BUYING GUIDE:
NEWBORN BABY CHECKLIST
Baby on the way? Our essential list includes all the clothes your newborn will need for their first few weeks, from super-cute sleepsuits and booties to cosy cardigans and socks
What clothes do you need for a newborn baby?
Once you’ve entered the third trimester of pregnancy, you’re firmly in countdown mode – so it’s time to make sure you have all the essentials ready for your newborn baby before the big day arrives. From sleepsuits to socks, we’ve created a handy list of all the things you need to buy for your new baby.
For the first few weeks, your baby will live in sleepsuits, which are far less fiddly to put on than ‘normal’ clothes. A sleepsuit (or babygrow) is a one-piece suit that covers a little one’s arms, legs and usually feet, often with poppers that fasten down the front. Buy at least four or five and look for ones with integrated mittens to stop your newborn accidentally scratching their delicate skin. You can also buy sleepsuits with zips for quicker access and easier nappy changes.
Bodysuits are a must-have layer for keeping little ones cosy worn under a sleepsuit. Make sure you choose bodysuits with wide envelope-style necklines, meaning they can be pulled off down the body as well as over the head (essential if you’re dealing with an explosive nappy). You can buy baby bodysuits in packs of seven, so you’ll always have a clean one to hand.
Do you need a coat or shoes for a newborn baby?
If your baby is born in the summer months, you won’t need to buy them a coat – instead, layer a knit over sleepsuits and vests to keep little ones cosy. This sweet hooded cardigan is ideal. Look for front fastening cardigans rather than jumpers that have to pulled off over the head - newborns tend not to like this.
Young babies get hot and cold much more quickly than adults, especially in the early weeks, so a hat is vital to help regulate body temperature. This handy four-pack of hats is just what your newborn’s layette needs.
Cosy socks are a must for keeping little feet snug and protected – go for a multi-pack so you have lots of spare pairs. Choose colourful, eye-catching designs that are easy to spot if they fall off – you’ll soon find out how easily baby socks can go missing!
Before you get tempted by expensive mini-me shoes or trainers, remember that babies don’t need proper shoes until they start to walk, so choose soft and flexible booties that won’t restrict growing feet. Pop on over socks on colder days.
Babies love to dribble, so a fabric bib is a must to mop up milk and stop clothes getting stained. These cute bandana-style bibs look gorgeous teamed with sleepsuits.
Newborn baby sleep essentials
How long your baby sleeps for (or not) is a hot topic for all new parents, so having the right night-time kit is a must. A baby sleeping bag could help your newborn sleep for longer as, unlike a blanket, it can’t be kicked off, so little ones won’t wake up because they’re cold – result! Make sure you have a spare sleeping bag in case of any night-time emergencies.
It’s also always useful to have a couple of blankets to hand – they’re great for layering over your baby in the pram or swaddling at night-time. Choose cellular blankets that have large holes for added breathability.
Another must-buy is a comforter which will help soothe your little one to sleep at naptime or bedtime. Newborns often have separation anxiety, so place the comforter on your skin for a few hours so that it picks up your scent and then place in your baby’s crib to soothe them to sleep. You should always remove it from their crib once they have fallen asleep. Make sure you buy a spare comforter, so if the original one gets mislaid, you have a back-up.
Words: Sarah Lafarge
