The best premature baby clothes and where to find them

premature-baby-clothes

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

When your baby is born prematurely, it can be a huge surprise. We know how difficult this journey can be, so we have handpicked the best premature baby clothes.

Where can you buy premature baby clothes?

The good news is there are now lots of stores that cater for premature babies. Once upon a time, you could only buy small baby clothes at specialist stores, but now some supermarkets stock smaller sizes. These are often referred to as a ‘Tiny Baby’ range. Lots of stores deliver within 24 hours, which is helpful if you weren’t yet expecting your new arrival. Stores with premature ranges include:

Sainsbury’s

Boots

Mamas & Papa’s

Tesco

M&S

Amazon

Asda

Baby Prem

Cheeky Chums

What size do you need for your early or tiny baby?

To make it much easier for parents, most stores classify their premature range via the baby’s weight and height. Before you purchase clothes for your premature baby it is important to check the store's size guide. Sizes may differ from store to store. Here we have included a helpful guide:

Premature baby size chart

The best premature baby clothes

When a baby is born prematurely, often parents feel overwhelmed. For most parents, it is a shock and you may feel very underprepared. Finding clothes that don't swamp your new tiny bundle of joy can be difficult. Your new miracle may need a little bit of assistance from the Neonatal Unit, or Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). We have found the best outfits to make things a little easier for you. These include outfits designed to make it easier for doctors and nurses to have access to your little one.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury's premature collection is suitable for babies from 2lbs to 4lbs. Sainsbury's supports Bliss, the UK’s leading charity for babies born premature or sick. the Tu premature baby range at Sainsbury's is designed for premature babies, as part of a new partnership to support Bliss’ vital work for babies in neonatal care. The range is machine washable up to 95 degrees, making it suitable for washing at the hospital and features hook and loop fastening to make dressing easier.

Best starter set for girls

This super soft set is crafted from natural cotton which will be gentle on your precious baby's delicate skin. It has a beautiful pink floral print. We love that this set has everything that your bubba will need to get her started. This set includes a cardigan, bodysuit, sleepsuit, mittens and a hat.

One reviewer said: "Beautifully made quality products. Very soft with clever features which help with dressing such tiny fragile babies and their complex care."

Best starter set for boys

Fit for a prince. This dinosaur outfit is super soft and made of pure cotton. This set is a complete outfit including a hat and scratch mittens. We love that this would make a perfect first outfit.

One reviewer said: "What a brilliant set. I purchased pink and blue sets for my new twin grandchildren who were just under 3lb when born 10 weeks premature."

Best gender neutral starter set
White Safari Premature 5 Piece Starter SetSainsbury's

If you know your baby will be arriving early, but you are still keeping their gender a surprise then this complete outfit set is perfect. These neutral colours are great for either gender. The chic pure cotton outfit has been tested to the highest standard.

One reviewer said: "Perfect for my prem twin grandchildren lovely fit and soft to touch. In addition good value."

Boots

Mothercare was one of the most respected baby retailers when it opened in 1961. Although the baby retailers closed their doors in 2020. Boots pharmacy chains now stock Mothercare branded clothing and car seats in their stores and online. The Mothercare premature baby range stocks sleepsuits, vests, hats and more. Boots' premature baby range starts from 3lbs.

Best Boots bundle for baby boys
Blue Premature Baby Eight-Piece SetBoots

This is a beautiful set that has been designed specifically for the ease of new parents. The little body suits have been made from soft interlock cotton with an opening that allows you to carefully place your precious baby on top and wrap them gently to dress them. This set comes with a small hat and mittens to help keep them warm, vests and a shawl that won’t swamp them but is perfect for cuddles.

Best baby sleepsuits for girls

This set of three sweet printed sleepsuits has been designed to meet the needs of premature babies and babies in neonatal care. Each sleepsuit is made from 100 per cent cotton, to protect your baby's delicate skin. We love the design of the two elephants and the words 'so special' on the front. The lie-flat design and soft-touch fastenings make it easy to dress your baby without disturbing monitors and medical equipment.

Best gender neutral set

If you know your will be having a premature or small baby but you don't know the gender, this is the set for you. We love this little set that has the words 'Little fighter' on the front. Like the previous sets, this has a lie-flat design and soft-touch fastenings, so it won't irritate your little ones' skin.

