Baby clothes: choosing the first newborn set without fuss

Start with what you will use every day

Packing orders and talking to new parents daily teaches you what actually gets worn. For the first three months, simple pieces that change quickly are worth more than a drawer full of outfits. Focus on sizes, quantities, and fabrics.

Sizes for the first 3 months

EU size 56 is the safest starting point. Size 50 is only useful for smaller babies, so keep 1–2 pieces at most. Size 56 often covers the first month; many babies move into 62 during month two. Stretchy rib knits give you a little extra wear, while interlock holds its shape nicely. Fold-over cuffs on sleeves or feet help a garment last longer.

How many pieces you really need

Numbers depend on laundry rhythm and how often leaks happen. For most families, this starter set works well:

  • Bodysuits: 6–8. Long sleeves for the first weeks, add a couple of short sleeves if your home runs warm.
  • Sleep-and-play suits: 4–6. Choose openable legs or fold-over feet.
  • Pants: 3–4. Soft waistband, no stiff elastic.
  • Hats: 2 thin caps for after baths and walks.
  • Cardigan or light knit layer: 1–2, depending on season.
  • Outerwear: 1 seasonal piece, from a light pramsuit to a warmer bunting.

If you wash frequently, lean toward the lower numbers; if you prefer fewer laundry days, add 1–2 bodysuits and 1 sleeper.

Fabrics: cotton, interlock, rib

For newborn skin, breathable cotton is the baseline. Interlock is smooth on both sides and keeps its shape, ideal for bodysuits and sleepers. Rib knit (ribana) stretches and recovers, great for cuffs, hats, and close-to-body layers. Thick or scratchy materials are unnecessary at this stage; layering thin pieces is easier to regulate.

Fastenings that make night changes easier

At night you want speed and quiet. Sleepers with snaps down the front and through the legs let you change without pulling over the head. A full-length zipper is quick, just make sure there’s a chin guard and, if possible, a two-way zip so you can open only the bottom. Snaps on the back press against the skin and are awkward at 3 a.m. Bulky decorations or hard buttons can dig in; smooth finishes win.

Buy now vs wait-and-see

  • Buy now: 6–8 bodysuits in 56, 4–6 sleepers in 56, 1–2 pairs of pants, 2 hats, 1 cardigan. Add one outerwear piece for the season. Keep 1–2 items in 62 as backup.
  • Wait: a stack of size 50, multiple thick pramsuits, shoes, or fancy outfits that will be worn once. Build your size 62 core later, when you see growth and weather.

If you’re unsure about warmth, use layers: a thin sleeper, a knit layer on top, then the seasonal outer suit. That setup adapts well to changing conditions.

Small details that help

A wide, soft waistband is kinder than tight elastic. Kimono-style bodysuits avoid going over the head in the first weeks. Choose soft seams and minimal internal labels. For outings, pack two full change sets in a bag—one to use, one as backup.

As a small maker, we prefer clothes that get worn daily rather than sit in a drawer. The first set is about comfort and calm: a few well-chosen basics will beat a pile of awkward pieces.