clothing

When babies are really little (like 6 months and under) they don't wear separates very well because they just ride up and never stay in the right place. The non-onesie outfits I got were sort of a waste in those sizes. For the first 6 months the best bets are one pieces/coveralls, or a onesie with pants over it.

In terms of layers and warmth, the guidance I received was to dress the baby as warmly as I was dressed, then add a layer. So, even if your baby is going to be born in the summer when you will be in lightweight clothes, plan on warmer items and more layers for the little one.

Below is a good overview of what you need and in what quantities for the first few months (I was clueless and had too little of some things, too much of others). One big caveat: there is a multiplier effect if you have a baby that spits up a lot (we did), in which case you have to change outfits sometimes 6+ times a day.

• special "coming home" outfit - top and bottom, warm, cozy, including hat and booties
• 4-7 onepiece outfits
• 2-3 stretchy pull on pants
• 3-6 t-shirt onesies
• 4-5 newborn t-shirts (see note below)
• 2-3 sweaters or jackets
• 5 footies
• 2 convertible gowns (see note below)
• 2-3 hats
• 4-7 socks or booties
• bunting bag / sleep sack
• 1-2 pairs of newborn mittens

Sample Baby Girl Layette

1. Carter’s Newborn T-shirts ǀ 2. Kissy Kissy Convertible Gowns ǀ 3. Kate Quinn Infant Sacque ǀ 4. Kissy Kissy Striped Footie ǀ 5. Carter’s Bodysuits ǀ 6. Burt’s Bees Organic Quilted Cotton Pants ǀ 7. Burt’s Bees Organic Jogger 2-Pack ǀ 8. Carter’s Sleep and Play Onesies ǀ 9. Boden Romper Twin Pack ǀ 10. Boden Lamb Sleepsuit ǀ 11. Aden and Anais Kimono Bodysuit ǀ 12. Boden Baby Leggings ǀ 13. Rosie Pope Pants ǀ 14. Boden Cosy Cardigan ǀ 15. Kissy Kissy Hat 2 Pack ǀ 16. Carter’s Baby Pants  ǀ 17. Zutano Booties  ǀ 18. Baby Gap Sleep Bag ǀ 19. Ralph Lauren Cashmere Hat and Booties Set ǀ 20. Goumikids Scratch Mittens ǀ 21. iplay Sun Hat  ǀ 22. Jefferies Newborn Cuff Socks  ǀ 23. Carter’s Newborn Animal Socks

Notes on on Specific Recommended Items

newborn t-shirts

When you are waiting for the umbilical cord to fall off (takes about 2 weeks), they wear little side snap t-shirts so the tummy area is open to the air. I don't recommend Luvable Friends -- I had those and the neck is really weird and loose. Carter's and Little Me are much better.

convertible gowns as pajamas

We used convertible gowns as pajamas for the first three months. They are great because you don't have to unsnap anything to do a diaper change in the middle of the night -- you just pull it up and pull it back down.

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