The newborn clothing checklist for the first 12 weeks

Newborns grow out of their first size in about eight weeks, so buying deep in 0-3 M is the most common first-time-parent mistake. Six to eight bodysuits, four sleepsuits and two swaddles cover a normal laundry cycle.

Choose muslin and organic cotton for anything worn against the skin. Both breathe well, soften with every wash and avoid the trapped heat that synthetic blends create.

Skip anything with buttons at the back, decorative beads, or drawstrings. Envelope necklines and front snaps make 3am changes far quicker.