When we were matched with a placing mother, I was adamant that I did not want any clothing that was not gender-neutral. If we experienced a failed adoption, I did not want to have to return a bunch of little boy outfits if we were next matched with a baby girl.

Fortunately, many outfits for newborns are attractive even if they are not blue or pink. I loved outfits in cream, white, mint green, and even red. Any of those colors would have looked good on either gender.

If you are buying only gender-neutral clothes, then you don’t have to wait to be matched to start filling your nursery’s closet. However, purchasing cute little outfits for a baby who might not even be coming for a couple of years can be emotionally painful, so I chose not to buy any clothing ahead of time. Also, babies don’t stay little very long, so you don’t want a bunch of summer outfits if the baby comes in the winter or vice versa.

However, if you are itching to buy a few outfits, try stocking up on onesies and baby gowns. Those come in handy no matter the season. You can also purchase the cute little hats and receiving blankets. (I was given many receiving blankets as baby gifts, so I would not buy too many.)

If you know that you are matched with a boy, be sure to buy quite a few cloth diapers to use as “pee cloths.” For the first several weeks, baby boys “squirt” every time you change a diaper. I kept a large pile by the changing table and in the diaper bag at all times.

The book What to Expect the First Year was my “bible” when it came to what to purchase for the baby. The book includes a checklist of clothing that you will need, including the number of each item that you should purchase. That resource was invaluable to me, reminding me to purchase clothing items like bibs and baby hats. I am certain that I would have learned the hard way without that resource.

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