What newborn essentials do I actually need?
Your simple checklist
There’s a hush in the house before baby arrives. Tiny clothes are folded, the pram is by the door, and there’s a bag you’ve packed and repacked — just in case. This guide is for the chaos in the weeks that follow the birth: a small set of well‑chosen pieces that work hard, feel soft, and help you enjoy the magic in between the feeds.
How many of each do I need for a newborn?
- Sleepsuits / babygrows: 6–8
- Bodysuits (mix short & long sleeve): 6–8
- Sleeping bags (season‑appropriate TOG): 2–3
- Swaddles / large muslins: 2–3
- Knit cardigans: 2–3
- Socks & booties: 4–6 pairs
- Hats: 2–3
- Blankets (pram + cot): 2
- Small muslin cloths: 8–10
- Hooded towels: 1–2
- Changing kit: portable mat + tidy caddy
- Out‑and‑about pouch / organiser: 1
These are your starting points. Adjust to your laundry rhythm and season.
What does a newborn’s first‑weeks wardrobe look like?
Fewer pieces, beautifully made. Everything earns its place.
How many sleepsuits/babygrows do I need? (6–8)
What to look for: soft Pima cottons, two‑way zips or easy snaps, flat seams, nickel‑free fastenings.
Why it helps at 3am: quick changes, gentle on skin, washes well and dries fast.
Shop → Babygrows & Sleepsuits
How many bodysuits do I need? (6–8; mix of short & long sleeve)
What to look for: envelope necklines, breathable cotton, sizes 0–3m plus a couple 3–6m.
Why it helps: layers cleanly under everything; the piece you’ll reach for most.
Shop → Newborn Basics
How many sleeping bags does a newborn need? (2–3, season‑appropriate TOG)
What to look for: soft lining, secure shoulder poppers, easy nappy‑change access.
Why it helps: consistent warmth without loose layers; reassuring for night feeds.
Shop → Sleeping Bags
How many swaddles or large muslins do I need? (2–3)
What to look for: generously sized muslin for wrapping, shading, nursing cover moments.
Why it helps: one piece, many jobs; the quiet problem‑solver in your bag.
Shop → Large Muslins & Swaddles
How many knit layers/cardigans do I need? (2–3 cardigans)
What to look for: temperature‑regulating natural fibres (fine merino, cashmere blends), easy sleeves, neat buttons.
Why it helps: on‑off warmth for changeable weather without bulk.
Shop → Cardigans
How many socks and booties do I need? (4–6 pairs)
What to look for: soft rib that stays on, breathable yarns.
Why it helps: tiny feet stay cosy; pairs hold their shape wash after wash.
Shop → Socks & Booties
How many hats do I need? (2–3)
What to look for: light cotton cap for indoors; a slightly thicker knit for outings.
Why it helps: simple temperature comfort for those first walks.
Shop → Hats
How many blankets do I need? (2: one pram, one cot)
What to look for: breathable knit, smooth cotton or versatile cashmere.
Why it helps: Cotton for everyday comfort plus a special one for photos and visiting days.
Shop → Blankets
How many muslin cloths do I need? (8–10)
What to look for: soft, quick‑drying cotton; keep a stack by the cot and sofa.
Why it helps: spills, dribbles, shoulder guards — always keep one to hand.
Shop → Muslin Cloths
What do I need for newborn bathtime?
What to look for: hooded towel, wash mitt, mild wash.
Why it helps: warm wrap‑up moments that feel calm and unhurried.
Shop → Baby Toiletries | Shop → Baby towels, Mitts & Robes
What do I need for changing?
What to look for: portable mat, a tidy caddy, a small set of tried‑and‑trusted creams.
Why it helps: everything in reach, nothing overwhelming.
Shop → Changing Mats | Shop → Storage Caddies | Shop → Nappy Cream
What should I pack in a going‑out pouch?
What to look for: slim pouch for nappies, wipes, spare vest and muslin.
Why it helps: slip into any tote; you’re ready in a minute.
Shop → Travel & Organisers
What should I put in a first‑night basket?
One shallow basket by the sofa or bed with: 3 muslin cloths, 1 spare sleepsuit, 1 bodysuit, nappies, wipes, barrier cream, a tiny cardigan and your phone charger. In the quiet of that first night home, you’ll be glad it’s all right there.
Which fabrics and finishes are best for newborns?
- Pima cotton stays soft and resists pilling.
- Fine woollens (merino, cashmere blends) regulate temperature in changeable weather.
- Thoughtful construction — flat seams, covered zips, smooth labels — means fewer rubs, more comfort.
- Timeless palettes and simple prints mix easily so a small wardrobe goes a long way.
Which extras are worth adding (and when)?
- A favourite blanket or comforter for photos and keepsake moments.
- A personalised piece for homecoming or announcements.
- A Memory or Keepsake Gift Set when you’d like a beautifully presented start in one place.
What can wait until later?
- Lots of novelty outfits (cute, but rarely worn).
- Duplicates of the same gadget.
- Too many tiny sizes — they grow in happy bursts. Start with mostly 0–3m, then top up.
What sizes should I buy and how should I wash them?
- Buy across sizes: a few tiny/newborn, mostly 0–3m, and some 3–6m.
- Gentle cycle, low heat; reshape knitwear while damp.
- Drawer dividers labelled by *layer* (bodysuits • sleepsuits • muslins • knits) make sleepy‑hour changes simple for everyone.
FAQs
How many sleepsuits do I really need?
6–8 is a calm starting point; add more if you prefer to do laundry less often.
Are sleeping bags better than blankets?
For many families, yes. They keep warmth even and avoid loose layers in the cot.
Do I need both muslins and swaddles?
A mix helps: small muslins for daily spills; larger swaddles for wrapping and napping.
What’s worth spending a little more on?
Pieces that touch skin most (bodysuits, sleepsuits) and hard‑working layers (sleeping bags, blankets). Good fabrics last, feel better and hand down well.
What should I do next?
When you’re ready, browse our newborn essentials and the Memory & Keepsake sets. Choose a few pieces you love, set up your first‑night basket, and let the rest unfold.
Shop → [Babygrows] · [Cardigans] · [Muslins & Bibs] · [Blankets] · [Sleeping Bags] · [Changing] · [Keepsake & Memory Sets]
