Preparing a complete newborn layette for 0–3 months is one of the most exciting parts of expecting a baby. But what do you really need? How many bodysuits should you buy? Is wool or cotton better? Which size should you choose?
In this guide, you will find a complete newborn layette checklist, organised in a practical, seasonal way, with advice on choosing quality garments suitable for delicate skin.
A newborn layette includes all the essential garments your baby will wear during the first months of life.
The ideal time to prepare it is between the seventh and eighth month of pregnancy, allowing you to have everything ready without unnecessary stress.
It is important to distinguish between:
Newborn layette → essential garments for 0–3 months
Baby registry → a broader list of accessories and gifts
A good complete newborn layette is not excessive, but functional.
Here is what you really need during the first months.
Bodysuits are the most frequently used garments during the first months.
For 0–3 months, you will generally need:
at least 5–7 bodysuits
a combination of long-sleeved and short-sleeved styles
Changes can be frequent during the first few days, so having a few extra bodysuits is useful.
For delicate skin, it is advisable to choose:
newborn bodysuits made from natural cotton
or bodysuits made from extrafine merino wool, which is thermoregulating and gentle
👉 Read more: how many bodysuits are really needed for a newborn layette.
RompersRompers are practical for both daytime and night-time wear.
Recommended quantity:
4–6 rompers in total
preferably styles with a front opening
During winter, they can be worn over merino wool or warm cotton bodysuits.
Perfect for dressing your baby in layers.
2–3 jumpers are sufficient
front-opening styles are usually more practical
Knitwear made from natural fibres supports better regulation of body temperature.
An essential item during the first few days, particularly in hospital.
One or two are sufficient, made from cotton or merino wool depending on the season.
An often underestimated but very useful item.
1 wool blanket for winter
1 cotton blanket for the transitional seasons
A blanket can be used in the pram, during feeding and on your baby’s first journeys away from home.
Merino wool or warm cotton bodysuits
Long rompers
A lightweight jumper
A warm blanket
Extrafine merino wool is thermoregulating: it retains warmth without causing excessive perspiration.
Long-sleeved bodysuits
A lightweight jumper
A medium-weight blanket
The best solution is to dress your baby in layers.
Short-sleeved or sleeveless bodysuits
A lightweight romper
A breathable muslin cloth
Natural cotton supports breathability and helps keep the skin dry.
This is one of the most frequently searched questions and an important consideration when preparing a newborn layette.
Breathable
Soft
Easy to wash
Ideal for summer
Thermoregulating
Helps maintain a stable body temperature
Naturally antibacterial
Suitable for sensitive skin
The right choice depends on the season and the quality of the yarn.
High-quality extrafine merino wool does not feel itchy and is suitable even during the first months.
Baby sizes during the first months can be confusing.
As a general guide:
0 months → up to approximately 50 cm
1 month → up to approximately 56 cm
3 months → up to approximately 62 cm
It is best not to buy too many garments in size 0 months, especially if the baby is expected to have an above-average birth weight.
Not sure whether to choose size 0 months or size 1 month? Read our complete newborn size guide and discover how to choose according to your baby’s measurements and the fit of each garment.
For a hospital stay, you will generally need:
3 bodysuits
2 rompers
1 hat
1 blanket
Socks
It is always advisable to check the specific instructions provided by your chosen hospital.
A common mistake is buying too much when preparing a newborn wardrobe for the first months.
An essential newborn layette should focus on:
a smaller number of high-quality garments
natural fibres
safe, certified materials
a carefully designed fit
garments made to last season after season
Investing in well-made garments provides comfort for your baby while helping reduce waste.
So, what do you need for a newborn layette?
Preparing a complete newborn layette for 0–3 months means making thoughtful choices.
A smaller number of natural, soft and well-made garments can accompany your baby safely and comfortably throughout the first months.
Discover the Maglificio di Verona selection of bodysuits, rompers and blankets made from natural fibres and designed for delicate baby skin.
Complete newborn layette checklist.
It is generally advisable to prepare the layette between the seventh and eighth month of pregnancy, giving you enough time to choose suitable sizes, seasonal garments and genuinely useful items.
During the first months, you will mainly need bodysuits, rompers, a jumper or cardigan, a hat and a blanket. The exact quantity depends on the season and how frequently you do laundry.
On average, you will need 5–7 bodysuits for 0–3 months, ideally combining long-sleeved and short-sleeved styles according to the season. It is useful to have an additional 1–2 as spares during the first few days.
It depends on the season. Natural cotton is ideal for summer because it is breathable, while extrafine merino wool is thermoregulating and particularly suitable for winter and the transitional seasons. High-quality merino wool is also suitable for sensitive skin.
During the first months, one change a day is often enough, although two changes may sometimes be necessary during the first few days because of spit-up, nappy leaks or perspiration. A small number of extra garments is therefore useful.
Usually, 2–3 garments in size 0 months are sufficient because many newborn babies grow quickly. It is generally better to buy the remaining items in size 1 month so that they can be worn for longer.
You will generally need 3 bodysuits, 2 rompers, 1 hat, 1 blanket and socks, choosing materials suited to the season. Always check the instructions provided by your hospital.
For an essential newborn layette, it is often better to choose a smaller number of well-made garments in natural fibres. These can retain their softness and fit over time while reducing waste and unnecessary replacements.
It is best to limit fabrics that are not very breathable or contain a high proportion of synthetic fibres, especially when worn directly against the skin. Natural fibres can support comfort and temperature regulation.
For cotton: use gentle washing cycles and moderate temperatures.
For merino wool: use the wool cycle, a small amount of detergent, cool or lukewarm water and dry flat. Always follow the care instructions on the label.
During winter, 6–7 long-sleeved bodysuits may be useful, particularly when the baby is born during the coldest months.
If your baby is born in September, it is useful to have lightweight long-sleeved bodysuits together with a few warmer garments for the first weeks.
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