Purchasing items for a newborn can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to baby clothes, with all the choices and sweet options available. It’s easy to get lost in little onesies, cute prints, and tiny trimmings.
A simple checklist of newborn clothes is a great way to get you started thinking about what your baby actually needs. That’s why we created this newborn baby clothing checklist for your little one’s first wardrobe to guide you through the gorgeous world of dressing your baby in those first few months.
Download a printable version of our newborn wardrobe checklist here.
Let’s start with newborn clothing essentials, which are staple items that will be used every day, so be sure to have a couple of each handy.
Singlets & Baby Bodysuits
The first place to start is always a singlet, as it is an essential piece when layering. Singlets can be worn all year round, day or night, so it’s important to have plenty of these in your baby’s wardrobe.
Whether you’re choosing rib singlets, baby bodysuit styles with press studs, or a combination of both, our Essentials range has you covered.
Growsuits or Baby Sleepsuits
Your baby will likely live in growsuits (also known as onesies or baby sleepsuits for the first few months of their life. Two-way zips on your onesies are a must for easy changing, as are zip protectors to protect the most delicate of skin. With enclosed feet and fold-over mittens, our Essentials growsuits will keep your baby warm and comfortable. Choose from either our long-sleeve or short-sleeve growsuit options, depending on the season.
Our Sleepsuits, or what we like to call a nightie for newborns, are a growsuit alternative—featuring an extra-long body with an elasticated design that makes diaper changes super easy!
Tip on how many sleepsuits you need for a newborn: We recommend you have at least 2 of these in your newborn wardrobe rotation, as they’re perfect for late-night changes!
Tops or Bodysuits
Tops are great paired with leggings, shorts, or a nappy pant, but a little less practical than a growsuit. Bodysuits are great for babies on the move, as the snap closure will ensure nothing rides up.
We recommend two tops or bodysuits for when you want to put your little one in something dressier. Make sure you choose tops that do not have scratchy stitching and tags on the inside, which may irritate their delicate skin.
Pairs of Pants or Leggings
To pair with your tops, bodysuits, and cardigans, it is a great idea to have some leggings or pants handy to complete a dressier outfit.
Pairs Mittens
Booties and mittens are great if your growsuit or romper doesn’t have enclosed feet or built-in mittens. Covering little hands and feet will not only keep your baby warm, but also prevent any scratching from their fingernails.
Bibs
Bibs are often associated with a baby starting solids; however, they’re great to use from birth to assist in wiping up any spills while feeding. Our Essentials Bibs are nice and long and have adjustable snap clips, plus the terry towelling back can be used as a makeshift face washer!
Dressy Outfits
No doubt you’ll be taking your new bundle of joy out and about to visit friends or family in those first few months, so you may like to consider having 2 dressier outfits in your newborn’s first wardrobe.
Muslin Wraps or Bunny Rugs
An essential for swaddling, muslin wraps are light, breathable, and have an array of uses! Designed for cooler weather and an alternative swaddling solution, bunny rugs can be another choice.
Hooded Towels
An essential item for baby bath time, it’s important to have 3 hooded towels! One in use, one in the wash, and another away, ready to use as backup.
Whichever you choose, cot or bassinet, make sure you follow the rule of three - one in use, one in the wash, and one folded away ready for use!
When purchasing items for your baby’s first wardrobe, it’s important to consider the following:
Fabrics
Natural fabrics such as organic cotton are best for a newborn’s delicate skin, as they are breathable and prevent sweat from collecting on their skin. Items such as singlets, growsuits, rompers, and more are in direct contact with a baby’s skin, so soft, natural fibers are the gentlest choice.
Here at Ohmybebe, we use the softest organic cotton in our clothing and accessories, the best choice for your little one.
Sizing
The largest proportion of babies are born between 3-4kg, which generally means a size 0000. Often, we forget to purchase these smaller sizes for newborns, but a few 0000 onesies and bodysuits will most likely be needed.
Tip on choosing newborn clothes sizes: Look to purchase items in a mix of 0000 and 000 sizes to ensure you’re covered for those first few months.
Seasonal Considerations
Depending on when your baby is born, you may need to add some special items to your newborn clothing checklist. Winter newborn essentials you should add to your baby clothes checklist in winter include warmer knitwear or padded jackets to layer your baby with and keep them warm in cold weather. Summer newborn essentials like short-sleeve growsuits or bodysuits and a sun hat for the outdoors are also must-adds to your summer newborn clothes checklist.
Our guides on how to dress a baby for summer or for winter can help you choose clothes for your newborn for hot and cold weather, or anywhere in between, as the seasons change.
Quantity
How many newborn clothes you need for a newborn will depend on various factors, such as:
● How often does your little one need to change their clothes
● How often can you wash your baby’s clothes
● How quickly your baby outgrows their clothes
If you’re finding that your little one is running out of clothes too quickly, you might want to consider buying a couple of extra pieces here and there.
Quality and Longevity
The higher the quality of the baby clothes you purchase, the more likely you are to use them again if you decide to have another little one down the track.
Babies grow up fast, so purchase high-quality items in neutral colours to ensure that they can be reused or passed down to family and friends.
Make sure you enjoy the process of collecting lovely little items for your newborn. The lead-up to birth is a very special time, and collecting the perfect pieces is all part of it. Shop our full range of newborn clothes and essentials at Ohmybebe now.
