The Best Baby Going Home Outfits for Your Newborn

December 21, 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 your newborn’s coming 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 real 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.
Choosing an outfit is among the first independent decisions many families make for their baby—so it’s a major parenting milestone. 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 girl coming home outfits
Best baby boy coming home outfits
Best gender neutral baby coming home outfits
So what exactly should a 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.
Newborn coming home outfit essentials
Get these outfit essentials prepared ahead of time so you can focus on enjoying those early moments with your new arrival:
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Onesie. “A onesie is a perfect, basic building block for infant 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!
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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. A knot cap is handy as they can be adjusted to fit baby’s head.
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Socks. Babies don’t easily keep socks on, but they might 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.
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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:
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Weather. Layers are key to anticipate temperature changes. Your newborn coming home outfit 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.
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Comfort. “As most babies are likely just going right into a car seat, comfort is important too, so simple is best,” Mitzner says. Skip outfits with intricate embroidery or lace, in favor of soft cotton basics that won’t irritate sensitive newborn skin.
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Easy on-off. Simplicity and function reign supreme. Babies need frequent diaper changes, and ensembles with finicky fasteners make that process more complicated. 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 a 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 to 3 months. “Unless you know 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. Your little one will look adorable no matter what you choose.
You might be tempted to go with a 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.
Best baby girl coming home outfit set
Rain or shine, this newborn coming home outfit 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. This look comes in three cute colors and includes a matching knot cap for added warmth.
Best baby girl coming home outfit with headband
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. Bonus: Get 15 percent off your Honest purchase with code THEBUMP.
Best knot gown baby girl coming home outfit
Don’t have much experience changing a squirmy baby? A knotted gown will make things easier. Perfect for little girls and boys, these instant outfits are easy to undo and fasten. Simply untie the knot at the bottom to get instant access to baby’s diaper, and gently ease their arms out of the lap shoulders for speedy outfit changes. This pick by Caden Lane is adorned with a sweet love-heart print and comes with a hat to keep baby’s head toasty.
Best bodysuit baby girl coming home outfit
When it's warm outside and an extra layer isn't called for, a sleeveless romper is the way to go. Crafted from soft cotton, this one-piece has a whimsical hummingbird print and crotch snaps for easy diaper changes. It even comes with a baby bonnet and socks, which are a necessity, even in summertime.
Best organic cotton baby girl coming home outfit
Made from 100 percent organic cotton, this set boasts a two-tone fawn print for a coordinated newborn look. The wrapover bodysuit has snaps along the chest and at the crotch for easy off-and-on. Meanwhile the knot cap and stretchy pants can be adjusted to fit baby. Just don’t forget a pair of socks or booties to keep those toes warm.
Best baby girl coming home layette bundle
If you don’t have time to source a cute newborn coming home outfit, a layette set is a good option. This bundle includes a crossover bodysuit, leggings, a hat and a blanket in a delicate heart pattern for your little love.
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.
Best romper baby boy coming home outfit
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 cute elephant print. Pair it with booties and a hat to keep baby’s extremities nice and warm. Bonus: Use code BUMP20 to get 20 percent off your first purchase.
Best wrap top baby boy coming home outfit
Wrap-style tops are great in those early days with baby, as they minimize contact with the umbilical cord stump and are easy to take on and off. We like this option by Tea Collection. It’s got snap fasteners at the sides, a quirky blowfish print and comes with a pair of soft, pull-on pants. Pair it with the matching cap and fuzzy socks for a unique newborn coming home outfit.
Best one-piece baby boy coming home outfit

A footed sleeper is the perfect baby coming home outfit. There are tons of options to choose from but we like this pick by Baby Mori. Inspired by the classic kids’ tale The Very Hungry Caterpillar, it has a simple yet nostalgic design. Plus, a full-length zipper and foldover mittens make it a practical option too. Trust us, your little one will get plenty of everyday use out of this organic cotton one-piece. Complete the look with a hat.
Best bamboo baby boy coming home outfit
Crafted from a buttery-soft bamboo, this newborn coming home outfit checks a lot of boxes. Specially designed for the youngest infants, the two-piece set is tagless for comfort and has foldover feet and mittens to prevent scratching and keep baby’s digits warm. Plus, the breathable material keeps baby warm in winter and cool in summer, meaning it's a great option all year round.
Best baby boy sleeper coming home outfit
Your little one deserves the very best—that’s why we love this adorable sleeper made from heirloom-quality cotton. It comes in plenty of prints, but we like this whale-pattern for little boys. Plus, a handy chin to knee zipper makes diaper changes a breeze.
Best knitted baby boy coming home layette bundle
Keep your little man toasty warm with this four-piece set. It includes a sweater, pants, bonnet and a matching blanket crafted from luxuriously soft cotton. Now that’s a simple but swoon-worthy newborn coming home outfit if ever we saw one.
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.
Best luxury baby coming home outfit
Barefoot Dreams is known for their luxurious loungewear and super-soft blankets, but did you know they make baby clothes too? This classic white set is perfect for baby’s journey home from the hospital. A dreamy wrap-top, pants and a matching beanie are paired with a receiving blanket for your sweet bundle of joy.
Best two-piece baby coming home outfit
How sweet is this newborn coming home outfit by Kissy Kissy? The two-piece look includes a white wrapover top with foldover mitts and jungle-print pants, complete with feet. The best part? It’s crafted from the softest Peruvian pima cotton, so it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
Best baby coming home outfit featuring the year
Searching for an extra-special newborn coming home outfit? This affordable set comes with all the layering essentials you need—think a sleeper suit, hat, leggings and a bandana bib, plus a bodysuit with baby’s birth year.
Best colorful baby coming home outfit
Baby may not be ready to learn their ABCs yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress them in this fun alphabet-inspired look. Made from soft cotton, this newborn coming home outfit has a snug fit, built-in feet and a matching hat.
Best baby coming home cardigan set
A bodysuit, pull-on pants and light cotton cardigan will keep your little one cute and cozy, whatever the weather. Each piece is beautiful in its own right, but the garments are doubly adorable when paired together. Plus, the animal print makes for a memorable photo.
Best baby sleeper coming home outfit
A cotton sleeper suit in neutral tones makes an ideal newborn coming home outfit. This option by Little Me has a delicate polka-dot print and a sweet slogan that reads: “Welcome to the world.” And, yes, it comes with a hat.
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