The arrival of a newborn baby brings a wave of joy and excitement. Parents want to give their little one the very best, and that starts with choosing the right newborn clothes. The maternity outfit is not only a practical necessity, but also a loving embrace for the baby’s delicate skin. Finding the perfect outfits for those first few days is an important part of preparing for parenthood.
In this article, we delve into the world of must-have newborn clothing items. We discuss the importance of a good fit and look at sustainable options that are kind to both your baby and the environment. We also provide practical tips to consider when building your little one’s wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a soft romper, a comfy romper or a complete maternity outfit, we’ll help you make the right choices for your newborn miracle.
Must-have clothing items for the first days
The first days with a newborn are special and require the right clothing. Let's take a look at the essential clothing items that every parent should have for their little one.
Wrap rompers and shirts
Wrap-over rompers are ideal for newborns. These handy garments can be easily wrapped around the baby, without having to be pulled over the head 1. They are available from size 44 and are made of soft materials that feel comfortable on the delicate baby skin.
Parents can choose from different variations, such as wrap-over rompers with long sleeves for colder days or nights, and short-sleeved or sleeveless ones for warmer periods 1. This versatility makes it possible to dress the baby to suit every season.
Panties and leggings
Baby pants and leggings are essential in a newborn's wardrobe. They are practical, comfortable and offer endless possibilities to combine 2. For the first few months, it is advisable to have enough leggings at home, as they are easy to put on and take off and are handy to carry in the diaper bag. 2 .
Footed pants are especially useful in the first weeks after birth, as they keep the baby's legs warm and prevent the problem of socks slipping off 3. Choose cotton panties with some stretch for optimal comfort 3 .
Cardigans and sweaters
Knitted baby cardigans and sweaters are not only cute, but also practical. A cardigan is a nice extra layer that can be put on and taken off quickly, without having to go over the head 3. This makes dressing the baby easier, especially in the beginning when parents still have to get the hang of dressing and undressing 3 .
There are several options available, such as cardigans with a fleece lining for extra warmth or models with a turtleneck for everyday outfits 4. The choice of soft materials, such as organic cotton or a blend of different fibers, ensures that the baby feels enveloped in love and comfort 4 .
The importance of the right fit
When choosing newborn clothing, the right fit is essential. Newborns grow rapidly, and their clothing should be comfortable and able to grow with them. It is essential to choose soft, stretchy fabrics that do not restrict the baby's freedom of movement.
Stretchy fabrics for freedom of movement
For baby clothes, stretchy fabrics are ideal. They provide the necessary flexibility for the constant movements of the baby. Tricot fabric, nicky velour and sweat fabric are excellent choices for comfortable baby clothes 5. These materials are not only soft and flexible, but also easy to maintain, which is a big plus for young parents 6 .
In addition to stretch fabrics, there are also non-stretch options such as cotton, muslin and rib fabrics that are suitable for baby clothes and decoration 5 . These fabrics are often breathable and skin-friendly, which is important for sensitive baby skin. For parents who consciously choose sustainability, there are also organic baby fabrics available 5 .
Adjustable elements for growth
Given the rapid growth of babies, garments with adjustable elements are a smart choice. An innovative example of this is the grow-along romper 7 . This ingenious garment is adjustable in two sizes, so it can grow with baby for longer. For the littlest ones, the sleeves can be rolled up and the feet fit into the extended cuff. As baby grows, the sleeves can be extended and the feet folded back for extra long legs 7 .
This flexibility in fit ensures that parents can enjoy the clothes for longer, which is both practical and economical. Choosing the right fit and materials contributes to the baby's comfort and well-being, while also making daily care easier for parents.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly options
Biological materials
In the world of baby clothing, sustainability is gaining ground. Parents are consciously choosing organic materials to dress their little ones. Organic baby clothing, made from raw materials such as organic cotton, wool and silk, offers the certainty that the clothing is free from harmful substances 8 . This is not only better for sensitive baby skin, but also contributes to a healthier future for our children and the planet.
Organic clothing is especially important for babies with eczema or allergies, as these little ones are more sensitive to irritants that can remain in non-organic cotton 8. By choosing organic baby clothes, parents also support sustainable farming practices and the health of farmers and the environment.
Second-hand and circular fashion
Another sustainable option is to choose second-hand or circular baby clothes. Babies grow very quickly and need a larger size quickly, which often means that new clothes hardly get a chance to wear out. 9 . Circular concepts, such as Babycircle, offer a solution to this problem.
