The Real Newborn Clothing Checklist
Welcoming a newborn is exciting - but figuring out the right clothes can quickly become overwhelming. To help, here's a detailed checklist with practical tips on each item, so you can build your baby's wardrobe that is soft, sustainable & sensible.
- Merino Bodysuits - 4-6 Pieces
- Why? Bodysuits are your baby's everyday foundation layer.
- Material: Choose ZQ Merino for its temperature regulation & hypoallergenic properties.
- Style: Long or short sleeve depending on the season, a mixture of both for a newborn is ideal.
- Tip: Choose a bodysuit with an envelope neckline, to avoid wrestling baby's head through a tight opening.
2. Merino Layers - 2-3 Pieces
- Why? Babies cant regulate their temperature well, so layers help keep them comfortable.
- Material: Merino provides warmth without overheating breathes naturally.
- Style: Pullovers, cardigans or light sweaters work well for layering indoors or outdoors.
- Tip: Choose styles that are easy to take on and off.
3. Merino Sleepwear - 2 Pieces (Sleep gowns)
- Why? Sleepwear needs to be comfortable, safe, & practical for night time nappy changes.
- Material: ZQ Merino is gentle on skin & regulates body temperature while baby sleeps.
- Style: Gowns allow room for growth and easy nappy access.
- Tip: Avoid loose blankets in the cot; use sleep sacks or swaddles over the gown instead.
4. Pants or leggings - 2-3 Pairs
- Why? These provide extra warmth and coverage, especially for crawling babies.
- Material: ZQ Merino or Organic Cotton
- Style: Leggings or pants with stretchy waistbands for comfort. Harem pants are fantastic when using bulky reusable nappies.
- Tip: Avoid pants with restrictive waistbands or rough seams.
5. Socks or Booties - 3-4 Pairs
- Why? Keeping tiny feet warm helps regulate overall body temperature.
- Material: ZQ Merino Booties or Merino socks are breathable, warm and wick moisture away.
- Tip: Choose socks with gentle and stretchy elastic cuffs.
6. Hats - 1-2 Pieces
- Why? Babies loose a lot of heat through their heads, especially newborns.
- Material: Soft ZQ Merino or Organic Cotton
- Style: Simple beanie or caps that fit snuggly without tightness.
- Tip: Avoid hats with strings or ties that could be a safety hazard.
7. Muslin Cloths - 2-4 Pieces
- Why? Incredibly versatile for burping, swaddling, wiping, or as light covers.
- Material: Lightweight cotton muslin is breathable & easy to wash.
- Tip: Keep multiple on hand for quick changes.
8. Swaddles or Sleep Sacks - 2-3 Pieces
- Why? Swaddles soothe newborns by mimicking the womb snugness; sleep sacks keep babies warm safely.
- Material: Merino or Organic Cotton, breathable but cozy.
- Tip: Transition out of swaddles as baby learns to roll.
9. Blankets - 2-3 Pieces
- Why? Extra warmth for outings or for play time on the floor.
- Materials: Choose breathable natural fibers to avoid overheating, ZQ Merino, Organic Cotton or Muslin.
- Tip: Use blankets with care & avoid loose bedding in baby's cot.
What You Don't Need (Yet)
- Large quantities of cheap cotton clothes that lose shape, pill and don't regulate body temperature well.
- Baby Shoes, before walking stage
- Excessive 'cute' outfits that wont be worn often.
- Too many blankets - quality over quantity is best.
❤️ Ready to Shop?
Now that you know what your baby really needs - & why ZQ Merino makes all the difference - you can start building a wardrobe that's soft, simple & sustainable from day one.
✨ Explore our handmade ZQ Merino essentials below:
Everything is handmade in New Zealand from ZQ-Certified Merino Wool - for comfort, safety, & piece of mind (even on the most chaotic days).