Arrive in Style: the Best Baby Going Home Outfits for Every Season
February 22, 2022
In the first few days of your little one’s life, there are many important moments you’ll want to treasure forever. One of them is unpacking baby’s going home outfit. “Each time my husband and I were preparing to leave the hospital with our daughters, it was a surreal feeling,” says Kristal Bean, a mom of three from The Woodlands, Texas. “The baby coming home outfit is a celebration of that new life and of motherhood.” And since baby has most likely been wearing simple hospital-issued apparel up until this point, dressing them in that meticulously chosen outfit can feel like a rite of passage.
Experts agree that this milestone can have a deep impact on parents. “It’s the moment when being a family really begins,” says Ann Grauer, a doula coordinator and staff lactation consultant at Columbia Center Birth Hospital in Mequon, Wisconsin. “The first couple of days in the hospital is like a starting place, but not ‘real life.’ Now they are truly a family, making their way into the world.” Baby’s first outfit will be remembered forever, both as a keepsake and through the photos you’ll likely share with family and friends.
Though the trend for baby going home outfits is an important tradition, it’s a fairly modern one. Before the 20th century, the majority of births took place at home, so there was no need to purchase special clothing. Nowadays, choosing an outfit is among the first independent decisions many families make for their baby—so it’s a major milestone for many people. Here’s what you’ll want to get—plus some adorable picks for the best baby going home outfits.
In this article:
Baby going home outfit basics
Best baby boy coming home outfits
Best baby girl coming home outfits
Best gender neutral baby coming home outfits
So what exactly should your baby coming home outfit include? “Outfits can vary based on what parents feel fits their family’s style,” says Melissa Gersin, RN, a former maternity nurse turned baby-product inventor. “As long as baby has on a diaper and is dressed appropriately for the weather, there’s no right or wrong outfit.” Some parents go all out dressing baby in a beautiful dress, while others just put baby in a basic onesie. But with all that new parents go through, getting baby dressed is, indeed, a major accomplishment, Gersin says.
Baby going home outfit essentials
Keep these bringing baby home outfit essentials prepared ahead of time so you can focus on enjoying those early moments with your new arrival:
• Onesie. “A onesie is a perfect, basic building block for clothing,” Grauer says. “If baby is too cool, more thin layers of clothing can be added. If baby is warm, the onesie itself is the outfit.” Not to mention that these all-in-one looks are utterly adorable!
• Hat. Even in warmer weather, newborns do well with a baby beanie or knot cap, since their tiny bodies can easily lose heat. If you buy a baby coming home outfit with an included hat, make sure it’s small enough for baby’s first days, as they sometimes run big, Grauer says.
• Socks. Babies don’t easily keep socks on, but they’ll need that extra layer of warmth, since “they receive little blood flow to their tootsies,” Grauer says. You can also opt for booties, which may stay on better.
• Leave the mittens at home. You may worry about scratching, but Grauer says that newborns need their hands. “Those hands have been their friends and comfort for nine months and they can even help soothe a baby on that first ride home.”
When you’re figuring out your baby coming home outfit, you’ll also want to consider these factors:
• Weather. Layers are key to anticipate temperature changes. Your newborn take-home outfit choice will vary based on where you live and current conditions. But it never hurts to consider packing an extra onesie or cardigan—just in case. A breathable cotton or muslin blanket is also a great item to have on hand.
• Comfort. “As most babies are likely just going right into a car seat, comfort is important too, so simple is best,” Mitzner says.
• Easy on-off. Simplicity and function reign supreme. Babies need frequent diaper changes, and intricate ensembles make that process more complicated. Cuteness factor is great, but accessibility is key. What’s more, newborns tend to be a bit floppy, and getting them dressed can be a little tricky at first.
Baby going home outfit sizing
Buying the right size for the baby coming home outfit seems straightforward, but it can sometimes be a challenge. Most baby outfits run big these days, with the majority sized for a 3-month-old rather than an infant, Gersin says. This is especially the case for any outfits labeled 0-3 months. “Unless you know your baby will be 9 to 10 pounds at birth, it’s best to only bring clothing labeled as ‘newborn’ to the hospital,” she says.
If you’re worried, bring two options for the newborn take-home outfit: one that’s small and one that’s a bit bigger. But there’s no need to stress too much about this. “If the outfit is a bit too big, baby won’t care and the outfit will function to keep baby warm and protected against the elements,” Gersin says. And if the outfit is a wee bit small? You can make some simple adjustments as needed: Don’t snap the onesie closed at the bottom, keep hoodies unzipped or scrap a too-snug sweater altogether.
Above all else, have fun shopping for baby’s first outfit. Find something you love and enjoy this milestone moment. You’ll be bringing baby home soon, and this is something to celebrate—so don’t stress). Baby will look adorable no matter what you choose.
When looking for the best baby going home outfit, consider factors like the climate, material and style. If you’re due in summer, natural fabrics like cotton and muslin are a great choice. For winter arrivals, opt for fleece-lined hats, cozy booties and bodysuits with long sleeves. Ready to start your search? Take a look at these cute baby boy coming home outfits for inspiration for every season.
Newborn boy coming home outfit for spring
Rain or shine, this newborn take-home outfit for boys is sure to be a hit. The organic cotton fabric is super-soft and gentle on sensitive newborn skin. Plus, the wrap-style front and nickel-free snap fasteners won’t irritate baby’s umbilical cord stump. Bonus: This look comes with a matching hat for added warmth.
Get the look: Burt’s Bees Baby Dotted Jacquard Stripe Organic Baby Jumpsuit & Knot Top Hat Set, $19, BurtsBeesBaby.com
Newborn boy coming home outfit for summer
When things heat up, a short-sleeve romper is a great summer-ready newborn look. We adore this kimono-style romper by Monica & Andy—it’s made from GOTs organic cotton, has easy snap-fasteners and comes in a range of cute prints. Pair it with booties and a knot cap to keep baby’s extremities nice and warm.
