Best Newborn Coming-Home Outfits for Baby Boys & Girls

checked mark Fact-Checked by Jessie Van Amburg  | June 2, 2023
best newborn coming home outfits

Quick Summary

The best newborn coming-home outfit for baby girls and boys is comfortable, soft, and easy to put on and off, according to What to Expect staff and community parent testers. Specifics depend on your budget and your own style.
Best Coming-Home Outfits

Although there are some essentials that should most definitely make it into your hospital bag — chapstick, slippers, a comfortable nursing top if you plan to breastfeed — there’s something extra you may want to consider packing for baby: a cute going-home outfit.

Though your newborn will likely wear a hospital-issued onesie or shirt under her swaddle in those early days, what new parent doesn’t want to see baby in something totally adorable? The going-home outfit is often the first opportunity for parents to dress baby themselves. Not to mention, if the weather is less than ideal, your handpicked coming-home outfit may be more suitable for keeping baby comfortable on the ride home. 

How we chose the best coming-home outfits

The best coming-home outfits for newborns are comfortable, soft and easy to put on and off. Ideally, they come with a hat or have features like built-in cuffs and booties to keep your newborn warm, especially during cold months. To help narrow down your choices, What to Expect staff and community members say you should consider the following factors when choosing a coming-home outfit for your baby: 

  • Seasonality. Babies aren’t as adept at temperature regulation, so make sure you choose a seasonally-appropriate outfit. As a general rule of thumb, babies require one additional layer to what you might dress yourself in. And don't forget baby's head and feet — especially in the cooler months. If your outfit doesn't come with a matching hat and socks (or built-in cuffs), then be sure to pack separates, so baby stays warm on the journey home.
  • Ease of dress.While baby may be irresistibly adorable in a swaddle or sleep sack, neither is a practical option for the car ride home (car seat buckles go between the legs and over the shoulders). So stick with soft, comfy clothes that easily go on and off. We recommend zippers or snaps instead of buttons (easier to deal with), and tops or onesies with wide necks to make dressing and undressing easier. Many WTE parents tend to recommend long bodysuits with a zipper and a cute pattern for the perfect balance of cute and comfort.
  • Material. Babies have sensitive skin, so you’ll want to find clothes made from soft, high-quality fabric like 100-percent cotton to avoid itching and discomfort. (They layer nicely, too.) Look for fabrics with straight-forward care instructions — because with a newborn, you won’t have time to hand wash anything! 
  • Style. Of course, baby’s first day at home doesn’t just warrant any old onesie. Choose a quality outfit that will stand out in all the photos you're sure to snap that day.

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Organic Baby Coming-Home Outfit

Burt's Bees Baby Quilted Bee Organic Wrap Front Baby Jumpsuit

Best Coming Home Outfits for Baby - Burt's Bees Baby Romper Jumpsuit
Buying Options
Pros
  • 100 percent organic cotton
  • Easy on/off
  • Wide range of colors
Cons
  • Some parents say it runs small
  • Thin fabric
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

For mamas who want only the softest materials to touch their baby’s delicate skin, there’s this 100 percent organic cotton onesie from Burt’s Bees. Snap closures from top to bottom make for easy-on, easy-off transitions, and a wrap-around style means no trying to squeeze baby’s head through the tiny opening of a new jumpsuit — features you might not even realize the true value of quite yet. Long sleeves and pants ensure that baby stays covered and warm in cooler temperatures, too (although you’ll need to nab hand and foot coverings separately). What's more, since organic baby clothes can be pricey, this affordable option delivers a lot of value.

Just keep in mind: What to Expect community members say Burt’s Bees tends to run long and narrow, so make sure to select the newborn or preemie size, depending on how your baby is measuring.

Material: 100 percent GOTS-certified cotton

Sizes: Preemie – 12 months

Community Reviews
  • I loveeeeee Burt's Bees clothing! It's so soft and cute!

