Ethan Rhodes
Dressing a newborn in hospital is a practical task that reduces stress and is an opportunity to celebrate and create cherished memories. The clothing should be comfortable, keep the baby's temperature regulated, and make diaper changes and hospital checks easy. It is recommended to pack 2-3 outfits for the baby's hospital stay, including clothes in newborn sizes or slightly bigger to give room for growth. In warm seasons, lightweight and breathable clothes such as singlets, nappies, thin blankets, light hats, short-sleeved onesies, or rompers are suitable. In cold seasons, thicker clothes, such as fleece onesies and thermal swaddles, are recommended. The hospital will typically provide essential items such as bassinet, blankets, diapers, and hats, but parents often bring a few comfort items from home, such as a bassinet sheet and receiving blanket.
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What You'll Learn
Pack for the season: lightweight for summer, thick for winter
When packing clothes for your newborn in the hospital, it is important to consider the season and dress your baby accordingly. Here are some tips for both summer and winter:
Summer
For summer, it is best to pack lightweight and breathable clothes for your newborn. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton, and choose lightweight long sleeves or short-sleeve tops to provide some protection from the sun. You can also bring a lightweight blanket for cooler moments, such as when bringing the baby home in the evening. Don't forget to pack a hat or bonnet to protect your newborn's delicate skin from the sun, as sunscreen is not recommended for babies younger than six months old.
Winter
For winter, you'll want to pack thicker clothes to keep your newborn warm. Layering is key, so start with a soft, breathable cotton onesie, bodysuit, or undershirt as a base layer. Then, add a second layer such as a long-sleeved two-piece knit outfit with feet, made from cozy materials like velour, luxury knit, or soft cotton. Don't forget to pack accessories like mittens, hats, and socks to keep your baby extra warm.
In both summer and winter, it is important to prioritize your baby's comfort and safety. Avoid overdressing your newborn, as excessive layers can trap heat and make them uncomfortable. Additionally, when using a car seat, avoid thick winter clothes between the baby and the harness. Instead, opt for inside clothes with a blanket or car seat cover to keep them snug and safe.
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Dress for comfort and ease of diaper changes
When it comes to dressing your newborn in the hospital, comfort and ease of diaper changes are key considerations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
First, consider the fabric and weight of the clothing. If your baby is born in the summer, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or other natural materials to prevent overheating and irritation. On the other hand, if your baby is born in the winter, choose warmer options like fleece onesies or thermal swaddles to keep them snug. Dressing your newborn in soft, comfortable clothing will help regulate their temperature and make them feel secure.
Second, practicality is important. Choose outfits with zippers, snaps, or envelope necklines to make diaper changes easier and quicker. For example, you can opt for a kimono-style top with crossbody snaps or a sleeper with snap fasteners from chin to toe, which provide easy access for diaper changes and vital sign checks. Additionally, consider clothing with a side closure to accommodate your newborn's healing umbilical cord.
Third, sizing matters. Newborns grow rapidly, so choosing clothes with a bit of room to grow is a good idea. Consider sizing up or opting for adjustable clothing, such as those with stretchable waistbands, to ensure your baby's comfort and to extend the wear of the outfit.
Lastly, don't forget to pack a variety of layers. Hospitals can vary in temperature due to air conditioning or heating, so having layers that can be easily added or removed will help keep your newborn comfortable. Pack items like socks, hats, and light layers for warmer hospitals, and bring extra swaddles and warmer attire if the hospital tends to be cooler.
Remember, the key is to keep your newborn comfortable, safe, and easily accessible for diaper changes and hospital checks. By choosing practical outfits made from appropriate fabrics and considering sizing and layers, you can ensure your baby's comfort during their hospital stay.
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Bring a hat, socks, and mittens for warmth
When packing for your newborn's hospital stay, it is important to consider the season and the temperature. If it is warm, you should bring lightweight clothes, such as singlets, nappies, thin blankets, light hats, short-sleeved onesies, or rompers. On the other hand, if it is cold, you should bring thicker clothes, such as long-sleeved onesies, thick blankets, and hats that cover your baby's ears.
Regardless of the temperature, it is always a good idea to bring a hat, socks, and mittens for your newborn's warmth. These items will help regulate your baby's body temperature and prevent them from losing heat through their head. Mittens are also important to prevent your baby from scratching their delicate skin with their tiny fingernails.
Most hospitals will provide you with a hat for your newborn, but it is always good to have your own just in case. You can choose a cute hat that goes with the outfit you have picked for your baby's first photos. Some hospitals may also offer mittens, but it is a good idea to bring your own to ensure they fit well and are comfortable for your baby.