Get the look: Monica and Andy Sweet Baby B Romper, $25, MonicaandAndy.com; Burt’s Bees Baby Solid Adjustable Organic Baby Booties, $17, BurtsBeesBaby.com; Monica and Andy Top Knot Cap, $12, Monicaandndy.com
Newborn boy coming home outfit for fall
Dress your little cub in this darling bringing baby home outfit for fall. The footed onesie keeps baby cozy and warm, fold-over mittens prevent scratching, a two-way zipper prevents any new parent fluster and the autumnal animal print makes for a memorable photo. And get a load of that adorable beanie, complete with bear ears!
Get the look: Old Navy Unisex Printed Sleep & Play Footed One-Piece and Critter Beanie Set for Baby, $19, OldNavy.com
Newborn boy coming home outfit for winter
Keep your little man toasty warm with this four-piece look. The set includes a cardigan, pants, hat and a matching blanket crafted from luxuriously, soft cotton. Now that’s a simple but swoon-worthy newborn take-home outfit if ever we saw one.
Get the look: Barefoot Dreams Cardigan, Pants, Beanie & Blanket Set, $99, Nordstrom.com
You might be tempted to go with an intricate lace-embellished, button-fastened dress for your little lady, but you’ll want to make sure your choice is comfortable, seasonally appropriate and easy to put on and take off. Lucky for you, there are plenty of options that strike a balance between the pretty and the practical. Below, check out our favorite baby girl coming home outfits for all four seasons.
Newborn girl coming home outfit for spring
This three-piece cotton outfit will keep baby cozy on a brisk spring day—and it’s pretty cute to boot. The coordinated set includes a kimono-style top, pull-on footed pants and a sweet headband to complete the look. Better yet, the top has convenient fold-over cuffs to protect baby from fingernail scratches.
Get the look: Honest Baby 3-Piece Organic Cotton Side Snap Top, Footed Pant and Headband, $25, HonestBabyClothing.com
Newborn girl coming home outfit for summer
When it’s warm outside and an extra layer isn’t called for, a sleeveless romper is the way to go. Crafted from the finest Peruvian pima cotton, this one-piece has a delicate floral print and crotch snaps for easy diaper changes. Even in summertime, though, don’t forget a lightweight newborn hat and socks.
Get the look: Kissy Kissy Garden Roses Ruffle Bubble, $39, KissyKissy.com; Kissy Kissy Garden Roses Hat, $12, KissyKissy.com; Janie and Jack Bow Sock, $9, JanieandJack.com
Newborn girl coming home outfit for fall
When the weather begins to cool, a footie ensemble is the perfect baby coming home outfit. We like this mustard yellow pick from Tea Collection. It’s got snap fasteners down the front, foldover mittens and a modern floral print. Plus, your little one will get plenty of everyday use out of this organic cotton one-piece. Complete the look with the matching hat.
Get the look: Tea Collection Footed Baby Romper, $27, TeaCollection.com; Tea Collection Baby Hat Set, $17, TeaCollection.com
Newborn girl coming home outfit for winter
A quilted romper will keep winter’s chill at bay—and this piece’s kimono-style design will make dressing a breeze. Add a baby bonnet and fluffy booties and you have a precious and practical newborn take-home outfit.
Get the look: Burt’s Bees Baby Quilted Organic Cotton Romper, $22, Nordstrom.com; Zutano Cozie Furry Baby Bootie, $24, Zutano.com; Boden Baby Cashmere Fair Isle Bonnet, $60, BodenUSA.com
Whether you’re waiting until the big day to find out baby’s sex or simply want something beyond classic pink and blue apparel, there are tons of gender neutral clothes on offer. Here, our picks of the most adorable gender-neutral newborn coming home outfits, including options for each season.
Gender neutral coming home outfit for spring
Your little one deserves the very best—that’s why we love this adorable set made from pure, pima cotton. The bodysuit is decorated with original Winnie the Pooh artwork, that’ll look lovely on boys and girls. Pair it with these honey-colored booties and a simple white hat for a timeless baby going home outfit.
Get the look: Disney Winnie the Pooh Wiggle Set, $46, HannaAndersson.com; Baby Mori Hat, $15, BabyMori.com; Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Cozy Fleece Booties, starting from $7, Amazon.com
Gender neutral coming home outfit for summer
A cotton bodysuit in neutral tones is perfect for summer babies. Finn & Emma has a huge range of bold prints and patterns, including this cute option that reads “I’m new here.” Add a pop of color with accessories like this red baby bonnet and rainbow socks.
Get the look: Finn & Emma I’m New Here Bodysuit, $22, FinnandEmma.com; Finn & Emma Bonnet Hat, $14, FinnandEmma.com; Primary Baby’s First Sock Sunburst, $15 for a set of 2, Primary.com
Gender neutral coming home outfit for fall
A long sleeve top, beanie hat and pants with feet will keep your little one cute and cozy as the air turns crisp. Plus, that monochromatic baby bear print is perfect for boys and girls.
Get the look: Gap Baby 100% Organic Cotton Bear Outfit Set, $45, Gap.com
Gender neutral coming home outfit for winter
Searching for a special newborn take-home outfit? Jazz up a standard bodysuit and pant set with a gorgeous knitted sweater and hat, perfect for those blustery winter days.
Get the look: H&M 2-Piece Merino Wool Set, $50, HM.com; Old Navy Unisex 3-Piece Slub-Knit Bodysuit, Pants & Hat Layette Set for Baby, $19, OldNavy.com
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