I've always enjoyed dressing my children in high-quality clothes and have worn them more often as a result. I was also able to hand them down or pass them on as they still look good even after being washed several times. That's why my tip is to invest in a few great basics for the summer at the beginning, e.g. made of wool & silk and less chi chi.

Baby's delicate skin is very sensitive and must be protected from the sun. That's why you should also buy long-sleeved clothes in summer, i.e. bodysuits with long sleeves and light summer trousers with long legs. The short items I bought for my children have ended up in my wardrobe. Also remember to dress your baby warmly enough, because even in spring/summer it can still be quite chilly in the morning. Babies are not yet able to regulate their body temperature well and cool down quickly. They also come from a warm womb and are used to a temperature of 38°C. That's why a woollen and silk hat, warm socks and a small warm blanket are essential, even in summer - I love the baby blankets from the brand Papa Lobster.

Buying the right size

Newborn babies weigh on average between 3,200 g and 3,600 g at birth - the perfect clothing size is 50/56. You don't need much in this size, but you should have a few items of clothing that will keep your baby warm and comfortable to start with.

This is especially important if you are a first-time parent:

1. You won't usually be undressing and changing your baby several times a day.
2. Babies aren't dirty, they don't sweat, they don't spit up from morning to night and their nappies don't leak all the time.
3. You will probably be given a few items of clothing or inherit them from friends. So concentrate on the essential basics to start with.

Where can I find high-quality products?

For your baby's first wardrobe, it's worth investing in high-quality natural materials like organic cotton, wool, wool/silk blends and cashmere. Even in summer, wool is breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally temperature-regulating, keeping your baby comfortably cool. Knitwear can be bought slightly oversized, stretches naturally and grows with your baby, making it wearable for 6–12 months.

Throughout this checklist, I've included my favourite brands – tested and loved by my own children: Joha, Engel, Petit Bateau, Halfen, HVID, MP Denmark, Papa Lobster, Hessnatur and Travolinchen.

My personal favourite is Joha: their wool and wool/silk basics are durable, reasonably priced, and the bodysuits can be washed at 40°C on the wool cycle, making them especially practical for everyday use.

Here's my curated newborn essentials checklist – everything you need to get started, and nothing you don't.