The lead up to having a baby is so exciting and collecting the perfect items for their wardrobe will be a highlight of your preparations. There is a lot to consider from newborn clothing essentials that will help your little one feel comfortable and secure, to the items they need for their nursery and pram, right through to toys and special occasion outfits. You can shop for the essentials at your local supermarket, online and through a specialty baby boutique like Purebaby.

The foundation of every wardrobe is a set of bodysuits that will provide your infant with the most comfort as they grow. Look for these in breathable materials and with easy-to-snap buttons or snaps or side snaps, such as the ones from Hanes or Burt’s Bees. You will need between four and five of these to get you through the first few months of your baby’s life.

If your newborn will be spending time outdoors in cooler weather, make sure you have a few winter bodysuits or a cosy full-body outerwear item that will protect them against the elements. A puffer snowsuit or bunting is ideal as it will wrap them up so they don’t expose any skin to the cold. For indoors, a fleece coat will keep them warm and snug.

Cardigans are another wardrobe staple for newborns. They are perfect to wear over bodysuits and long-sleeved tops in the winter, or a singlet bodysuit during warmer months. You’ll want to purchase several plain cardigans for home, and a couple dressy cardigans that you can use when taking your baby out. A hat is an important accessory too, as babies lose most of their heat through their heads. A beanie hat with a wide brim will help shield their little faces from the sun, while still allowing them to look around.

You’ll also need plenty of socks and booties to keep their little feet warm, especially when it’s cold. You can find these in a variety of colours and patterns, but you’ll want to choose socks that are soft on their delicate skin.

For summertime, you’ll need a few pairs of shorts in a lightweight fabric and with simple elasticated waistbands. If your baby will be spending time in the sun, you’ll also need a pair of sandals or flip flops to go with their outfits.

Babies tend to spit up and poop frequently, so it’s a good idea to have lots of cloth nappies, both disposable and cloth, to keep them clean. You’ll also want to have a few baby wipes in a convenient size that can be used on the go.

Other essentials for your newborn include a few muslin wraps (or two) that can be used as an alternative to a swaddle or to wrap them up at night, a few baby blankets that you can use in the nursery, the pram or when out and about and a changing pad that’s large enough to fit over your changing table. You’ll also want to have reusable and washable wipes to avoid using plastic disposables.