Building Your Baby’s Wardrobe

Have you already bought or received a few baby clothes? No rush, of course. But in this article, we’ll share some tips to help you choose the most comfortable clothing for your baby — in the right size!

Material

First of all, baby clothes should be comfortable. Wool, cotton, and terry cloth are great fabrics because they’re breathable. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester fleece. It may feel soft and warm, but because it doesn’t breathe, it can cause your baby to overheat — which can be dangerous. If you like fleece, choose wool or cotton fleece instead; it exists, though it is a bit more expensive.
Stretchy fabrics are also useful, since they’re easier to put on and take off.

Sizes

Did you know the clothing size refers to the baby’s length in centimeters?
Most babies born between 37–42 weeks fit directly into size 50/56 right after birth.

• If your baby is born before 35 weeks (and in the incubator), they will usually wear size 44.
• Babies born before 37 weeks often wear size 48.
• If your baby weighs 3000–3500 grams, size 50 usually fits best.
• If your baby weighs over 3500 grams, size 50/56 is a good choice.
• If your baby weighs over 4 kg, they’ll likely need size 56 right away.
  Around 36 weeks, feel free to ask us what we estimate your baby's weight will be!

When in doubt: cotton clothing often shrinks, so it’s better to go a size up than a size too small. They’ll grow into it quickly!

How much to buy

Of course, how much you want to buy is a personal choice. But here’s what we recommend having at a minimum:

• 6x pants. Choose soft fabrics that are comfortable for lying down. Some pants come with built-in footies. These help keep little feet warm, but if your baby has long legs, they may not fit well for long. It’s best to buy a few with and a few without footies.
• 6x bodysuits (onesies). Preferably wrap-style bodysuits that don’t go over the head but open like a vest and close with snaps. These are more comfortable for your baby and easier for you.
  We recommend starting with long sleeves — even in summer. Babies get cold quickly in the Dutch climate, and long sleeves keep them warm.
• 6x tops. T-shirts, cardigans or sweaters. It’s handy if they don’t go over the head or if the neckline can be opened with snaps. Avoid hoods — babies lie on their backs most of the time, and hoods can be uncomfortable.
• 1 or more playsuits (boxpakje). These one-piece outfits combine pants and a top. They’re super comfy, stay in place (unlike tops that ride up), and are easy to put on and take off. That’s why many parents love them — babies often wear these in their first year.
• 7x socks. Socks are a love-hate item. Of course, your baby needs something on their feet — but many babies kick off their socks constantly. The washing machine might “eat” them too. That’s why we recommend buying at least 4 baby tights. They stay on, keep the diaper in place, and are nice and warm. Highly recommended — even for baby boys!
  Still want socks? The ones from Bambino (Kruidvat) seem to stay on best.
• 4x hats. Even in summer, newborns should wear a hat for the first few days — they lose a lot of body heat through the head. Choose cotton or wool for breathability and comfort.
• 1x jacket. For outings, it’s helpful to have a little jacket. Choose one size up (size 56/60), since it needs to go over other clothes — otherwise putting it on and taking it off will be difficult.