A baby’s sensitive skin needs to be protected with natural materials and fabrics that are free of harmful chemicals, pesticides and flame retardants. Choose organic cotton or silk, and look for companies that are certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to guarantee the quality of fabric. Choosing natural clothing can also help reduce your carbon footprint and support people involved in the production of textiles, who are often exposed to agricultural chemicals, even if they work indoors.

Babies grow fast, so it’s worth having a few clothes on hand that fit for a few months before your little one grows out of them. You can also save money by shopping on sale rails, and if you know someone who’s expecting, ask them if they’re willing to pass down any clothing that their baby has outgrown.

Some basics to have include a few long-sleeve bodysuits for warmer weather, kimono-style bodysuits that can be worn until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off (around two weeks after birth) and short-sleeve ones for winter, and a few dresses, t-shirts or rompers in sizes that will fit for a few months, and possibly longer depending on how big your baby is when they start walking.

At night, you’ll want sleepers and footies that will keep your baby warm and can be paired with a swaddle or wearable blanket to make diaper changes quicker and easier. In colder climates, you’ll need a few sets of fleece footie pajamas.

Your baby will also need a couple of hats, especially in cooler weather, as well as some socks and slippers to wear around the house. You’ll want to avoid hats with any ties or strings that can get stuck in your baby’s hair, as these can cause irritation, and you’ll also need some socks that will keep the feet of your newborn or infant warm and prevent chafing.

You’ll want some clothes for outings, too, but remember that babies don’t spend a lot of time outdoors in those early months, so it’s best to stick with simple outfits. A dress or t-shirt with short sleeves and pants or leggings will be enough for most outings, and if it’s chilly, a hooded jacket is great for layering over a shirt.

Finally, you’ll need a few bags to store the various necessities in, so you can keep everything organized. Try an open-top tote, which can be carried easily and won’t fall over like a typical purse, or a backpack with plenty of pockets for all the essentials. A few canvas bags with handles are also a good option, as they’ll hold a fair amount and won’t be too heavy for baby to carry. If you prefer a closed tote, opt for one that has front snaps, and avoid any with metal snaps that can pinch on baby’s sensitive skin.