Newborn wardrobe - What clothes does a newborn need?

The Gugguun Baby Collection has been a beloved addition to the Gugguun range - we have received lots of wonderful feedback on the products designed for newborns and we are happy to be part of families' lives from birth onwards!

The birth of a baby is an exciting moment and before that, expectant parents have dozens of questions on their minds. In this article, we aim to answer some of the expectant parents' questions about baby clothes and related issues. We gathered answers from several parents to collect the best tips for managing the wardrobe during the baby bubble.

We answer questions such as these:

• What to consider when buying baby clothes?
• What clothes does a newborn need?
• What clothes should a baby wear when brought home from the hospital?
• What clothes does a newborn sleep in?
• When should baby clothes be washed?

What to consider when buying baby clothes?

Especially when expecting the first child, details that become familiar when living with a baby may not come to mind. We asked numerous parents what they would have liked to know about dressing a baby before the birth of their first child. 

Parents mentioned things like these:

Ease of dressing

A newborn baby does not yet support their head, which affects dressing. Clothes need to be changed several times a day, so ease is important for that reason as well. 

Features that make dressing easier in baby clothes include, for example…

• Wrap-style bodysuit
• Buttons or snaps on the shoulder
• Wide and stretchy waistbands

Changing clothes is also made easier by having a sufficiently large amount of clothing - accidents happen and outfits may need to be washed several times a day. For this reason, the baby should ideally have at least 5 outfits in the current size, so that in case of accidents there is always dry and clean clothing to put on.

Ease of outfits in everyday life is also essential. For many parents, the favorite combination is a high-quality, fitted bodysuit, wide-waisted pants or leggings, and socks. Bodysuits with foldable sleeves receive special praise, as they prevent the baby from scratching themselves and eliminate the need for separate mittens. This also helps keep the baby's fingers warm. If you want to dress the baby in a separate shirt or hoodie, it is advisable to wear, for example, a short-sleeved bodysuit underneath so that when the top rides up, the back does not get exposed and the baby stays warm.

Child's size and clothing durability

A newborn grows quickly and one-size clothes do not last long in use. Before the child is born, it is good to have clothes in a few different sizes at home (e.g., 50-56), so that when the child is born, there is already appropriately sized clothing available. Bodysuits with longer sleeves and pants with longer legs allow for wrapping and are thus an excellent choice for babies, as they stay in use longer. 

What clothes does a newborn need?

The season of the baby's birth largely determines the needs of the wardrobe. Especially in Finland, where the differences between seasons are significant, the differences in needs are also great. Since the baby's ability to regulate temperature is not yet as effective as in older children and the newborn does not move much, especially in strollers, the baby should be kept warm with clothing. You can check the baby's neck to ensure the right temperature - if the neck is cool, more clothing can be added. If it feels warm and sweaty, there are too many layers.

Summer baby's wardrobe

Dressing a summer baby naturally depends on the temperature – a hot day requires different gear than a rainy, cool day. The baby should be protected from sunlight, i.e., stay in the shade, and on significantly hot days preferably stay indoors. It is important to monitor the temperature especially in strollers, as the internal temperature of strollers easily rises high in hot summer weather.

In summer, it is especially advisable to favor thin layers and add them as needed. You can test the baby's skin especially on the neck, upper back, and chest – if they are warm and even sweaty, you can safely reduce clothing. 

If the temperature is below the heat limit, a long-sleeved bodysuit, jersey pants, and socks are usually sufficient. You can also carry, for example, a jersey blanket, which is easy to add to the stroller for extra warmth and wind protection. A jersey hat is also suitable for this temperature. If the baby is in a stroller, the hood helps protect against the wind.

When the temperature goes above 20 degrees and the heat limit is broken, the baby's gear can be significantly lightened. In hot weather, a short-sleeved bodysuit is usually enough for the baby, which can be combined with, for example, jersey shorts if desired. A summer hat with a brim provides additional sun protection. 

