In short: for the first 3 months, a newborn mainly needs bodysuits, pants, footed pajamas, a sleeping bag, a few pairs of socks and a hat. Buy only a few pieces in size 50 and focus on sizes 56 and 62, because babies grow very fast in the first weeks.
The list below is a general guide. The quantities depend on the season, how often you do laundry and the gifts you receive.
Newborn clothing checklist (0–3 months)
We've assumed you do laundry every two or three days. If you wash less often, add a few more basics.
- Bodysuits: 6–8. They're the base layer, worn day and night. For the first weeks, choose styles that open at the front, like the Baby Elephant wrap body.
- Pants: 4–6 pairs, with an elastic waist or cuffs, like the Baby Elephant baby trousers.
- Footed pajamas: 4–6. They keep little feet warm, and there are no lost socks to hunt for at night. One example: the Baby Elephant footed pajamas.
- Sleeping bag: 1–2, suited to the temperature of the room. The Baby Elephant sleeping bag is a single layer of jersey, made for normal room temperature.
- Jacket or cardigan: 1–2, for an extra layer.
- Hats: 1–2, for walks. A thin cotton one, like the Baby Elephant knot hat, and a thicker one if your baby is born in winter.
- Socks: 4–6 pairs. Our newborn terry socks are soft and warm.
- Outdoor overall: 1, for the cold season.
- Blanket: 1–2, for the stroller and for floor play.
Which sizes to buy
Size 50 fits babies up to 50 cm tall and is usually worn for only a few weeks. Many babies go straight into size 56. A practical split looks like this:
- Size 50: 2–3 pieces, only if your doctor expects a smaller baby.
- Size 56: about half of the wardrobe.
- Size 62: the rest, for months 2–4.
If you're unsure, check our size guide: the size is the baby's height in centimeters.
Sizing for hats, socks and booties
Accessories use a different sizing system. For hats and bonnets, the size is the head circumference in centimeters: for the first weeks, the small sizes such as 32/34 or 35/37 usually fit. Socks and booties are sized by age, for example 0–2 months or 0–6 months. If you can, measure your baby's head after birth and buy hats then.
How to dress your baby for each season
Newborns can't regulate their temperature well yet, so thin layers are more practical than one thick piece. You can add or remove a layer depending on the room and the weather.
Summer
Indoors, a bodysuit or thin pajamas is often enough. For walks, choose loose cotton clothes and keep your baby in the shade.
Spring and fall
A bodysuit, pants and a light jacket or cardigan. Always pack an extra layer in the diaper bag, because temperatures change quickly.
Winter
A long-sleeve bodysuit, pants, a warm layer and, outdoors, an overall, hat, socks and booties. When you step into a store or the car, take off the thick layer so your baby doesn't overheat.
A simple check: touch the back of your baby's neck. If it's warm and dry, they're dressed right. If it's sweaty, remove a layer.
For sleep
Follow your pediatrician's safe-sleep guidance. In general, it says to put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm mattress, with no loose blankets, pillows or toys in the crib. A sleeping bag suited to the room temperature replaces the blanket and can't ride up over your baby's face. Avoid overdressing your baby for sleep.
What to look for in fabric and fit
- Organic cotton: soft and breathable, a good fit for sensitive skin. The Villervalla clothes in our collection are 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane, so they stretch easily as you dress your baby.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification: shows the textiles have been tested for harmful substances. Our organic cotton clothes carry this certification.
- Front snaps: in the first weeks, a bodysuit that doesn't go over the head is much easier to put on, especially while the umbilical stump is still there.
- Snaps between the legs: change diapers without undressing your baby completely.
- Nickel-free metal snaps: check the label. The footed pajamas and the sleeping bag in our collection have nickel-free snaps.
- Cuffs at the sleeves and ankles: clothes stay in place and don't ride up.
Wash new clothes before the first wear, with a gentle detergent, at the temperature on the care label.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too many clothes in size 50. This is the most common mistake. Many end up never being worn.
- Too many "outfits" and too few basics. In the first months, babies wear almost nothing but bodysuits, pants and pajamas.
- Only pullover bodysuits. Get at least a few with front snaps.
- Everything for one season. If your baby is born in November, they'll wear size 62 in the middle of winter, not in spring.
- Buying everything before the birth. Get the basics, then fill the gaps once you see what you receive as gifts and how fast your baby grows.
You'll find all the pieces above in our newborn collection, and for the months that follow, in our baby collection.
Frequently asked questions
How many bodysuits does a newborn need?
As a general guide, 6–8 bodysuits for the first months if you do laundry every two or three days. If you wash less often or your baby spits up a lot, add a few more.
What size should I buy for a newborn?
Mostly 56 and 62. Size 50 only fits babies up to 50 cm tall and is worn for a few weeks, so 2–3 pieces are enough.
What should a newborn layette include?
Bodysuits, pants, footed pajamas, a sleeping bag, a jacket or cardigan, hats, socks, a stroller blanket and, in winter, an outdoor overall.
How should I dress my newborn for sleep?
Follow your pediatrician's safe-sleep guidance: on their back, no loose blankets in the crib and no overdressing. A sleeping bag suited to the room temperature is a practical choice.
Should new baby clothes be washed before wearing?
Yes, it's a good idea to wash all new clothes before the first wear, with a gentle detergent, at the temperature on the care label.
