Having a baby is a very exciting time in parents’ lives and can be overwhelming, with many thrilling and daunting tasks ahead. The road ahead will be a beautiful rollercoaster, but let’s look at a situation in which many parents find themselves finding the right newborn hospital outfits and accessories for the big day of bringing the baby home. It can be a heartwarming and happy experience picking out your little ones’ very first outfits. However, there are some considerations mom and dad need to take note of; keep reading to find out what will keep your baby comfortable and warm during their hospital stay.
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Overview of Newborn Hospital Outfits
It can be a bit tricky for new parents to choose the right clothes for the mom and baby to wear at the hospital after birth. This is a tender and thrilling time; being prepared is a golden tip. Packing your hospital bag beforehand and having outfits picked prior can save a lot of hassle when it comes to dressing and finding the right outfit. Many parents tend to overpack to ensure they have everything, but this can cause more struggle than convenience. Babies do not need a massive wardrobe or fancy clothes in their first few weeks.
With their sensitive skin, it is best to keep their clothes comfortable and scratch-free. Some hospitals provide newborn onesies; your baby may wear them during the stay, but this does not mean that parents can’t dress their newborn or add warmer layers. Having easy clothing items to put on and take off for both mom and baby is the best as they wait to be discharged. Dressing your baby for home time can be a special moment, and for some parents, it could be the first outfit that is not hospital-issued, so making smart decisions and knowing what to pack and what not to is important.
Considerations When Dressing a Newborn
When it comes to packing your baby’s outfits for the first few days, there are a few things to keep in mind. Another helpful tip for new parents is to look for clothing items that have built-in mittens or hats; these are especially beneficial in colder months.
Here are the top considerations to take note of when choosing newborn hospital outfits:
Season
This is very important because babies cannot yet regulate their temperature effectively. Babies lose a lot of their warmth through their heads, so if you are giving birth in colder seasons, it is crucial to pack soft hats, mittens, and socks. A good way to remember how to dress a baby is to add one layer to your clothes. Some clothes, as we mentioned, come with built-in socks, mittens, or hats, but if the ones you have do not, then make sure that they are packed separately. For summer and warmer months, newborns should still be relevantly covered unless there are extremely high temperatures.
Here are examples of hospital outfits you can dress your baby in depending on hot or cold weather:
- Hot – On hot summer days, one layer of clothing is often enough. This can be a short-sleeved lightweight onesie. Breathable fabrics like organic cotton are ideal for warmer days. And if you bring your little one outside, make sure they have a comfortable hat to help protect their face and neck.
- Cold – During cold weather, start with a long-sleeved onesie or vest and then warm pants, sweater, or jersey. Put on a soft hat or beanie to help stop heat from escaping from their head. Add mittens and warm socks or booties. Make sure to let the baby’s head breathe and not have it on constantly without taking it off for a bit here and there.
Easy Dressing
At this time, parents will be tired and want to get their new addition home as easy as possible. Swaddles and sleep sacks are good choices, but not for their hospital stay. It will be much easier to deal with zips and snaps opposed to large sleeping accessories and buttons. It can be uncomfortable or cause struggles when putting babies in their car seats too. Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off as well as a blanket if needed.
Style
It can be tempting to put your baby in cute, fancy outfits for their big day coming home, but this isn’t practical. There are plenty of newborn clothes that are both stylish and practical. It’s understandable that you want to show off your little one and take memorable photos, so choose comfortable and convenient clothes that stand out and make them the star of their homecoming outfit.
List of Newborn Clothes to Bring to The Hospital
It is always a good idea to have your hospital ready for both you and your baby, as they usually like to follow their own schedule. Being prepared for the hospital is one sure way to make sure you have everything you and your baby will need for the first few days.
Here is a helpful list of what you should pack for the hospital:
For Baby
- Have about 5 sets of clothes.
- Vests
- babygro’s
- Beanie or similar soft hat
- Mittens or socks for hands
- Socks
- Warm blankets
- Receiving blankets
- For bottle feeding, bring formula, bottles, teats, bottle brushes, and sterilizer.
- Pacifier and holder
- Huggies baby wipes
- Newborn nappies
- Petroleum jelly or diaper cream
- Small changing mats
For Mom
- Maternity pads
- Changes of underwear or disposal panties
- Front opening pajamas
- Socks and slippers
- Toiletries
- Nursing bras
- Facecloths
- Chronic medication
- Going home with clothes and shoes
- Charger and needed tech such as camera
- Gown
- Baby powder
- Entertainment such as books or magazines
What Materials to Use and Avoid
Some materials can cause irritation, so it’s best to avoid them. Let’s examine them!
Avoid:
- Wool
- Polyester
- Rayon
- Nylon
Opt for:
- Organic cotton
- Microfiber
- Bamboo
Conclusion
Packing your baby’s going home outfit can be very thrilling but remember that they need to be warm and comfortable. It is best to choose fabrics that won’t irritate their skin and outfits that are not too complicated to put on and take off. Avoid synthetic materials that can cause rashes, and opt for organic cotton and microfiber.
Ready to bring that bundle of joy into the world, mama? Pack thoughtfully and get ready for that precious day!