Mamas & Papas

Mamas and Papas have been providing families with baby essentials since it launched in 1981. The award-winning nursery brand now has more than 30 stores across the UK. The brand has some adorable outfits for your tiny new family member including five-pack bodysuit sets, cardigans, shoes and more. Mamas and Papas PetiteNewBorn range is suitable for a baby who is 44cm and 5lbs.

Best design
three-pack
Price: £14.25 (Was £19)

www.mamasandpapas.com

With three different leopard print designs, these sleepsuits are perfect for your little diva in the making. We love that these sleepsuits are super-soft but still have a trendy pattern. This set has been made with nickel-free poppers that won't irritate your newborn's precious skin.

Best collared sleepsuit

This traditional style sleep suit is both sweet and super soft. It has been carefully designed so your tiny bubs will be cosy in their new outfit. We are obsessed with the elephant embroidery on the collar and patchwork pockets. This sleepsuit has rounded collars known as a Peter Pan collar - we adore the iconic old-fashioned style.

Best Mamas and Papas long sleeved bodysuits
set-of-5
Price: £14 (was £10.50)

www.mamasandpapas.com

Your little one is going to need a lot of body suits. This set of five is a great start to getting your baby's wardrobe ready. These long sleeve bodysuits are white and can be worn underneath most outfits. They have been made from 100 per cent cotton jersey, so it doesn't irritate your tiny baby's sensitive skin.

Tesco

Unfortunately, the supermarket giant doesn't have an online clothing shop, this means that you can only pick up F&F Clothing in stores. A small selection of the F&F range can be viewed online. However, your little one will need nappies which can be purchased online. However, you can also find size 0 nappies in Tesco which are suitable for babies under 3kg.

Best baby small nappies

A tiny baby needs a tiny nappy, Tesco's sell these size 0 nappies made by pampers. They have been designed to fit smaller babies.

One reviewer said: "Pampers have always been best for my little boy, these ones are more absorbent and he has not suffered from nappy rash or any other irritation."

M&S

Marks and Spencer's has one of the richest retail history collections in the country. The trusted brand has been providing families with everyday essentials from food to clothing since 1926. M&S has pledged to become more eco-friendly and source the best ethical products and materials. All of the cotton used in the premature range has been sustainably sourced.

Best jacket for girls

This jacket offers cosy warmth for your new baby. Premature infants may become colder because their bodies are immature. This an soft stripe jacket has Velcro fastenings that are gentle on young skin, this jersey jacket features flat seams to prevent rubbing and irritation.

One reviewer said: "Lovely! Shame no bottoms with it hard to find bottoms anywhere."

Best jacket for boys

Like the previous jacket, this is a super soft jacket in blue. Perfect for your tiny prince. Like the previous, this jacket has Velcro fastenings that are gentle on young skin, this jersey jacket features flat seams to prevent rubbing and irritation.

One reviewer said: "A good fit for a baby weighing just under 4lbs. Nice soft material. Washes well."

Best organic cotton sleepsuits

These sleepsuits are made from sustainable organic cotton. This means it is super soft and gentle on your babies delicate skin. This is the perfect set to add to your baby's wardrobe. The long-sleeved sleepsuits will keep your little one nice and warm. The Velcro fastening make it easy for doctors, nurses or parents to access your bubba.

One reviewer said: "Absolutely life savers! Can’t find premies suits anywhere. Enough to get by until a little older. The quality is very good."

Best organic bodysuits

These pure cotton premature bodysuits are specially designed to keep babies warm and comfortable. Your baby will need lots of vests. Newborns can't regulate their body temperature. As a rule your baby should always wear one more layer than you.

One reviewer said: "Absolutely life savers! Can’t find premies suits anywhere. Enough to get by until a little older. The quality is very good."

Amazon

As one would expect the online giants Amazon have a selection of premature baby clothes as well as everything else you may need for your new baby. You can even create a Amazon Baby Wishlist so that your friends and family can purchase gifts that you actually want.

Amazon customers love
jungle-set
Price: £13.75

This four piece baby boy set is very cute and has a safari theme. It is machine washable and made of 100 per cent cotton.
One reviewer said: "Love this little outfit, fits my boy perfectly, hat a tad too small but that doesn't matter."**
**

Recommended
Premature & Tiny Baby Boys & Girls Outfit Set, Layette Gift SetAmazon

This four piece set includes a top, bottoms, bib, and hat. We love that this has the words 'Let me teach you Patience'. A lesson that all parents must learn.

