What to Pack for Your Newborn's First Days
There's a particular kind of nesting that happens in the final weeks before a baby arrives — a quiet urge to have everything ready, folded, and within reach. It doesn't need to be complicated. A newborn, in truth, needs very little. What matters is that the little they need is soft, simple and easy to reach for at 3 a.m.
For the hospital bag
Pack two or three going-home outfits in different sizes — newborns can arrive smaller or larger than expected, and it helps to have options. A soft muslin swaddle, a knot gown for easy nappy changes, and a pair of soft mittens round out the essentials. Keep everything in cotton fabrics that are gentle against new skin.
For the first weeks home
Beyond the hospital bag, the first weeks are really about rotation — having enough soft, simple pieces that laundry never becomes urgent. We'd suggest five to seven bodysuits, three to four rompers or sleepsuits, and two to three swaddles as a comfortable starting point, adjusted for how often you plan to do laundry.
What you can skip, for now
It's tempting to buy every size at once, but newborns grow quickly in the first months. We'd gently suggest holding off on anything beyond 3–6 months until you have a better sense of how your baby is growing — you can always add pieces as they're needed.
Above all, choose softness over everything else. The first days are about comfort, closeness and the quiet business of getting to know each other — the right wardrobe simply gets out of the way and lets that happen.