Best Baby Coming-Home Outfit for a Birth Announcement

Little Me Welcome to the World Footie and Cap Set

Best Coming Home Outfits for Baby - Little Me Welcome to the World Footie and Cap Set
Buying Options
Pros
  • 100 percent cotton
  • Easy on/off
  • Includes a hat
Cons
  • Pajamas run large
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

For an outfit that quite literally speaks for itself, we love this onesie set, which doubles as a birth announcement for your little one. It’s also a perfect gender-neutral pick for parents who are choosing not to find out baby's sex ahead of time. Comfortable, warm and easy for new parents to get on (there are snaps from the feet to the neckline), this onesie also makes a sweet keepsake. 

Material: 100 percent cotton

Sizes: Preemie – 9M

Community Reviews
  • I got mine [coming home outfit] from Little Me. They have a lot of cute clothes

  • my favorite sleepers are little me (they tend to run a bit bigger than carters).

Best Baby Coming-Home Footwear

Zutano Unisex Newborn Fleece Bootie

Best Coming Home Outfits for Baby - Zutano Unisex Newborn Fleece Bootie
Buying Options
Pros
  • Super soft
  • Wide range of colors
Cons
  • Some parents say they run large
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Baby socks are arguably the cutest thing in the baby aisle, but they are typically extremely hard to keep on your squirmy little one's feet. These cozy, soft booties — which one WTE mom refers to as “game changers” — are a good alternative for winter babies. (They also come in cotton versions for spring or fall babies.) Not only are they super soft, but they’re tougher for baby to swipe off, thanks to the two snaps and elastic around the ankles that keep them secure. Plus, they’re adorable and come in just about every color imaginable. (Doesn’t hurt that they’re machine washable!)

Material: 70 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester

Sizes: 3M, 6M

Community Reviews
  • I have a pair of Zutanos, I love them. They stay on and are comfy. Baby wears every day at daycare.

  • For a softer option we use Zutano booties, they never come off and are super soft and durable.

Best Baby Girl Coming-Home Outfit

Kyte Baby Zippered Footie

kyte baby zippered footie pajamas
Buying Options
Pros
  • Super soft fabric
  • Lots of colors and patterns
Cons
  • More expensive than other options on the market
  • Thin fabric
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

If you’re looking for the softest possible sleeper for your little girl that still has lots of feminine flair, look no further than Kyte Baby — a favorite brand among WTE parents. “I’ve been gifted a lot of Kyte and it’s beautiful,” says one happy mom. “It is so soft! I love Kyte Baby,” says another WTE mom. These footie pajamas are made out of bamboo rayon, which is soft and cool on baby’s skin, and feature a long dual zipper in the front to make outfit changes seamless. Choose from simple pastel colors or from dozens of fun patterns that change seasonally (we currently love the unicorn and rip tide patterns for baby girls). Preemie, newborn and 0-3 sizes also come with fold-over cuffs too to prevent scratching. 

Just note that parents find the fabric a bit thin, and say these pajamas can stain easily. Good thing they’re machine washable!

Material: 97 percent bamboo rayon, 3 percent spandex

Sizes: Preemie – 18-24 months

Community Reviews
  • They’re amazing! They are a little thin but very soft material. They seem like they’re the comfiest onesies for baby and they’re also stretchy. She’s still wearing the 0-3 months. I’d say they’re true to size but they can be worn longer due to the stretch in the material. I ordered some onesies and zipper footies before baby was born and then splurged and got a lot more of the zipper pajamas not too long ago. They don’t pill

Best Baby Boy Coming-Home Outfit

New to the Crew 3-Piece Outfit

Best Coming Home Outfits for Baby - New to the Crew 3-Piece Outfit
Buying Options
Pros
  • Complete set
  • 100 percent cotton
Cons
  • No foot or hand covers
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

You might be rocking athleisure on the way home from the hospital, so why not get a matching outfit for baby? This "New to the Crew" going-home outfit looks like it was nabbed from an Instagram influencer's closet. The heather grey sweatpants, black "Little Man" beanie and "New to the Crew" onesie are as stylish for photos as they are comfy for the car ride home.

