After three kids, I've learned that one week's worth of baby clothes is the ideal scenario. You'll have enough clothes to go through without doing laundry too often. You also won't have to purchase too many that end up forgotten or hardly used (especially if you're trying to be frugal).
The truth is that when it comes to newborn size baby clothes you only need a very small number of outfits – three to five maximum – because they will grow out of them so very fast!
We recommend having at least 15 Onesies® Brand bodysuits and seven sleepers on hand in each size if you do laundry once per week—that accounts for at least two outfits a day and one set of pajamas every night, which can be worn again without laundering if baby wakes up clean and dry.
Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you don't know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate. Your pediatrician's contact information.
Be aware that baby's lose more heat through their heads then any other body part, so a warm hat is essential initially. We suggest you bring 3 sets of clothes: 3 woollen / cotton singlet's. 3 stretch and grows, or tops and pants that cover arms and legs.
In the hospital, blankets and onesies are typically provided. If you'd like to bring baby his/her own clothes to wear during your stay or a special outfit, please do so, but it isn't required.
Other than a coming-home outfit, you don't need to bring baby clothes to the hospital. During your stay, the hospital will provide long-sleeved baby shirts and swaddling blankets. Bottles and nipples. If you're planning to bottle-feed, the hospital will have these on hand.
Newborn Swaddles or Gowns
Most hospitals prefer to dress babies simply, either in just a diaper and swaddled in a flannel blanket, or in a side-snap bodysuit or basic gown.
Each baby is different and grows at their own pace, so don't be alarmed if your baby quickly outgrows Newborn sized clothes. If your little one is in a higher percentile for weight or height, they may even be wearing 0-3 month clothes home from the hospital!
The general rule of thumb is to make sure baby wears one additional layer than what you're comfortable wearing—if you're feeling chilly, your baby probably is too.
How many newborn diapers do you need per month? Babies can go through up to ten diapers a day, though yours might need more or less. To be on the safe side, plan for up to 70 diapers per week, which is 280 newborn diapers in your baby's first month.
0-3 months – 14 onesies, 14 sleepers. 3-6 months – 7 outfits, 7 sleepers. 6-9 months – 7 outfits, 7 sleepers. 7-12 months – 7 outfits, 7 sleepers.
We would recommend between 3-5 muslins so you're never running short! It's also handy to keep muslins in the areas you know you'll always need one, such as in your baby changing bag, a pram, in the nursery and one that you can keep to hand around the house.
You should definitely wash baby's clothes, blankets and other washable items that will come in contact with their skin. It's not necessary to do it before they're born, but it's a good idea to do it before they wear them.
If you're buying for your unborn baby, in general it's best to buy 0-3 month clothes, as newborn size can be outgrown very quickly. It's important to never dress them in clothes that are much too big though, especially sleepwear. It could be a suffocation risk.
It's best to avoid buying newborn clothes with beading, threads, ties, drawstrings and attachments. These can be choking risks and strangulation or suffocation risks.
The longest a baby usually wears newborn is about 1-2 weeks after their due date (even if born early- by the due date they are usually in newborn size). Therefore, for a new baby gift, I would go with a 3M (0-3M) or 6M (3-6M) size to get a little longer wear.
Rompers and all-in-ones are so simple to take off if baby spits up or has an accident, whilst sleepsuits or t-shirts with enveloped necklines will help you protect their head whilst you get them dressed. And if you're going for leggings, elasticated waistbands are comfy on their tummy, and easy for you to pull up, too.
Since you'll spend most of your recovery time sitting down or lying in bed, you'll want comfy clothes like loose pants with an elastic or drawstring waist. If you're breastfeeding, you'll need tops with stretchy necklines or easy nursing access.
something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that does not restrict you from moving around or make you too hot. 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes. 2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed – remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual.
A lot of mothers want breast coverage while they deliver, which is completely understandable, and you can keep your bra on during labor if you want. However, we recommend wearing a simple bra that is comfortable and easy to remove.
Two or three sleepsuits and vests for your baby to wear while you're in hospital. Pack more if you know that you'll be staying in hospital for more than a couple of days. Socks or soft booties, and mittens. Pack a few pairs, depending on how long you'll be in hospital.
I highly recommend packing a velcro or zip-up swaddle in your hospital bag. L&D will provide receiving blankets and you can always ring for a nurse to help you swaddle. However, it's SO much easier not to have to do this each time you change the baby's diaper.
The hospital will make sure you have clean sheets, towels and wash cloths. You'll also have a bed with several pillows and blankets. If you have a hard time sleeping with a different pillow, it might be a good idea to bring your own.