Generally, small clothes are the first things that expectant mothers buy during their pregnancy. It’s true that all these little miniature clothes are cute! Even if you do not yet know the gender of your child, you can indeed start filling his wardrobe. Bodysuits, pajamas, pants, overalls,…. Here is a small summary of essential baby clothes.
Bodies
Great basic of the layette, it must be 100% cotton and open completely from the front so as not to have to put it on by the head and not to handle baby too much (newborns do not like to be stuck). Long sleeve or short sleeve depending on the season.
There are some that close by pressure or by links.
Quantity to provide: about 10 up to 3 months, and at least 7 from 6 months.
Baby pajamas
Light or thick depending on the season, they should also be easy to put on. So prefer those that open fully from the front or those with pressure on the back and legs.
Quantity to provide: at least 7
Pants
Again, the basic rule is: comfort! Prefer the soft materials in which baby will feel good. For jeans, choose them loose, in stretch, and with an elastic waist (but jeans are clearly not compulsory for babies)
Quantity to provide: 4 or 5
The hights
Have a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved t-shirts that open fully in front or behind if possible. For the winter make a stock of vests rather than sweaters which are put on by the head. Choose soft, slightly stretchy materials and easy-care fabrics (machine washable).
Quantity to provide: ten small tops and 4 or 5 vests.
Baby clothes for outdoors
In winter, if you go out with a lot of babies, nothing beats the good old pilot suit that opens fully in front and in which it will be well bundled up. In mid-season, bring a comfortable little jacket. In summer, a cotton vest should be enough.
Also think of the hat and mittens (held together by a link slipped into the sleeves of the jumpsuit).
Quantity to provide: Ideally 2 outfits for each season.
Good to know: When you dress a toddler, you usually have to put on a piece of clothing (one thickness) more than for you because it does not move and can therefore cool very quickly.
Baby shoes
For babies who can't walk, there's no need to put real shoes on them. Prefer small flexible shoes or simple socks. Choose them with a large opening to easily slide the toes of your toddler.
Quantity to be provided 2 pairs.
The bibs
For the first few months, take those with plastic-lined Velcro, which are easier to clean. Later, when baby pulls on it to take it off, buy some that thread through their head, or even apron bibs to protect their sleeves.
Quantity to provide: ten … at least!
Linen maintenance side
Babies get very dirty (pee, overflowing diaper, regurgitation …) and you will have a lot of laundry to do. Our tips:
- Have enough clothes so as not to break down in the bodysuit one morning before dropping your baby off at the nursery.
- One chance, the clothes are small, you can put a good amount of them in your machine.
- Wash all clothing before having it worn for the first time.
- For this, choose a hypoallergenic detergent that will be very soft for your baby's clothes and fragile skin like Le Chat Bébé. Your toddler will be in direct and prolonged contact with his clothes, so it is important to choose a detergent that respects his skin.
60 cute outfits for my kids
> See also our file: The right kit to welcome babies