Preparing to welcome a newborn into the world is perhaps one of life’s most joyous moments. The time before you officially meet your little one is often filled with anticipation and much preparation.
Chief among the items on your checklist should be the perfect hospital outfit for your baby’s first day out of the womb. Ensuring your baby is comfortable yet dressed practically in an easy-to-use, photo-worthy outfit is essential.
Newborn hospital outfits aren’t just built for aesthetics, they provide much-needed warmth, comfort, and security for your baby’s first hours in the world.
Whether you are a first-time parent or adding another little one to your growing family, understanding what baby clothes to pack for the hospital can help you feel more confident and prepared as your due date approaches.
Some hospitals provide one or two newborn clothing items, but not all do. Additionally, they may only provide a onesie or a button top, so its best to check with your hospital to know what they supply you with and to understand what you should pack.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to everything you need to know about choosing and packing essential hospital attire for your baby. Let’s get started.
Key considerations when choosing newborn hospital outfits
Picking hospital outfits for your newborn holds emotional and practical significance. The clothes you choose are going to be the first thing your baby is seen in and will be featured in photos and special memories.
Practically, the clothing should be comfortable, keep their temperature regulated, and make diaper changes and hospital checks easy. Therefore, when choosing appropriate hospital attire for your little one there are certain factors to consider:
- Safety: Safety is paramount, so avoid clothing with ribbons or small buttons that can pose a strangulation or choking hazard.
- Comfort and fabric: If your baby is born in summer, choose breathable fabrics that will be gentle on your little one’s sensitive skin to prevent overheating and irritation. Materials such as cotton and other natural fabrics work well.
If your little one is born in winter, fleece onesies and thermal swaddles can protect your child from the cold. - Ease of use: To dress your baby quickly or make diaper changes easier choose practical outfits with zippers, snaps, or envelope necklines.
- Size and fit: As newborns grow rapidly, you may want to choose clothes one size larger for comfort and to give them room to grow.
Essential newborn hospital outfit pieces
When packing your hospital bag, one baby outfit simply won’t do. You’ll need multiple items, such as:
- Bodysuits and onesies: Pack multiple cozy, easy-to-put-on onesies or bodysuits. Packing more than one is ideal, as the baby is bound to have a few accidents (spit-ups or blowouts).
- Footed sleepers and pajamas: You’re likely to spend at least one night at the hospital after birth, so pack a pair of jammies for your newborn. Footed pajamas that are warm and snuggly are a good option. Ensure you choose ones with zippers or snaps to make overnight diaper changes easier.
- Swaddles: A great multipurpose item, swaddles not only make your baby feel warm and safe, but they can also double as a burp cloth, breastfeeding cover, or changing pad.
- Hats, socks, and booties: With the Air-con going 24/7, hospitals can get chilly which won’t be good for your tiny newborn.
Pack socks, hats, and booties to keep your little one snug. You can pack multiple light layers that can easily be removed as and when needed depending on the temperature in your room.
Despite having heating in winter, hospitals tend to be on the cooler side, so bring warm attire and a few extra swaddles for your baby. - Mittens: If you have a winter baby, and depending on where you live, you may consider mittens too for when you leave the hospital. Mittens can also serve to protect babies born with longer fingernails, so they don’t accidentally scratch their faces.
- Going home outfit: The first outfit your baby goes home in almost seems like a milestone, and many parents want to pick something special and photo-worthy.
There is no right or wrong way to dress your baby when taking them home, as long as they have a diaper on and are dressed in weather-appropriate clothes.
To maintain hygiene and protect your baby’s super-sensitive skin, wash all their clothes with baby-friendly, irritants-free detergent and pack a wet bag to keep soiled clothes separately.
Keep everything organized in clear, zip-up bags for ease of access, and you may consider labeling the bags for the same reason. Roll rather than fold the pieces to save space and make room for baby’s, dad’s, and your clothing. This reduces wrinkles, too.
Conclusion
Yes, choosing your baby’s hospital and going home outfit is a practical task that reduces stress. It is also an opportunity to celebrate and create cherished memories of the start of your baby’s journey.
While getting caught up in adorable outfit shopping, don’t forget to keep your baby’s comfort, the weather, and ease of use at the forefront of your decision-making.
Additionally, pack a selection of outfits to ensure you’re prepared for anything, and can comfortably focus on what’s truly important – bonding with your baby. So, pack those tiny clothes with care, knowing that your baby will be dressed not just in fabric, but in love and anticipation for all the beautiful moments ahead.
