If you’re having a hospital birth or thinking about it, there are some extra precautions and considerations when packing for the hospital stay, as well as coming home from the hospital with your new bundle of joy. In this article we take a look at what newborn baby clothes to pack for the hospital stay as well as what newborn baby clothes to pack in your postpartum check bag – because let’s be honest: you will want those cute nursing nightgowns and leggings back ASAP!
1. Shirts
Newborns don’t need a lot of clothing, but they do need roomy, comfortable garments. That’s why a cotton t-shirt is a great option for your newborn. They’re easy to put on and take off, so they’ll make a great choice for every day. You can also choose to invest in a button-down shirt for your little one. Button-down shirts are very popular for babies, especially in the first month. The elastic in the shirt will help to hold the fabric out of your baby’s face, which will make it easier for them to feed.
2. Pants
When you’re packing for your newborn, you don’t need to worry too much about pants. That said, you’ll want to make sure that you have at least one pair of pants for your baby. The only real consideration you’ll want to make is that pants are often harder to put on a newborn than a shirt. So, you might want to put pants on your list, but hold off on purchasing them until your little one gets a little bigger.
3. Shoes
As adorable as they are, you aren’t likely to need shoes on your newborn’s feet. That said, if you live in a very warm or very cold climate, it might be a good idea to bring a pair of shoes along with you. Some parents choose to bring a warm pair of socks for their newborn’s first few weeks at home. While this is a good idea for a very young baby, it’s important to remember that you don’t want to keep your baby too warm.
4. Diapers and Layering
When you’re packing for newborn baby clothes, you’ll also need to pack a few diapers. While you probably won’t be able to use your preferred brand for the first few weeks, you do need to have something on hand. You should also consider bringing along a few extra cloth diapers. Newborns are often less consistent than older babies, so having a few extra diapers on hand can be helpful.
5. Blankets
Newborn babies will often be swaddled when they’re first born. That said, even the smallest of babies will outgrow that swaddle eventually. Once they do, they will likely be too big to be swaddled in hospital blankets. So, it’s a good idea to bring a few of your own blankets home with you. If you’re going to use hospital blankets, it’s a good idea to wash them before you leave the hospital so they’re clean and fresh for your little one.
Conclusion
Newborn babies don’t need a lot of clothes. However, it’s important to choose garments that are soft and smooth and will be easy for your baby to move around in. That’s why cottons are such a great choice. If you’re packing for a winter baby, you’ll want to make sure that you choose fabrics that will keep your little one warm.
