Baby equipment you need Baby clothes

We list essential newborn baby clothes

Between the newborn baby clothes you'll buy and those given to you by family and friends, you're likely to soon build up quite a collection.

Not all newborn baby clothes are particularly practical, though. Firstly, it's not worth buying many clothes in the 'newborn' size – your baby will outgrow them fast. Clothes labelled 0-3 months will last for longer, although they'll be a little large at the beginning.

Newborn baby clothing also needs to be quick and easy to get on and off your baby in a hurry, as well as machine washable.

Newborn baby clothes you'll need at the start

Be prepared from day one with:

• four to six sleepsuits and bodysuits
• two cardigans
• two hats
• four pairs of socks.

Sleepsuits are highly practical for your baby's early weeks

Buying newborn baby clothes

Sleepsuits

These are all-in-one outfits with built-in feet. Sleepsuits are the most practical item to dress your baby in during the early weeks. They are usually made of cotton-jersey or a poly-cotton mix and are comfortable to wear and easy to wash.

Avoid sleepsuits that have poppers at the back.

Bodysuits

These are all-in-one vests with a wide neck and poppers at the crotch, and are another newborn baby clothing staple. Bodysuits are more practical than standard vests as they don't ride up.

Scratch mittens

Scratch mittens are simple, thin cotton mittens that help prevent your baby from damaging his or her skin by scratching. The skin of new babies can be very sensitive and prone to rashes and their fingernails quite hard. Babies instinctively scratch any irritation.

Scratch mittens can help prevent damage to your baby's delicate skin

Necklines of jumpers

Necklines of jumpers and sweatshirts should have poppers at the side so you're not pulling them over your baby's face to put them on.

Hand-made cardigans and shawls

These should have a fine weave, otherwise little fingers can get caught up in the gaps. Threaded ribbons or cords should be avoided as they may become wound around a baby’s neck, and any buttons should be sewn on securely.

Baby bootees or socks?

Baby bootees can look cute but are not necessary – and knitted bootees, in particular, often fall off. Socks are far more practical.

Snowsuit

A snowsuit can be a useful item of clothing in winter if you're taking your baby for walks in the pram or pushchair, but remember that you don’t need layers of blankets and clothing too. 

If you buy a snowsuit, make sure it is easy to take off or at least undo if you spend time indoors – for example, in a warm shop. Buy the snowsuit a size larger than your baby’s normal clothes so it's not too constricting.

Make sure baby clothes are machine washable

Gift pack baby clothes

Many shops produce 'gift pack' sets of clothes for newborns – but unless you'll definitely use all the items in the pack, you might be better off spending your money on practical pieces of newborn baby clothing separately.

Washing newborn baby clothes

You'll be handling a mountain of washing. Some babies can go through several outfits a day – so any newborn baby clothing you buy should be suitable for machine washing. Hand-wash and dry-clean-only garments are definitely a bad idea, unless they are for a special occasion.

You should wash all items of clothing  before using them in a laundry detergent that is suitable for a baby's sensitive skin.

You'll find more information and advice on buying baby equipment such as pushchairs, child car seats and feeding accessories in the Which? book Baby and Toddler Essentials.