The short answer: For the first three months, you need 6 to 8 soft cotton jhablas and onesies, a few swaddles, mittens and caps, a gentle baby wash and moisturiser, nappies and wipes, a simple feeding setup, and a safe place for baby to sleep. Shoes, fancy outfits and heavy blankets can wait.

If you're expecting, you've probably already heard five different lists from five different people. Your mother-in-law has one, your cousin has another, and the internet has a hundred more. Most of them are written for cold countries and big budgets.

So here's a lighter one, built around Indian weather, Indian hospital stays and the way babies really use things in their first 12 weeks.

How many clothes does a newborn need?

Fewer than you think. Babies grow out of newborn sizes in about 4 to 6 weeks, and they'll spoil a few outfits every single day. Buy a small stock in the first size and a few pieces in the next one up.

•         Jhablas (6 to 8): The Indian newborn classic, and for good reason. Pick tie-front or snap styles so you never have to pull anything over a tiny head.
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•         Onesies (4 to 6): Front-opening ones make 3 a.m. changes much easier.
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•         Pyjamas or leggings (4 to 5)

•         Mittens, booties and caps (2 or 3 sets): Mittens stop those surprise face scratches. Caps help in winter and in air-conditioned rooms.

•         Swaddles (3 or 4): Handy for settling baby, and you'll want one for going home from the hospital.

Fabric matters more than design. Newborn skin is thin and reacts easily, so go for 100% cotton. If you can, look for GOTS certification, which means the cotton is organic and processed without harmful chemicals. Double gauze cotton is a lovely option: the two layers stay soft wash after wash and still breathe in our humid weather.

You can see soft newborn pieces in the Bamoki baby and moms apparel collection.

What skincare does a newborn need?

Very little. A baby's skin barrier is still developing, so the simpler the routine, the better.

•         A gentle, fragrance-free baby wash

•         A mild moisturiser

•         Nappy rash cream

•         Baby massage oil, if that's a tradition in your family

•         Soft cotton pads or washcloths

Read the labels. Look for organic certification such as Ecocert COSMOS, and avoid parabens, sulphates and strong perfumes. Always patch-test a new product on a small area first.

Have a look at the Bamoki baby cosmetics collection for gentle options.

What about nappies and bath time?

•         Nappies: Newborns can go through 8 to 12 a day. Start with one small pack, since every baby grows at their own pace.

•         Wipes: Water-based and alcohol-free, or just cotton and warm water for the first few weeks.

•         Changing mat: Waterproof and easy to wipe down.

•         Two soft, hooded towels

•         Baby bathtub: Optional. Many parents sponge-bathe until the umbilical stump falls off.

What do you need for feeding?

If you're breastfeeding, it's simpler than most lists make it sound.

•         A nursing pillow or a firm cushion

•         6 to 8 cotton burp cloths

•         Nipple care cream

•         Front-opening or nursing-friendly clothes for you

If you plan to use formula or expressed milk, add 2 or 3 bottles, a bottle brush and a way to sterilize them. It's worth talking to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant before you introduce bottles.

How should a newborn sleep?

Safe sleep matters more than a pretty cot. Pediatric guidance in India and worldwide says the same thing: back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface.

•         A firm mattress with a fitted sheet

•         A cot or bassinet close to your bed

•         No pillows, loose blankets, bumpers or soft toys

•         A light, breathable swaddle instead of heavy covers

Don't forget yourself

Most checklists skip the mother. Your recovery deserves a list too.

•         Maternity pads and soft cotton innerwear

•         Loose, front-opening nightwear

•         Gentle, organic body care for postpartum dry skin

•         Snacks, a water bottle and a long phone charger for the hospital

What can you skip?

•         Shoes: Babies aren't walking yet, and tight footwear only gets in the way.

•         Lots of newborn-size outfits: They'll be too small before you know it.

•         Talcum powder: It can irritate skin and little lungs.

•         Heavy bedding sets: They're a suffocation risk.

•         Pricey gadgets: Wipe warmers and similar extras can wait until you know what you really need.

Dressing for the season

•         Summer: Light, loose cotton. Skip the cap indoors. A good rule is one extra layer compared to what you're wearing, no more.

•         Monsoon: Keep spare outfits close, because clothes take ages to dry in the humidity.

•         Winter: Layer a few thin cotton pieces instead of one thick garment, and cover head and feet when you step outside.

Hospital bag, quick version

•         3 or 4 jhablas or onesies

•         2 swaddles

•         Cap, mittens and booties

•         Nappies and wipes

•         A going-home outfit

•         Your documents and insurance papers

Frequently asked questions

How many newborn clothes should I buy? Around 15 to 20 pieces in total across jhablas, onesies and pyjamas is plenty.

Do I need to wash new baby clothes? Yes. Use a mild, baby-safe detergent and dry them in the sun.

Which fabric is best for newborns in India? Soft 100% cotton. GOTS-certified cotton gives you extra assurance that it's organic and free from harmful chemicals.

When can a newborn go outside? Most pediatricians suggest keeping outings limited for the first few weeks. Check with your doctor, since every baby is different.

Is baby massage with oil safe? Gentle massage is common in Indian homes. Choose a light, plant-based oil made for babies, and avoid anything strongly scented.

One last thing

You don't need everything. You need a few soft, safe, comfortable things and the confidence that you'll figure out the rest as you go. Start small, and add items once you know your baby.

When you're ready, explore Bamoki's baby apparel and baby cosmetics, made with GOTS-certified cotton and Ecocert COSMOS organic ingredients.

This article is for general information and doesn't replace advice from your pediatrician.