic item in baby clothes: bodysuits. It's a good idea to invest in four or five long-sleeve bodysuits to keep your newborn comfy, right from the hospital. These are especially recommended for babies born in colder months. Even though you'd be inside your delivery room, it's best for parents to dress the baby in long-sleeved clothing, which will be handy later as well. At Baby Box Shop, we offer a lovely selection of long and short-sleeved bodysuits made of high-quality, soft cotton in a variety of colours. These can also be customised to add the baby's name, making for wonderful personalised newborn gifts.
Swaddles
The next most important item for a newborn baby is swaddle cloth made of premium fabric that is gentle on the baby's skin. In the initial days, swaddling is used to provide babies a sense of security (mimicking the womb) to keep them at ease and sleep better. Ideally, you should have three to four swaddles handy. This way, you have enough spares even when one or two are in the wash. Go for 100% cotton muslin swaddle cloths from Baby Box Shop to ensure the surface is smooth on the baby's head and the rest of the body while sleeping.
Cardigans
New parents must include two to four wool or high-quality cotton cardigans in their baby's closet. You can add a couple more for the winter or if you live in a cold region. Choose them in basic colours and maybe one dressy option, so that the baby has outerwear to go with their special occasion outfit! Cardigans are also essential baby clothes to keep your child warm and toasty. Explore Baby Box Shop for the best options.
Pants
Newborn-size pants make for essential clothing for both baby girls and boys. They are also great unisex newborn gifts that help new parents start on their newborn's closet. Most babies can get by three to four pairs initially, though you can have a few pairs extra. Make sure you get pants that are not too tight at the waist so that your little one doesn't feel restricted wearing them. Whether it's summer or a bit colder, pants come in handy on many occasions.
Socks
Everyone needs a few pairs of socks, including your newborn. This is a crucial piece to add to the baby's clothes collection as it helps them regulate body temperature, especially in the cold. Socks that fit babies' feet snugly also protect their delicate skin and add a touch of extra cuteness to their outfits! At Baby Box Shop, one of our bestselling newborn baby gifts includes soft cotton socks with adorable embellishments.
Blankets
Whether it's the summer or winter, a baby blanket is your newborn's best friend. Aside from keeping the little one warm and cosy, a blanket can be folded to add the right amount of support to your baby's neck and head as they sleep. Invest in at least three to four baby blankets and stick to credible brands that promise quality. Baby Box Shop offers two variants: lightweight blankets in waffle pattern and comforters with attached bear plush heads. We have these in a variety of colours, which makes them great options for baby blue gifts and baby pink gifts.
Mittens
Newborns are notorious for accidentally scratching themselves on the face or eyes. So, in addition to keeping those tiny hands warm, a mitten protects your baby's face against scratches by keeping their fingers covered. The great thing about mittens is that they will be useful even when your baby gets a bit older, as the size of the hand doesn't change rapidly. Invest in three to four pairs in different prints and colours to match with other clothing perfectly.
Booties
There's nothing more adorable than tiny booties on a newborn baby's feet! Aside from the cuteness factor, they keep feet warm, protect them against rough surfaces and dirt, and may even support foot development with light support. You can buy four to six pairs of lightweight ones that will take care of most of the baby's dressing needs.
Nappies
A nappy is an indispensable part of your baby's closet and will remain so for a while. Be ready to invest in about 60-70 good-quality nappies for the initial period. The best kinds are made of light yet highly absorbing materials such as cotton and muslin. We offer a good collection at Baby Box Shop, and our nappy cakes make for great baby showers or gender reveal party gifts. New parents can never have enough nappies and cleaning cloths around!
Cotton Hats
A sun hat made of cotton is essential to keep the baby's head protected in hot weather. Two to three pieces that the baby can wear when stepping out in the sun should be sufficient. You don't want to buy too many of them as newborns change sizes pretty quickly and old hats might become small for their heads later.
How to Dress Your Newborn?
The joy of dressing a newborn baby is unmatched by any other experience for new parents. While your parental instincts will take care of the do's and don'ts, here's a quick guide to the best practices:
- Always dress your newborn in soft, breathable fabrics for comfort and safety.
- Use layering to regulate body temperature. A good rule of thumb to remember: add one more layer than you wear.
- Opt for easy-access clothes with snaps or zippers so that changing nappies is swift and smooth.
- In warm weather, go with light, cotton bodysuits, while in cooler weather, add socks, mittens, and hats for warmth.
- Use a swaddle or a sleep sack for bedtime to allow some airflow. You can always tell if the baby's feeling hot by checking their neck or chest.
- Choose properly fitting clothes and keep some 0–3 month outfits ready, as newborns outgrow their clothes quickly!
Conclusion
Dressing your newborn should be a pleasant experience rather than an overwhelming one with many hard decisions. With this guide, you can strategically select a few essentials instead of shopping mindlessly. Keep your baby comfortable and safe with the right clothes. Stock up on items like bodysuits, swaddles, mittens, and booties to cover different needs throughout the day. With thoughtful planning and a little help from Baby Box Shop, dressing your little one becomes a stress-free experience.