"Bringing a new baby home may be equal parts joyful and terrifying, but there’s no question it is 100 percent full of newborn adorableness. One thing that makes it extra adorable is the perfect coming home outfit for baby.
As you’re thinking about what to pack in your hospital bag, don’t forget that your newborn will need something to wear home, too. For your little one’s first big milestone (well, other than entering the world), you’ll want something that’s as stylish as it is functional. Swaddles and sleep gowns may be adorable, but they won’t work in a car seat since the buckle goes between their legs.
With all the planning and preparation that comes with welcoming a new baby, shopping for a coming home outfit can understandably get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and pulled together some of our very favorite coming home outfits for baby. Including gender-neutral newborn outfit options if you’re not finding out the sex until the big day and personalized options if you’re already know baby’s name. Happy shopping!
How many outfits should I bring to the hospital for a baby?
If you’re finalizing your hospital bag checklist ahead of your baby’s big arrival, one of my favorite things to pack is the coming home outfit. Like choosing a name, it can be a difficult decision to narrow down which outfit is THE coming home outfit—they’re all so cute! However, there are more opportunities to dress your baby while you’re still in the hospital. Another thing to think about is what your baby will be wearing from the time of delivery to the time you’re discharged. So, exactly how many outfits should you bring to the hospital for the baby?
Shortly after your baby is delivered, they are usually dressed in a diaper, a onesie, a baby hat, and then swaddled in a baby blanket. Typically, the hospital will provide some clothing for your baby during your stay, but not every facility is the same. Calling your hospital for details on what they have available may help you decide exactly how much to bring. In the case that you’ll need to pack more baby clothes, bring enough for two to three days with the consideration that your baby may need an extra outfit change—those blowouts catch you by surprise.
If you’re comfortable with everything your hospital has to give when it comes to dressing your baby after delivery, then the coming home outfit may be the only thing you have to think about. Keeping your baby’s gender a surprise? One option is to bring one outfit for a boy and one for a girl—or keep it easy and consider a gender-neutral choice.
What do babies wear coming home from the hospital?
When it’s time to come home, keeping your baby comfortable is key, especially during the car ride from the hospital. You’ll want to dress them in something that will help regulate their body temperature—something a newborn can’t completely do on their own quite yet. Ideally, this looks like a baby hat and onesie or sleeper. Other outfit combinations include a shirt, pants, and socks or baby booties.
What size should a baby’s coming home outfit be?
As for size, it’s hard to predict exactly how big your baby will be before they’re born. If you’re teetering between one size option or the other, getting a newborn-sized outfit and a 0-3 month-sized outfit is a safe bet depending on their delivery size. If your baby will arrive as a preemie, a variety of stores have preemie clothing options, too.
Things to keep in mind when choosing a coming home outfit for baby
The season
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re choosing a coming home outfit for your new bundle of joy, including what season your baby will be born in. Is your due date in the middle of winter? Then a cute outfit to coincide with the cold weather is something to think about. Is baby arriving in the summer? Then consider something lightweight and more breathable.
The material
And while you’re still getting to know your baby, one thing to note is that babies have sensitive skin, too. Choosing something soft to avoid any type of discomfort will help them stay comfortable during their first car ride.
The functionality
Lastly, not every delivery or coming home situation looks the same for every family. I love that there are so many options between buttoned-up clothes or ones that zip, and these simple features could be the deciding factor in what your baby will be coming home in. For example, a baby may need to come home with some extra accessories like a feeding tube, and a buttoned-up option allows the tube to easily weave through their clothing. And If you’re simply just looking for ease, you may prefer a zip-up option instead.
Personalization
Personalizing an outfit for your baby makes a great keepsake. If you’ve already picked out a name, consider ordering an outfit with your future baby’s name or monogram on it. This doesn’t mean you have to have a name picked out right away—especially if you’ve narrowed it down to two. Make it fun and personalize two outfits with each name. Maybe baby “Tru” is truly a “Knox” once you meet them!
Gender Neutral Coming Home Outfits for Baby
An adorable cotton-knit jumpsuit that makes for a sweet keepsake item—and might even match a knit cardigan you have hanging in your closet.
If you’re going for cute and stylish, don’t overlook this cashmere jumpsuit. Your baby will definitely be comfortable in this during the ride home.
