Dressing Your Newborn for the Journey Home from the Hospital
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After your baby has arrived and you have received the green light to go home, you may find yourself with a few questions, especially if you’re a new parent. One question in particular that many first-time parents wonder is, “What should my newborn wear home from the hospital?”
To alleviate some of the stress of coming home from the hospital after your delivery, it’s a great idea to plan your baby’s going home outfit ahead of time—and we’re here to help.
Keep reading for guidance, tips, and considerations for dressing your newborn on their big day home from the hospital.
Table of Content
Considering Weather and Comfort
So, what does a newborn wear home from the hospital? Ultimately, it depends on the weather.
Babies have poor temperature regulation abilities, especially right after they’re born. For this reason, their baby clothing needs to be able to keep warmth in during cold winter months and let warmth out during hotter summer months.
A common mistake parents make when choosing their baby's coming home outfit is putting them in too many layers. Babies need to be warm, but on a nice summer day, extra layers can lead to overheating.
To prevent overheating in warm weather, dress your baby in light layers, like a lightweight one-piece or bodysuit. They may not even need a hat or socks. A thin blanket can be placed over their lap if needed.
For colder weather, additional layers are a must. Consider pairing a bodysuit with long pants or cozy footie pajamas. For extra protection, you can add a knit hat, mittens, or booties.
Safety Tips for Newborn Outfits
Here’s something important to keep in mind: the coming home outfit you dress your newborn in may have an impact on how effective their car seat is. Big, bulky layers can leave a car seat's straps too loose to restrain your child appropriately.1
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you remove outer layers, like a winter jacket, before placing your newborn and children in their car seats. Be sure the rest of their coming home outfit is safe for the ride home by avoiding loose baby clothing, such as hats or warm blankets. These may pose a risk if your baby is jostled out of place during the car ride.
Choosing the Right Fabrics
Babies have very sensitive skin, and newborns are particularly vulnerable to irritation from rough or poor-quality clothing materials.
Generally speaking, the two fabrics you should consider are: 3
Cotton
Bamboo
Both fabrics are super soft and gentle on baby’s skin. They’re also breathable and absorbent, helping to keep moisture at bay. They’re versatile, too—they can help keep your baby’s body temperature regulated.
We design our clothes in our signature, buttery soft Päpook® viscose made from bamboo. Unlike cotton, which can be scratchy and stiff over time, bamboo remains ultra-soft on your child’s delicate skin. It’s lightweight, super stretchy, and ultimately made for comfort and play. The stretchy fabric allows the clothes to grow with your baby, so you’ll spend less time packing away those little outfits, and more time with your baby wearing them again and again.
Other Essentials for the Newborn's Journey Home
Besides baby clothes and a properly installed rear-facing car seat, there are other items you’ll want handy for your baby’s trip home from the hospital.
Other items to pack for the ride home include:
Diaper bag
Extra clothes
Blankets
Seat mirror (so you can see your little one’s beautiful face the whole way home)
Find Cute and Cozy Baby Clothes For Every Occasion From Posh Peanut
Now, when the time comes to bring your new baby home, you can feel prepared with this guide in hand. We even have a hospital bag checklist for moms if you need it.
And, if you’re currently looking for the best newborn clothing, you’ve come to the perfect place. Posh Peanut offers one-pieces, pajamas, socks, and more, all available in adorable colors and prints. Plus, our clothing is made from our unbelievably soft and stretchy viscose from bamboo fabric, Päpook®, so you can be sure your newborn is always cozy, comfortable, and looking cute.
Always check with your pediatrician on issues concerning your baby. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Sources:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Car Seats: Information for Families. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx
2. Parent Herald. The Best Fabric for Baby Clothing and What You Need to Avoid. https://www.parentherald.com/articles/103301/20200921/best-fabric-baby-clothing-what-need-avoid.htm