It has more going for it than style, though: The pull-down shoulders make diaper changes — dreaded blow outs, in particular — a breeze, and the stretchy, high-waisted pants fit a range of weights without rubbing their tender umbilical cord. 

Material: 100 percent cotton

Sizes: Newborn -- 3-6 months

Community Reviews
  • Packed this one and a extra onesie also for baby boy?? and packed for myself a 2 piece shorts and T-shirt along with a nursing gown depending on how I’m feeling and whats easier to wear

Best All-in-One Baby Coming-Home Outfit

Carter's Baby 4-Piece Take-Me-Home Set

Best Coming Home Outfits for Baby - Carter's 4-Piece Take Me Home Set
Pros
  • Complete set
  • Unisex
Cons
  • Runs small
  • No fold-over mittens
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Prefer a going-home outfit that's not a onesie? This set is still easy to get on and offers similar benefits, such as a sweet little hat and tiny socks to keep baby warm. The roomy, long-sleeved shirt has a wide neck to make changing easy, while the soft pants have a stretchy waist and elastic cuffs to keep them secure. And there’s no denying how cute the cloud pattern is. Your baby is guaranteed to be one of the cutest bundles to ever leave the hospital.

However, keep in mind that Carter’s clothes have a reputation among some What to Expect parents for shrinking significantly in the dryer, and tend to run small compared to other baby brands. So size up accordingly!

Material: 100 percent cotton

Sizes: Newborn – 12 M

Community Reviews
  • I haven’t had a problem with Carter’s clothing shrinking. Their clothes are pretty good quality and hold up well

Best Baby Coming-Home Sleepsuit

Mori Organic Clever Zip Sleepsuit

best coming home outfits for baby - Mori Organic Baby Zip-Up Sleepsuit
Buying Options
Pros
  • Easy on/off
  • Flip-over mittens
Cons
  • Limited size options
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

This unisex onesie is available in a variety of neutral designs and colors, like this super adorable gray. Made of bamboo and organic cotton, these onesies are impossibly soft against baby's skin, so even those with the most sensitive skin won't develop any rash or irritation. “High quality and super soft!” one WTE mom says of the fabric. 

Though the zip-up opening does go right down the middle (not ideal for the umbilical cord), it does makes it easy to navigate that last-minute diaper change before leaving the hospital. You’ll also love the convenience of the fold-over mitts, which will help keep baby's face protected from her nails without worrying about separate mittens (one of the easiest baby items to lose track of). 

Material: 70 percent bamboo, 30 percent organic cotton

Sizes: 3-6 Months

Community Reviews

Best Personalized Baby Coming-Home Outfit

Junie Grace Baby Girl Coming-Home Outfit

Best Coming Home Outfits for Baby - Etsy Custom Baby Onesie
Buying Options
Pros
  • Fold-over feet and mittens
  • Customizable
Cons
  • Limited color options
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

When you’re going the personalized route, you want your selection to be truly special. This set, which features a bodysuit and hat embroidered with your little one’s name, is just that. Of course, you’ll have to have baby’s name picked out ahead of time for this outfit to work, but we’d say the resulting aesthetic is worth pushing through any decision paralysis you may be facing. Options are broad, as you can choose from long-sleeve or short-sleeve options and pick from three different fonts to depict baby’s first and middle name. Baby girls get mauve or dusty rose colors, while the baby boy version uses shades of blue. 

Material: Not listed

Sizes: Preemie — 3-6 M

Community Reviews
  • Ordered the personalized outfit, & also an amazingly soft blanket from Etsy” 

Best Baby Coming-Home Layering Piece

Cobroo Newborn Footie Pajamas

Best Coming Home Outfits for Baby - Cobroo Newborn Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Buying Options
Pros
  • 100 percent cotton
  • Fold-over mittens and feet
  • Easy on/off
Cons
  • Some parents say it runs large
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

This easy on and off quilted sleeper is built in a roomy kimono style that makes it a great layering piece. Thanks to an asymmetrical tie, there’s no worry about irritating baby’s tender umbilical cord. It’s really the ideal piece for transitional weather between seasons. Simply slip it over whichever onesie you have baby dressed in (the personalized one above, maybe?), so your little one won’t catch a chill going from hospital to car and car to home. Mitten cuffs and built-in booties seal the deal, so you won’t have to fumble with extras to keep baby warm.

