The "coming home from hospital outfit" is a significant moment in any new parent and newborn babes’ life. When packing your hospital bag for your unborn baby, it's the outfit you fold neatly with excitement and nerves all rolled into one cute little package. Most parents will remember precisely what they dressed their wee new baby in for many years to come (I do, and you will too). It's the outfit that officially (unofficially) starts your life as a new or bigger family.
Before you leave the hospital on your big adventure into parenthood, we need to share a golden formula when dressing your babe for sleep. As you figure each other out, you can dress your new mini in a Long Sleeve Layer and a 1.0 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag. We've done the research for you, and this is the ideal combination to dress your baby in for sleep that will keep them warm and snug in most hospital temperatures.
P.S. You can sleep baby in the Cocoon Swaddle Bag and Long Sleeve Layer when you return home. If your house is a little cooler and your nursey gets below 21 °C opt for a 2.5 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag and a 1.0 TOG long Sleeve Layer. If you’re completely confused by a TOG, don’t worry I was too. You can learn all about TOGs and dressing for sleep here.
The all-important coming home outfit
You want to go for a little bit of style (photo op) functionality and comfort all spun into one adorbs outfit. Plus, you want to dress your baby in organic cotton and natural fibres; their new delicate skin is incredibly sensitive, so dressing them in these fibres is a parent-to-parent hot tip. They will live in onesies/layers for some time to come. You'll need a few thanks to the number of poo explosions you will experience. #truth
We recommend: A Long-Sleeve Layer
Ideally, in winter baby will be dressed in the 1.0 tog style as this is the warmest option on the market. Our Layers are made from a deliciously soft, stretchy organic jersey cotton for comfort and warmth during sleep and daywear. The breathable, natural fibres help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Full of handy features such as 3-way zips for easy nappy changes and dressing, foldover hand and foot cuffs, and zip guards. Our GOTS certified organic fibres are skin-friendly and sensitive to eczema and dry skin conditions. All ergoPouch fabrics are dyed with non-toxic water-based dyes and come in trend-driven prints and colours to suit any nursery And all our prints are designed in-house, now all you have to do is decide between six different prints (hard, I know).
For the Gram/home
If you have older children at home, you could create the cutest first family photo wearing matching Layers. Just imagine, new baby in Layers and bigger kids matching in their PJs or Layers #dreamy.
And we promise PJs all day is a thing; they will live in their new PJs at home.
Don't forget to add a little cardi/jumper, beanie and socks for the journey home. Ensure that their outfit isn't too bulky or padded as this isn't safe in the car, and they could overheat. Make sure you take the beanie off when putting the baby down for the first sleep at home. I guarantee you'll watch baby the entire time. Hot tip have someone (i.e. friend, partner, grandparents, neighbour) turn the heating on, so when you do arrive home, you and bubba are comfortable and cosy.
If you have other children at home, you'll be navigating a whole new journey. It's a magical few days when you bring your baby home, leaning on your tribe (family, friends, neighbours, a doula, grandparents, and so on) will help you navigate those first few weeks. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Finally, it can be super confusing to know what to dress a baby in during those first few weeks (trust us, we have been there). We've written a handy blog that addresses all these questions, plus if you're not sure what a TOG is and how to swaddle we've got your back. You can check out how to safely swaddle here. Alternatively, you can always reach out to our beautiful CS team for any extra advice.
Good luck.
P.S. It truly goes so quickly, soak up every second.