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The Portland Hospital
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28 weeks

What to buy for newborns

Newborn baby clothes are adorable but newborns grow very fast so try to keep the clothes you get for your baby's layette to a minimum. Also, if family and friends want to buy your baby clothes suggest that some get size 3-6 months and some get 6-12 months so you won't run out of clothes as soon as your baby is no longer a newborn.
In Short
Ask people for a range of sizes as baby shower presents so your baby will have some to be growing into.

Babies are more comfortable in natural materials like cotton and wool.

Wash your baby's clothes in non-bio washing powder prior to use.

Here’s a checklist of what you need to buy:

Your baby’s layette should contain:

  • 6-7 all in one suits.
  • Shawl or blanket.
  • 6-7 vests.
  • 2 cardigans.
  • Sun hat or winter hat.
  • Warm outside clothes if winter.
  • 10-12 nappies a day.
  • Muslins – at least 6
  • 2-3 soft bath towels.
What clothes do I need for my baby?

For the basics, try to assemble the following, either from hand-me-downs or new, ask people for a range of sizes for the baby’s presents, they’ll grow out of newborn size every quickly and you’ll want things to move on to:

  • 6 or 7 all-in-one suits, all cotton, to wear every day and have a few spare to wash
  • A nice soft (wool or cotton) baby shawl to wrap them up in outside
  • 3 or 4 vests – to go underneath the suits when it’s cold
  • 2 cardigans, all cotton or wool
  • A broad-brimmed sun hat if it’s summer
  • Warm outside clothes if it’s autumn or winter, a soft hat, mittens, socks or soft booties
Note
Use non-bio washing powder for washing your baby’s clothes, bio powder is no good for sensitive baby skin. Many people wash their baby’s new clothes before they wear them as new clothes can contain chemical residues from manufacturing.
Nappies

You’ll need around 10-12 nappies a day. Buy enough so you don’t have to leave the house for several days if you don’t want to. Buy the newborn size and some brands do even smaller ones for premature babies.

Cotton wool or fabric wipes and water initially then you can move on to simple baby wipes with no if you wish.

Bath time

2-3 nice soft cotton towels for after the bath.

Lots of muslins, get around 20 or a couple of packs, you’ll use them for everything, including protecting your shoulders from baby vomit!

For a list of useful contact details for The Portland Hospital, please click HERE.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details click here.