Newborn Clothing Essentials: How Much Does Your Baby Really Need?
As new parents, one of the many things to prepare for is outfitting your newborn with the necessary clothing. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know exactly how much clothing a newborn needs. In this blog, we'll provide some guidelines to help you make sure your little one has everything they need to stay cozy and comfortable.
First, it's important to note that newborns grow quickly, so you don't need to purchase a lot of clothing in advance. In fact, it's recommended that you only buy a few newborn-sized items, as most babies will quickly outgrow them within the first few weeks. Instead, focus on purchasing clothing in larger sizes that your baby can grow into.
Clothing Essentials
When it comes to the essentials, it's best to start with bodysuits, onesies, and sleepers. These versatile items can be worn alone or layered for warmth, and they make diaper changes a breeze. Having at least 8-12 of these in the newborn (NB) size is recommended.
Newborns could also use a few pairs of pants, tops and socks to wear during the day. Lightweight items made from soft cotton are perfect for newborns as they are gentle on delicate skin and easy to move in. It's recommended to have 2-3 pairs of pants and 2-3 tops in newborn size.
For bedtime, your newborn will need a few sleepers or footed pajamas. These one-piece garments keep baby warm and cozy all night long, and they make it easy to check on your little one without disturbing their sleep. It's recommended to have 2-3 sleepers in newborn size. For warmer days we would dress our babies in onsies, a hat, and a pair of socks for comfort.
Extra Essentials
In addition to the essentials, it's also a good idea to have a few extra items on hand. A few extra blankets, burp cloths, and bibs can come in handy for feeding and burping your newborn. And since babies usually spit-up and have diaper leaks, it's a good idea to keep a few extra outfits on hand for unexpected messes. I would usually carry at least two extra outfits in the diaper bag for emergencies.
Outerwear
When it comes to outerwear, a lightweight jacket or sweater can be handy for cool days. But remember, newborns should not be dressed too warmly as they can overheat easily. It's always best to dress them in layers and keep a close eye on their temperature. A cozy hat is also a must-have item to keep your newborn's head warm. These hats are very useful and comforting to a baby, when used after bathing as well.
Another important thing to consider when choosing clothing is the fabric. Newborns have delicate skin, so it's best to choose clothes made from soft, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo, or modal. Avoid clothes made from synthetic materials as they can irritate a baby's skin and cause tempurature discomforts.
When shopping for newborn clothing, keep in mind that babies come in all shapes and sizes, so don't be surprised if your little one doesn't fit into all newborn-sized clothing. If you're unsure of what size to buy, go for larger sizes that can be worn as your baby grows.
Finally, it's important to also keep in mind that fashion doesn't have to be a priority when it comes to dressing your newborn. While it's fun to dress your baby in cute and trendy outfits, comfort and practicality should always be the main focus. Remember, your baby will be wearing these clothes for a short period of time, so if I were you, I would not break the bank on designer baby clothes that they'll outgrow in a matter of weeks.
Overal, it can be said that a newborn doesn't need a lot of clothes, but there are a few essentials that you'll need to have on hand. Bodysuits, onesies, sleepers, pants, and tops are the foundation of your newborn's wardrobe, and it's always a good idea to have a few extra items on hand. When shopping for clothes, focus on comfort, practicality, and safety over fashion, and your little one will be dressed to perfection.
