While waiting for a first baby it is very easy to buy too much. There are so many lovely small things, and a baby goes through two sizes in the first three months. Below is a list that has been tested in practice.
The first month list
- Six to eight bodysuits, long and short sleeved
- Five sleepsuits or babygrows, ideally with a zip
- Two warm cardigans or gilets
- Two hats, one thin and one warm
- Six pairs of socks
- Two muslins or wraps
- Two pramsuits or warm all in ones, if it is winter
This is what gets used every day. The rest can be bought later, once you know what you actually need.
What a good item has
- A zip or poppers at the front rather than the back. A baby lies on their back and a button gets in the way.
- A wide neck or a shoulder fastening so the head passes through easily.
- Flat seams that do not rub the skin.
- 100 percent cotton. At this age it really does matter, and there is more in our article on cotton.
What is not worth the money
Shoes are decoration in the first months. Jeans and buttoned shirts are awkward at changing time. A very small pretty outfit often does not get worn even once.
Size and washing
A newborn size is measured by height like every other size. 56 / 62 means 56 to 62 centimetres. The full chart is in our size article.
Wash new items before the first wear, with a baby detergent and without fabric softener. There is more in our washing guide.
Where to find them
The shop has a shelf of its own for newborns, which gathers items of that age from every category. You will also want socks, hats and underwear.
