Baby’s first outfit: how to choose the right one

Even before having a baby, we were already wondering: what would our little one look like? What would we call them? How would we dress them?

Watching a TV series, flicking through a catalogue or spotting a baby in their pushchair, we’d imagine it all. Sometimes even before we’d met the other parent. 🤣

Then one day, it all becomes real. Because now, we’re actually about to choose that very first outfit.

We want baby to feel comfortable in lovely soft fabrics, but also look ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE for that first proper photo. Not the one where they’re all wrapped up in a blanket wearing the maternity unit’s little hat. 🧑‍🍼

And that outfit? We’ll keep it forever. We might sort through all the other clothes, but this one will stay safely tucked away in a box, a drawer or even a frame. It’s number UNO. 🥹

Which fabric is best for baby's skin?

A newborn's skin is ultra-sensitive.

Three times thinner than ours, it's more sensitive to fabrics, products, rubbing… Basically, everything that comes into contact with baby's skin matters.

Soft cotton is a bit of a classic. Breathable, gentle against the skin and sturdy enough to handle plenty of washes. During those first few weeks, the washing machine is definitely going to become our BEST FRIEND. 😅

Oh, and before baby wears their new clothes, give them a wash at 30°C without fabric softener. This helps remove manufacturing residues and gets those tiny outfits ready for baby's arrival.

The essentials for baby's first outfit

The bodysuit: the invisible foundation

The first thing we put on baby, and the first thing they wear against their skin.

Short or long sleeves depending on the season, with poppers underneath that make nappy changes easier without having to take off the whole outfit. A little detail that makes a BIG difference when you're changing a nappy for the very first time.

And of course, we pack several in the bag, because baby might decide to put every bodily function to the test within the very first hour. 😄

The sleepsuit or outfit: the one in that first photo

It's THE one we've chosen. Sometimes after a little debate with our other half, sometimes on our own at 2 am, scrolling through an online shop. The one we've washed, carefully folded, then taken back out of the hospital bag just to admire one more time, complete with a little happy tear. 🥹

For that very first change of clothes, the midwife will be there to help. But it's still worth thinking about what will be easy to put on and comfortable for baby.

Warm or lightweight depending on the season: velour or fleece for autumn and winter arrivals, lightweight cotton for spring and summer babies.

It's gorgeous, adorable and seriously stylish. Because let's face it, we've been looking forward to that first photo too.

The hat: an essential, even in summer

At birth, baby isn't very good at regulating their body temperature just yet. They lose heat more quickly, including through their head, especially during those first few hours as they leave the warmth of the womb and discover the outside world.

So even in summer, it's worth packing a little hat for those first moments. It'll be in the photo too, so we might as well choose a lovely one that matches the outfit. ☺️

Socks for those tiny little feet

They're not essential if baby's sleepsuit already has built-in feet. But if that first outfit is a two-piece set without feet, go for soft socks that won't feel too tight.

And let's face it, those tiny little feet are irresistible. We just can't help kissing them. So we might as well keep them nice and cosy for all those little kisses. 😄

Dressing baby for the season

An autumn or winter baby

When it's cold outside, go for a lovely warm outfit: a long-sleeved bodysuit, a velour or fleece sleepsuit or two-piece set, a hat and some little socks.

Maternity units are generally kept nice and warm. If baby seems comfortable, the hat can stay in the bag. Remember the layering trick: several light layers that are easy to add or remove depending on the temperature.

For the journey home, add a warm layer suited to the weather. A footmuff can be handy in the pushchair. In the car, make sure baby is safely strapped into their car seat without a thick coat, then add a travel poncho over the harness if needed.

A spring or summer baby

At this time of year, keep things light: a short-sleeved bodysuit and a lightweight cotton outfit. Pack a thin little hat for those first moments and a cardigan in the bag, because the air conditioning at the maternity unit can sometimes catch us by surprise. 😄

For the journey home, a muslin cloth can provide a light extra layer if needed, without wrapping baby up too warmly.

What size should you choose?

Newborn size generally fits babies weighing up to around 3 kg, while 1-month size is suitable for babies up to around 5 kg. Except babies don't exactly get sent the size chart before they arrive. 😄

If you're unsure, pack both sizes. An outfit that's a little too big? Just roll up the sleeves. Too small? Well, too small is too small. 🤣

And if baby arrives weighing a lovely 4 kg, you can go straight for the 1-month size. Size guides are generally a good starting point.

It's just like us. If you're a size 40, you're not going to squeeze into a size 34 just because that's what the label says. Same goes for baby. 😉

The going-home outfit: the big moment

The one for the journey home. That first photo outside the maternity unit, the one we send to the whole family WhatsApp group within five minutes.

Think of the three Cs: comfort, cosiness and cuteness.

For the journey, dress baby according to the weather and how you're travelling. If it's cold and baby is in the pushchair, a footmuff adds an extra layer of warmth. In the car seat, go for a travel poncho over the harness.

And don't forget a muslin cloth in the bag. Because, of course, it's always when you haven't got one that you need it most. 😄

Baby's first outfit FAQ

Should you wash baby's first outfit before they wear it?
Yes, a gentle wash at 30°C, without fabric softener. And let's be honest, folding and putting away those very first little clothes is already a lovely way to imagine what's coming. We're getting those tiny outfits ready and, more importantly, realising that baby really is on the way. 🥹
What's the best fabric for baby's first outfit?
Soft cotton is always a great choice: breathable, gentle against baby's skin and sturdy enough to survive plenty of trips through the washing machine. Because during those first few weeks, the washing machine is definitely going to become part of the family. 😅
Can baby's first outfit also be their going-home outfit?
Of course! If it's suitable for the weather and still clean, baby can absolutely wear it for the journey home. Some parents plan a special outfit just for that moment, while others simply stick with the one they chose for the birth. It's entirely up to you and what makes you happy.
How many outfits should you pack for the maternity unit?
It mainly depends on how many days you'll be staying. For a stay of a few days, four to six outfits should give you a good start. With a newborn, you're never far away from a little nappy mishap or some spit-up that means changing their sleepsuit sooner than expected. 😄
And if you fancy packing a few extras, go for it. Worst case? They'll stay neatly folded in the suitcase. 😉