Packing newborn clothes for a stay at nani’s house

A custom many families follow

In many Pakistani families, a new mother goes to her parents’ home for the birth or straight after it, often staying for the first 40 days, the chilla, or longer. Her mother and sisters help with the baby, and she rests and recovers. Customs vary a great deal between families, cities and generations; some stay a week, some two months, and some families do it the other way round, with the nani coming to stay.

If you are going, the baby’s clothes need to last the whole stay, and your baby will change a lot in that time.

Pack for the whole stay

A few days’ worth of clothes won’t do for six weeks. On the other hand, you don’t need to empty the nursery. Plan for a full laundry cycle plus a margin, and remember that your baby will grow during the stay. Some babies, especially larger ones, are ready for the next size within the first couple of months, so pack a few pieces in 3–6M alongside the 0–3M. Our size guide helps you judge whether your baby is close to the next size.

What to pack

• 6–8 sleepsuits in 0–3M, footed if possible, such as our Sky Blue Teddy & Stars Footed Sleepsuit.
• 6 bodysuits in 0–3M.
• 2–3 sleepsuits and bodysuits in 3–6M.
• 2 cardigans or light knit layers.
• 1–2 two-piece sets for visitors once the cord has healed, such as the Navy Moon & Stars Henley & Jogger Set.
• A hat for outdoors, socks or booties, and scratch mittens.
• 6 or more muslins and 2–3 light blankets or a baby sleeping bag.
• In winter, a warm outer layer for doctor’s visits, such as the Grey Bear Hooded Jumpsuit.
• The baby’s own mild detergent, if nani’s house uses something stronger.
• One special outfit for the aqiqah or family visits, if that will happen during the stay.

The season can change while you are there

Six weeks is long enough for the weather to turn. A baby born in late January may go home in March, when Lahore and Islamabad are warming up; a baby born in October may arrive at nani’s in mild weather and leave in the first cold nights. Pack a couple of pieces for the season you are heading into, and ask someone at home to send more if needed. Our posts on clothes for a winter-born baby and baby clothes month by month have seasonal lists.

Laundry and space at nani’s

A house full of relatives can mean a busy washing machine, a crowded line and limited drawer space. Bring a small laundry basket or bag just for the baby’s clothes so they don’t get mixed in, and a basket or box to keep clean clothes in rather than relying on a shared cupboard. Setting up a small changing corner in your room saves a lot of walking.

Going back home

By the time you go home, some of the clothes you packed may no longer fit. Sort them before you leave and pack away what is outgrown. For the journey, dress your baby in their normal thin layers rather than a thick jumpsuit: the AAP and RoSPA advise against bulky clothing under a car seat harness, so fasten the straps over thin layers and tuck a blanket over the top if it is cold. If your baby needs a few new pieces in the next size before you travel, we can deliver to nani’s address; message us on WhatsApp with the size and address, and delivery charges and timing are confirmed with your order.

Sources

Car seat advice follows guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and RoSPA.

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