Our pick for most familiesSize 0000 to 3
Bonds Zip Wondersuit (Zippy)
The Australian everyday suit: two-way zip, fold-over cuffs, newborn to size 3, easy to find on sale.
Clothing by size & season
Babies outgrow clothes fast, so buy a few pieces in each size rather than a full drawer. Australian sizes run 00000 (premature) and 0000 (newborn) through 000, 00, 0, 1, 2 and 3; brands differ, so go by your baby's length and weight, not age. For everyday suits we look for a two-way zip, because at 3 am you want one movement, not twelve snaps. Choose close-fitting clothes with a low fire danger label, soft cotton or bamboo, and no loose ribbons or trims. Dress for the room: about one more layer than you are wearing, checking your baby's tummy or chest rather than hands. Hats are for outdoors only, never for sleep.
Things we don’t recommend, and why
- Hats, beanies or hooded clothing for sleep — keep your baby's head uncovered and take hats off indoors and in a warm car. Source: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Dressing a newborn
- Loose ribbons, bows or decorations, and mittens, socks or booties with loops or loose threads that can wrap around fingers or toes. Source: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Dressing a newborn
- Drawstrings and cords longer than about 22 cm on babies' and toddlers' clothes, which are a strangulation risk. Source: Product Safety Australia (ACCC) — Kids' toys guide
Price bands for this category: $ < $20 · $$ $20–40 · $$$ $40–70 · $$$$ > $70. Prices change — check the retailer.