In addition to a hat, socks, and mittens, you should bring 2-3 outfits for your baby's hospital stay. These outfits should be soft, breathable, and easy to put on, such as onesies, sleepers, or footed pajamas. It is also important to bring a going-home outfit, which can be something special, like a rainbow stripe set. Don't forget to bring a car seat as well, as the hospital will not discharge you without one.
By bringing a hat, socks, and mittens, along with the appropriate outfits for the temperature, you can help ensure your newborn is warm, comfortable, and ready for their first adventure outside the womb!
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Swaddle your baby for sleep
Swaddling is a great way to help your newborn sleep better and feel secure. It is a simple technique that has been used for a long time, and it involves wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket to mimic the comfort and security of the womb. It can help calm fussiness, improve sleep, and reduce the startle reflex that often wakes babies up.
To swaddle your baby, you will need a rectangular or square baby blanket, preferably made of breathable natural fabrics like cotton, muslin, or linen. You can also use a ready-made swaddle with zippers and velcro, which is more convenient and safer than folding and tucking. Avoid using weighted swaddles as they are not safe. If you are using a traditional blanket, spread it out on a flat surface, fold one corner down, and place your baby in the centre with their head just above the fold, ensuring their shoulders are below the fold.
Next, you will need to secure your baby's arms and body. Take the left side of the swaddle and bring it across your baby's chest, ensuring their right arm is slightly bent at the elbow and tucked securely under the fabric. Then, take the right side of the swaddle and bring it across your baby's chest, securing their left arm in the same way. Finally, fold the bottom of the swaddle up and over your baby's feet and tuck any excess fabric underneath to ensure a snug fit.
It is important to note that swaddling is not recommended once your baby starts rolling over. Additionally, always ensure that the swaddle blanket does not become loose and cover your baby's face, as this could lead to accidental suffocation. To avoid this, consider using a sleep sack, which helps prevent blankets from covering your baby's face. It is also recommended to have multiple swaddles so you can alternate between washes, especially if your baby is prone to spitting up.
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Choose clothes one size larger to allow for growth
It is important to remember that each baby is unique and grows at their own pace. While "Newborn" clothes may seem like the obvious choice for a newborn baby, they only fit babies up to 8 pounds on average, and some babies are born larger. On the other hand, size 0-3 months should fit your baby up to 12 pounds, and you can always roll up the sleeves and pant legs initially if the clothing is a little big.
It is recommended to have a variety of sizes on hand for your newborn, including newborn and 0-3 months. This is because it is challenging to predict a baby's size before birth, and they grow and outgrow clothes very quickly. You may find that your baby is in newborn-sized clothing for 4-6 weeks, but this depends on their size.
Clothes may shrink in the laundry over time, but babies will continue to get bigger. Therefore, it is generally a good idea to size up when you are unsure of your baby's exact size. For example, when buying clothes for a 3-month-old, choose the 3-6-month size range or larger instead of the 0-3-month range. This will ensure that your baby gets more wear out of the clothes before they outgrow them.
Additionally, consider the practicality of the clothing. Dress your baby in easy-to-wear clothes with snaps or zippers for convenience. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics, and choose outfits with easy access for nurses to check your baby's vitals.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals usually dress newborns simply, in just a diaper, a hat, and swaddled in a flannel blanket. Alternatively, they may wear a side-snap bodysuit or a basic gown.
The hospital will supply your newborn with everything they need, but you may want to bring a few comfort items from home. Pack a bassinet sheet and a receiving blanket if you want to take styled photos of your baby. Bring 2-3 outfits for your baby's whole stay, including a going-home outfit. Dress your baby in soft, breathable, comfortable clothes with easy access for diaper changes and hospital checks. Pack clothes that are one size larger to give room for growth.
There is no right or wrong way to dress your baby when taking them home, as long as they have a diaper on and are dressed for the weather. You may want to pick something special and photo-worthy. Consider comfort, the weather, and ease of use when choosing your baby's going-home outfit.
If your baby is born in the summer, choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton to prevent overheating and irritation. Dress them in one-layered clothes such as short-sleeved onesies, rompers, and singlets. Their room temperature should be between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't forget to put a sun hat on them when you take them home from the hospital.
If your baby is born in the winter, use thick blankets and swaddle them properly. Dress them in double-layered clothes, such as fleece onesies and thermal swaddles. Don't forget to put a hat and socks on them to keep them warm.