Material: 100 percent cotton

Sizes: Newborn -- 3 months

Community Reviews
  • Fits perfectly. So cozy and warm baby stays very comfy and it's no bulky at all. Easy access to diaper changes. Material is very good quality and soft. Perfect wear as wearable blanket and chilly mornings. I'd order larger size to have room for layering my baby.

Best Baby Coming-Home Outfit for Cold Weather

Magnetic Me Little Duckling Organic Cotton Take-Me-Home Kimono Set

Best Baby Coming Home Outfits - Magnetic Me Duckling Kimono Set
Buying Options
Pros
  • Cute
  • Easy to put on
  • Covered feet and cuffs
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other brands
  • Not dryer safe
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Nervous about changing your newborn’s clothes while totally sleep deprived? You’ll be obsessed with Magnetic Me’s adorable coming-home outfit set. Instead of buttons, snaps or zippers, the brand’s clothing uses small magnets sewn into the clothing to hold tops and pants together — making diaper or outfit changes a total cinch. 

This set is made with organic cotton in an adorable duck print, although you can find it in lemon and zebra designs. It comes with a cap, wrap-style top and pants with a high elastic waistband and covered feet to keep your baby cozy and warm. The top has mitten cuffs for extra coverage and protection, too. Wear as is or add another fleece bodysuit or coat on top, depending on how cold it is when you take baby home. 

The only downsides of this set are the price and the fact that it has to be air dried. But many happy parents don’t mind those compromises. “For me they are absolutely worth it. even hanging to dry which is how you make them last longer,” says one WTE mom. “Honestly the magnets aren't much louder than snaps or zippers or anything and the fact that they're pretty easy to put on and take off when you're sleep deprived is nice.” 

Material: 100 percent organic cotton

Sizes: Premie – 0-3 M

Community Reviews
  • My son came home in a magnetic me kimono top and pants. He was born in October. I’m planning on a similar outfit for my daughter. Seriously - can’t recommend Magnetic Me’s kimono set enough!!!!

  • I love magnetic me- they are soooo cozy and convenient! They are pricey so if you want them, add them to the registry!

Best Baby Coming-Home Outfit for Warm Weather

Hanna Andersson Baby Shortie Sleeper

hanna andersson shortie sleeper
Buying Options
Pros
  • Adorable design
  • High quality fabric
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Might require buying separates
  • No newborn or preemie size
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

WTE parents regularly sing the praises of the Hanna Andersson brand for its quality. “Hanna clothes are amazing! Last forever,” says one mom. And if you’re getting ready to welcome a summer baby, you can’t go wrong with the brand’s adorable short-sleeved sleeper for a coming-home outfit. It has a long zipper — hello, easy diaper changes! — with a tab on the top to protect baby from getting her chin caught. The organic cotton comes in several bright colors and designs that are fade-resistant, and the short sleeves and pants will ensure your little one doesn’t overheat. However, if you’re going to an air-conditioned car, you’ll likely want to purchase a pair of long pants separately to keep baby comfortable on the ride home. 

Material: 100 percent organic cotton

Sizes: 0-3 months – 18-24 months

Community Reviews
  • I second Hanna Andersson pajamas. They’re expensive, but completely worth the cost, and hold their value.

Our Research

We canvassed What to Expect community boards to learn what coming-home outfits parents have used and loved on their babies, and to get a sense of what features parents prioritize in baby clothing in general.

FAQ

If you’re planning on baby just wearing this outfit once, newborn size is a safe bet. But if you’d like to get lots of use out of an outfit, we recommend shopping one size ahead unless your baby is predicted to be petite. Keep an eye on reviews on sizing, though, as some brands tend to run large or small.

Typically, hospitals provide basic clothing and swaddles for newborns. Many hospitals recommend just bringing with you a going-home outfit for baby, although you’re welcome to bring baby her own clothes to wear throughout your stay.