Sophie La Girafe—the iconic teething toy—is so cute as a pattern on this printed onesie. This outfit is made from 100% cotton and it comes in a preemie size, too!
If you’re a seaside family, this kimono one-piece gives ‘chill’ baby vibes—something to manifest in the newborn phase and beyond.
This Janie and Jack cable knit matching set is gender neutral, so there’s room for it to be passed down to any kid in the family for years to come.
This set comes in multiple color options, but what I really love about it is that it comes with all the essentials: top, pants, hat, and blanket.
I love that this newborn set comes with a built-in mitten option on the top and the pants are footed, so there’s no way you’ll lose a sock on your way out the door.
Breathable and cute, there are so many color options for this jumpsuit set that comes with a matching hat to keep baby warm.
This gender-neutral clothing set is ‘bear-y’ cute for your new addition to the family.
This classic, personalized footie with a matching hat is a great option for bringing baby home. The outfit can be monogrammed with your newborn’s initials and the hat can display baby’s first name.
Coming Home Outfits for Baby Boys
This super soft, rugby-style one-piece is a classic look for any baby boy making his big debut!
A comfy and cozy set with a matching blue bear-ear beanie? Yes, please!
Whomever invented the zip-up feature on onesies is a genius. Not only is this onesie functional, but it’s soft and stretchy, too.
This romper’s kimono top gives you easy access for skin-to-skin cuddles during the newborn phase.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, heirloom-style outfit, look no further than this Little English design adorned with the cutest tractor.
Not only is this a great coming home outfit for baby but it’s one you’ll surely dress them in again and again because it’s so classic and comfy.
At under $30, this cute set includes four pieces perfect for the journey home: drawstring pants, a long-sleeve top, cozy socks, and a matching hat.
It never hurts to have extra outfit options at the hospital! This two-pack of jumpsuits includes one striped design and one patterned with retro Beelte cars!
If you’re on your way home to introduce your little to his or her furry sibling, it’s only fitting to dress your baby in this puppy-themed loungewear set.
Proudly display your baby’s first name and monogram with this bespoke matching set—perfect for baby’s birth announcement on Instagram!
How cute is this hand-knit outfit featuring buttons and a bear theme? The matching bear booties and tie hat complete the oh-so-sweet look!
Personalized sets for baby’s big debut are some of our favorites—and the reviews on this one make it an instant *add to cart*.
The softness of this footie is like none other as it’s made from 100% pima cotton. Talk about a cozy option!
Because bringing your newborn home feels like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, bring him home in this adorable footie.
Coming Home Outfits for Baby Girls
You won’t be able to resist sneaking in some extra cuddles with your newborn when she’s wearing this knitted sweater outfit!
There’s just something about a little girl in ruffles, right? Pair this waffle zip footie with a matching bow for an extra-special coming home outfit.
If you already know your little girl’s name, this custom embroidered onesie is a no-brainer—it’s beyond adorable!
Personalize your baby’s bubble romper with two font options for the name, cursive or print.
This vintage one-piece comes in pink, too! Have a set of fraternal twins on the way? Get one in each color.
Bows and baby girls are a perfect match. Dress your little lady in this creamy white set with the sweetest floral bows for a memorable first ‘fit.
If your little one is a spring or summertime baby—or if you’re just a lover of florals—throw this option into your mix of possible coming home outfits.
For the future ‘cool girl’ in the family, don’t overlook the two-way-zip feature on this outfit—t’s a ‘cool’ add-on you didn’t know you needed!
We love these soft Old Navy footies so much, why not buy a two-pack in two lovely colors?
We love the classic pink color of this two-way-zip footie—it’s both functional and fashionable for baby’s ride home from the hospital!
Coming Home Outfit Accessories for Babies
Their outfit isn’t complete without a few accessories! Adding a matching hat, bow, mittens, blanket and/or pair of socks adds something extra to their coming home look and also helps keep baby warm and cozy as they leave the hospital. A win-win!
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The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Jaclyn Voran, Contributing Writer
Jaclyn joined The Everymom team as a Contributing Writer in 2020. She brings a strong editorial background as a freelance writer, including being published in The Atlantic. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Kansas.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Intern
As the editorial intern, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.