How to Choose the Perfect Take-Me-Home Outfit for Your Newborn:
What Size Should You Get?
There is something so special about choosing your baby's take-me-home outfit. After months of waiting, imagining those tiny fingers and toes, you finally get to picture your newborn leaving the hospital and heading home with you.
But there is one question almost every new parent asks:
What size should I get for my newborn's take-me-home outfit?
Newborn sizing can be confusing, especially when you are trying to decide between preemie, newborn, and 0-3 months. Babies come in all different sizes, and the last thing you want is to pack an outfit that is too small or one that completely swallows your tiny baby.
Here is everything you need to know when choosing the perfect newborn take-me-home outfit.
What Size Take-Me-Home Outfit Should I Buy?
For most babies, a newborn-size outfit is the safest choice for a traditional take-me-home outfit.
Newborn clothing is generally designed for babies around 5-8 pounds, although sizing varies by brand. If your baby is expected to be on the smaller side, you may want to pack a preemie outfit as well.
If your baby is expected to be larger, a 0-3 month outfit may be a better fit.
Because you cannot always predict exactly how big your baby will be at birth, we recommend packing two sizes in your hospital bag if you have room:
- One newborn outfit
- One 0-3 month outfit
If your doctor has indicated that you may have a particularly small baby, adding a preemie outfit is also a smart idea.
What Is the Difference Between Preemie, Newborn, and 0-3 Months?
Understanding baby clothing sizes can make choosing your take-me-home outfit much easier.
Preemie
Preemie clothing is designed for smaller babies, generally under about 5 pounds. That being said they can fit up to a 7 pound baby and you may want a perfect fit for that first picture.
If you are expecting a premature baby or have been told your baby is measuring very small, having a preemie outfit packed can give you an option that fits those tiny newborn proportions.
Preemie clothes can be surprisingly difficult to find, which is one reason we recommend planning ahead if you think your baby may need this size.
Newborn
Newborn is typically the size most parents picture when they think of a take-me-home outfit.
These outfits are designed specifically for those first few weeks of life and are generally smaller and more fitted than 0-3 month clothing.
If your baby is expected to weigh somewhere around 5-8 pounds, newborn is often a great place to start.
0-3 Months
0-3 month clothing generally accommodates a larger range of babies and is designed to last a little longer than newborn sizing.
If your baby is expected to be larger at birth, or if you simply want an outfit with a little extra room, 0-3 months may be the better option.
Keep in mind that a 0-3 month outfit may look a little oversized on a smaller newborn, particularly in the sleeves and legs.
Should I Buy a Newborn or 0-3 Month Take-Me-Home Outfit?
If you are trying to decide between the two, consider your baby's estimated birth weight.
Estimated 4-5 pounds: Consider preemie and newborn.
Estimated 5-8 pounds: Newborn is usually a great option.
Estimated 8+ pounds: Consider newborn and 0-3 months.
Of course, these are only general guidelines. Every baby is different, and clothing brands can vary in their sizing.
That's why our favorite advice for new parents is simple: pack more than one size.
You can spend months choosing the most beautiful outfit, but if it doesn't fit your baby when the big day arrives, you will be glad you packed a backup.
What Should a Newborn Wear Home From the Hospital?
Your baby's take-me-home outfit should be comfortable, easy to put on, and appropriate for the weather.
Depending on the season, you might choose:
- A soft cotton gown
- A footed sleeper
- A long-sleeve bodysuit and pants
- A bubble or romper
- A classic knit outfit
- A special occasion-style take-me-home outfit
For warmer weather, lightweight cotton is a great choice. During colder months, you may want layers such as a soft sweater, cardigan, or blanket.
Remember that your baby will also need to be safely secured in a properly installed car seat, so avoid bulky layers underneath the harness.
What Features Should I Look for in a Take-Me-Home Outfit?
When you are looking at those adorable newborn outfits, it can be easy to focus entirely on how cute they are.
But comfort and practicality matter too.
Look for Soft Fabrics
Newborn skin is delicate, so soft cotton and other comfortable fabrics are excellent choices.
Choose Easy Closures
New parents quickly discover that newborns require a lot of outfit changes.
Snaps, zippers, stretchy necklines, and other easy closures can make dressing your baby much simpler.
Consider the Weather
Think about the temperature when your baby will be leaving the hospital.
A newborn going home in July will have very different clothing needs than a newborn going home in January.
Think About the Car Seat
Your baby will likely be leaving the hospital in a car seat, so make sure the outfit works safely with the harness.
Avoid putting thick coats or bulky clothing underneath the car seat straps.
Don't Forget the Accessories
Your take-me-home outfit can be as simple or as special as you want it to be.
Some parents love a classic, simple outfit while others want to create a complete keepsake look.
Depending on the season, you might add:
- A newborn hat
- Socks or booties
- A coordinating blanket
- A cardigan
- A bow or headband
- A special embroidered accessory
Just remember that anything loose, including blankets and accessories, should be removed when your baby is properly secured in the car seat.
What If My Baby Doesn't Fit the Outfit?
Don't worry!
This is one of the biggest reasons we recommend packing a backup size.
Ultrasounds and estimated birth weights are helpful, but they are not guarantees. Your baby may be smaller or larger than expected.
Your carefully chosen newborn outfit might be perfect, or your baby might need that 0-3 month backup you packed just in case.
And that is completely okay.
The most important thing is that your baby is comfortable, safe, and coming home with you.
Shop Preemie, Newborn & Personalized Take-Me-Home Outfits at Tweedle Beedle
At Tweedle Beedle, we know how important those first outfits are.
We carry baby clothing starting with preemie and newborn sizes, making it easier for parents to find those tiny first outfits that can sometimes be surprisingly difficult to locate.
Want to make your baby's take-me-home outfit even more special? We can personalize your newborn outfit right here at Tweedle Beedle with custom name embroidery or a beautiful monogram. Adding your baby's name or initials turns an already special outfit into a keepsake you can treasure long after your little one has outgrown it.
Personalized newborn outfits also make wonderful baby shower gifts, coming-home gifts, and gifts for new grandparents who want something special to remember baby's arrival.
Whether you are looking for a classic take-me-home outfit, a personalized newborn outfit, a special outfit for your baby's first photos, a sweet sibling set, or everyday newborn clothing, we are here to help you find something perfect for your newest little love.
Shopping for a baby shower? Let us help you create a personalized gift set featuring a beautiful newborn outfit embroidered with baby's name or monogram.
From their very first outfit to the milestones that follow, Tweedle Beedle is here to help you make life's most special moments even more personal.
Our Best Advice for Choosing Your Take-Me-Home Outfit
If you are still unsure what size to buy, here is our best advice:
Buy one newborn outfit and one 0-3 month outfit.
If your baby is expected to be particularly small, add a preemie outfit to your hospital bag.
That way, you are prepared for whatever size your little one turns out to be.
And remember, your baby's take-me-home outfit does not have to be elaborate. The perfect outfit is one that fits comfortably, works for the weather, is safe in the car seat, and makes you smile when you look back at those first pictures.
Because one day, that tiny outfit will probably be tucked away in a keepsake box, and you will wonder how your baby ever fit inside it.
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