A UV-protective swimsuit is an excellent choice for a baby, as sunscreen cannot be used on babies and UV-protective swimsuits are often covering. A UV-protective swimsuit with long sleeves, slightly flared legs, and a brimmed hat works excellently as beachwear.

Spring and autumn baby's wardrobe

For children born in transitional seasons, layering is important. Temperatures can vary greatly, and there is often rain, whether it is water or sleet. 

Basic clothes such as long-sleeved bodysuits, jersey pants, leggings, socks, and jumpsuits are sufficient as indoor clothes. 

Outerwear depends on the temperature. If it's early autumn or late spring and temperatures are still around the twenties, see the section above about dressing a summer baby. If the temperature is around 10-19 degrees, in addition to indoor clothes, you can dress the baby in, for example, a wool romper, a jersey hat, a cotton scarf, and cotton mittens. For temperatures below 10 degrees, it is advisable to put a mid-season romper over the indoor clothes, which protects against wind and rain. In addition to the romper, knitted cotton hat and mittens, a neck warmer or scarf, and thicker socks or booties are good additions to keep the baby warm. In really cool weather, a merino romper can be a good addition under the mid-season romper.

Also in autumn and spring, it is sensible to keep a blanket handy, as it easily helps add a warming layer or protection, for example from rain. 

Winter baby's wardrobe

Indoor clothes for a winter baby are the same as for babies born in summer and mid-seasons; long-sleeved bodysuits, jersey pants, leggings, socks, and jumpsuits are sufficient, and if desired, you can add a hoodie or sweatshirt, especially if the home temperature is a bit cooler. The baby can also be swaddled in a blanket, which keeps warm well.

The purpose of outerwear is to protect not only from cold but also from moisture and wind. A mid-season jumpsuit should be replaced with a snowsuit that warms in colder weather. A wool romper is a good addition under the snowsuit, especially in harsher frost. Hats, mittens, and scarves should be replaced with warmer, merino wool versions, and for babies, hats with ties and helmet hats are especially good options as they stay better on the ears and the helmet hat also works as a scarf. You can read more about merino wool in this article.

When it comes to babies who do not yet move outside the stroller in winter, a sleeping bag is an excellent option. It makes outdoor trips easier since you don't have to put on and take off a jumpsuit separately; you can slip the baby in their indoor clothes into the sleeping bag, if needed with a wool romper. The car seat bag is easier to open indoors so the baby doesn't get too hot. The stroller straps can also be tightened a bit more when placed over indoor clothes instead of a jumpsuit, which increases safety.

How to dress a baby for different situations?

Everyday dressing is simple with a bodysuit, suitable bottoms, and socks. But what should a newborn wear in various situations, like parties or sleeping? 

What clothes should a baby wear when brought home from the hospital?

The baby's homecoming outfit largely depends on the season and weather. In summer, a bodysuit and jersey pants with socks are perfectly fine. In winter, a sleeping bag or snowsuit with a knitted hat, mittens, and if needed, a scarf and booties are suitable when staying outside for a short time. Often the hospital also provides tips if the first trip home is nerve-wracking.

What clothes does a newborn sleep in?

A suitable pajama for a baby is a long-sleeved and long-legged bodysuit or a romper. The wrap style makes dressing and diaper changing easier. If it is very warm at home in the summer, a short-sleeved bodysuit may be sufficient. 

When should baby clothes be washed?

Baby clothes are recommended to be washed before use and thereafter whenever needed. Often, clothes need washing daily because newborns get their clothes dirty quickly.

What to dress a baby in for parties?

You usually don't need to dress little babies in special party clothes; a neat top and bottom are enough. Of course, there are also suits and beautiful dresses for babies for special occasions. Gugguu's Baby Frilla Dress is a combination of a dress and bodysuit suitable for babies.

Explore Gugguu's baby clothing selection here!