
Bringing Baby Home: What Clothes You Actually Need
Because soft skin, sleepy feeds and healing bellies deserve thoughtful layers.
There’s a moment just before you bring your baby home when everything gets quiet. The bags are packed. The car seat is clipped in. And that question sneaks in: “Do I have what they’ll need?”
At Mini Cuddles, we’re here to take the pressure off. Because building a baby’s first wardrobe isn’t about having everything, it’s about having the right things. The soft stuff. The easy bits. The pieces that make those hazy, love-filled first days just a little bit simpler.
Here’s our gentle, no-fuss guide to what you actually need for those early days at home.
1. Bodysuits These are your everyday basics. Go for 4–6 soft cotton bodysuits (short or long sleeve depending on the season). They're perfect for layering, lounging or sleeping.
Look for:
- Envelope necklines (easy to pull over or slide down)
- Nickel-free poppers
- Supersoft cotton blends (gentle on sensitive skin)
And if your baby arrives on the smaller side, don’t worry, opt for adjustable sizing or a few pieces in "newborn" to start. Mini Cuddles bodysuits are breathable, comfy and made to last.
2. Sleepsuits Aim for at least 3–5 of these. You’ll use them constantly, especially in the first few weeks when changes happen round the clock.
Things to love:
- Front poppers or zip closures for quick changes
- Built-in mittens or footies for warmth
- Soft, stretchy material that doesn't rub or ride up
Pro tip: Sleep-deprived parents + fiddly buttons = not a great combo. Choose designs that make life easier, not harder.
3. A Soft Button-Down or Wrap-Top Layer (for Baby)
If you're having a C-section, there’s often a short period after birth where your baby might be held by a midwife or your partner while you’re being looked after.
A soft, easy-to-layer top, like a button-down or wrap-style cardigan, helps keep them warm and snug in those first few minutes, especially in the cooler air of the operating theatre.
It’s a simple but thoughtful piece that makes those in-between moments gentler for your baby.
4. A Few Thoughtful Extras These aren’t must-haves, but they’re lovely to have:
- A soft hoodie or light jacket for cooler days or hospital discharge
- A cotton beanie especially if baby arrives in colder months
- A muslin or swaddle - not technically clothes, but you’ll use them constantly
Choosing Clothes That Care
Babies don’t need a huge wardrobe. But they do need clothes that feel good on their skin and on your conscience.
That’s why every Mini Cuddles piece is made with care:
- OEKO-TEX® certified dyes (no nasties here)
- Fair labour practices
- BCI Cotton Initiative sourcing
- Designed to last through endless cuddles and washes.
The softest hug for your baby and the planet.
Need a place to start? Our Newborn Essentials collection is made for this exact moment. Soft. Breathable. Thoughtfully designed for quick changes, healing bellies and tiny flailing arms.
Our Autumn/Winter collection includes all the thoughtful layers mentioned above - soft, season-appropriate, and easy for tired hands.
Wrap your baby in something better. Explore the collection → All Products