One reviewer said: "Perfect little outfit"**
**

Best premature cardigan

This ribbed style cardigan available in three colours. We love the button down front. It is available for babies who are 2lb - 8lbs.

One reviewer said: "Perfect great quality. Really well put together and fits beautifully."

Asda

Supermarket store, Asda has a premature baby range in their George clothing section. The sizes are: Up to 3lbs, Up to 4lbs and Up to 5lbs. If you have a premature baby, you're now able to pick up all sizes of Pampers Preemie Protection nappies (P1, P2, P3) for free in Asda Pharmacies simply by asking in store.

Best premature Disney bodysuits

Winnie the Pooh has been one of the most iconic children's characters. We cannot get enough of these Pooh bodysuits. They have poppers at the top, bottom and side. Which makes access much easier.

**One reviewer said: "**Absolutely lovely little vests with two extra poppers to open the side for easy access which is great for premie babies with tubes or other needs ! Very happy and will be ordering more!"

Best Disney sleepsuits

This sleepsuit has a press stud fastening so you can lay your new baby onto the clothing instead of fiddly poppers. This could be paired with the vests previously mentioned to have a Pooh-tastic outfit.

One reviewer said: "I Bought these for our premature baby, they are beautifully soft with a cute design. Well made and fit well. Great value for money."

Best Disney hats

Finish off your bubs perfect Pooh inspired outfit with this adorable little hat.

One reviewer said: "This was a perfect fit for my newborn premature baby & a great price!"

Baby Prem

Baby Prem provide practical baby clothes specifically designed for babies staying in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), Special Care Baby Units (SCBU) or High Dependency Units (HDU).

Best bodysuits for a little boy in NICU

If your baby is in the NICU this cute baby grow is sure to bring a smile to all the doctors and nurse's faces. We love this cute grow which has been made with nickel free poppers that won't irritate your baby's skin.

Best bodysuit for little girls in NICU

Is there anything more adorable that this sweet baby grow. The message on the front is a huge thank you to all of the staff who will have been helping you along your journey.

Best unisex bodysuit

No truer words have ever been spoken. Although your baby is very small right now, they will have a huge impact in your life - as we are show you already know. We love this little bodysuit.

Cheeky Chums

Cheeky Chums offer the widest choices all around -the- board in the UK. They sell baby clothes for tiny babies who are as small as 1lb.

Best knitted cardigans
prem baby cardigans white 3-5lb 5-8lbCheeky Chums

Knitted clothing feels like a rite of passage for a new baby. There's something very comforting and lovely about seeing a new baby in a sweet knitted cardigan that we just can't explain - but trust us, they complete any outfit and make for the cutest pictures.

Best baby booties
Soft baby shoes premature sizes knitted baby booties WHITE TIES 3-5lbCheeky Chums

Finding shoes for tiny toes can be difficult, but when your little miracle is ready to leave the hospital you may want to pop on some sweet knitted booties. This will keep their little feet nice and cosy.

Best unisex socks
unisex socks in cream by snuggies 1-2lbCheeky Chums

Finding socks for a premature baby can be really difficult. These socks have been created with the world's smallest people in mind. They are available from 1lb and above. Socks will help keep your little ones warm as they learn to regulate their own body temperature.

Resources and support

We know that when you embark on your premature journey, there can be a lot to learn along the way. Your baby may need a bit of extra support. This comes with its own set of emotional and practical challenges for new parents. So we have included resources and links to some charities below:

NHS website: Special care: ill or premature babies - NHS information regarding premature babies

Bliss - Bliss is the leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick. It supports families with a baby in neonatal care.

TinyLife -TinyLife Family Support Services have been specially developed to provide emotional and  practical support to parents of premature babies or babies who have spent time on a Neonatal Unit from birth.

Small Wonders - Small Wonders are 12 bite-size films following families and their journey in neo-natal units.

Cohen’s Box was founded in May 2019 in memory of Cohen Jerry George Fernandez. Any family that has a baby between 23-30 weeks at the Princess Anne hospital will receive a box with items that will help their neonatal journey.

Since then, they have given out over 277 boxes and purchased six pieces of medical equipment for the Princess Anne neonatal unit. Cohen's box website also has a forum to help parents from all over the country.

For most parents who have premature babies, it happens very unexpectedly, so they do not have their hospital bags packed.

You can donate towards a box which supplies parents with practical items like toiletry items also well as emotional support items for both parents and the new arrival.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us
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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.