At Babycircle parents can buy high-quality pre-loved baby clothes, ranging from affordable items to luxurious cashmere suits 9. The great thing is that parents can sell the clothes back within a year if their child has outgrown them, and they will get up to 40% of the purchase price back 9. This stimulates reuse and contributes to a circular economy.
Some brands take circularity a step further. Loop.a life, for example, makes new products from recycled clothing. Their ambition is that all textile products in the Netherlands contain at least 20-25% recycled textile from local residual flows 10 . This shows how old clothes can be given a new life in the form of sustainable baby clothes.
Practical considerations when choosing
Ease of washing and maintenance
When choosing newborn clothing, it is essential to pay attention to the ease of washing and maintenance. Choose garments that can be washed at 30 to 40 degrees, which is sufficient to kill bacteria and is also economical for the environment 11. For items that often get dirty, such as outerwear, it is wise to choose clothing that can be washed at 40 degrees 11 .
It is important to wash all baby clothes before use to remove potential irritants 12. Use a mild, hypoallergenic detergent specially formulated for babies or sensitive skin. 12. Avoid using fabric softener as it contains fragrances and dyes that can irritate baby's skin. 11 .
Versatility and combinability
When putting together a baby wardrobe, it is wise to choose versatile garments that are easy to combine. Wrap-over rompers and sweaters are practical because they do not have to be put over the baby's head 11. This is especially useful in the newborn stage, when many babies do not like having anything placed over their heads. 13 .
Choose garments with simple closures such as snaps or zippers, which make dressing and undressing easier 13. Avoid clothing with irritating labels or hard Velcro, which can damage baby's sensitive skin. 13. Also make sure that the clothing offers enough room for movement and growth, but is not too loose to prevent the risk of suffocation. 13 .
Conclusion
Choosing the right newborn clothes has a huge impact on the comfort and well-being of newborn babies. By focusing on essential pieces, the right fit and sustainable options, parents can create a wardrobe that is both practical and eco-friendly. Using stretch fabrics and adjustable elements ensures that the clothes grow with the baby’s rapid development, which is both beneficial for the wallet and the environment.
Ultimately, newborn clothing is all about finding the right balance between comfort, functionality and sustainability. By making conscious choices in materials and styles, and by thinking about the ease of washing and combining, parents can give their little one the best start. This approach not only has a positive impact on the baby, but also contributes to a greener future for the next generation.
FAQs
What is important to know about the birth suit?
The birth suit is the name for the first clothes your baby puts on after birth. This is a very special moment because these clothes will be the very first your child wears.
What items are essential for a newborn baby's clothing?
For newborns, it is crucial that their clothing keeps them warm enough, as they have difficulty regulating their own body temperature. A complete outfit for a newborn includes a soft romper (with long or short sleeves depending on the season), a long sleeve, a cardigan, pants, socks and a hat.
What kind of clothes does a newborn baby usually wear in the hospital?
In the hospital, many mothers choose to dress their newborns primarily in pajamas and onesies. These garments are not only easy to put on, but also look incredibly cute. Stiff clothing such as jeans is not recommended; leggings with a T-shirt are a more comfortable alternative.
What should a baby wear under a romper?
Under a romper suit, which is a combination of a sweater and pants, nothing usually needs to be worn. A romper suit is ideal for newborns because it helps them stay warm, which is important because they cannot yet regulate their own body temperature well.
References
[1] - https://www.prenatal.nl/babykleding-44-68/newborn/oslagrompers/
[2] - https://www.noppies.com/nl-nl/baby-legging/
[3] - https://www.oudersvannu.nl/zwanger/babykleding-de-garderobe-van-een-pasgeboorte-baby~424feea
[4] - https://www.kiabi.nl/truien-vesten-baby-s_204094
[5] - https://www.stoffen.net/babystoffen
[6] - https://www.destoffenstraat.com/stoffen/thema/baby
[7] - https://www.hema.nl/inspiratie/baby/meegroeikleding
[8] - https://www.greenjump.nl/Categorie/Kleding
[9] - https://cosh.eco/nl/winkels/babycircle-hilversum
[10] - https://ecogoodies.nl/shop/loop-a-life-duurzaam-circculaire/
[11] - https://www.pakske.nl/babykleding-tips/
[12] - https://www.24baby.nl/baby/babykleding/babykleertjes-wassen/
[13] - https://www.moalie.nl/nl/blogs/het-beste-voor-je-baby/tips-voor-het-kiezen-van-veilige-en-comfortable-kl/
