Nursery Clothes Guide: A Mum of Two’s Advice

As a mum of two, I know how overwhelming it can feel to prepare for nursery. Clothes need to be practical, comfortable, and plentiful enough to handle the inevitable spills and stains. Having been through this stage with both my kids, I’ve compiled this nursery clothes guide to help you get organised. Here’s a quick look at what spares to pack in your child’s nursery bag:

Nursery Bag Essentials

• 1 Full Spare Outfit (top, bottoms, socks, and underwear if needed)
• 1 Extra Jumper or Cardigan
• 1 Pair of Spare Shoes (handy if potty training and theirs might get wet!)
• Wellies or Sun Hat/Suncream (depending on the weather)
• Several Spare Trousers (if potty training)

Now, let’s dive deeper into why these items are essential and some tips to make your nursery prep stress-free.

 

Comfort and Practicality Come First

Nursery is an active place and remember that staff won't always have as close an eye on your little one as you might, so spills and stains (and therefore outfit changes) are more likely to happen! Clothes need to be comfortable for play and naps, easy for carers to manage during changes, and hardy enough to withstand frequent washing. For babies bodysuits and sleepsuits are staples. Easy on and off tops, bottoms and jumpers are perfect for toddlers. Fabrics that are soft, stretchy, and easy to pull up/down ensure that your little one will be comfortable all day.

• Trousers with Elastic Waistbands: Easy to pull up and down during potty training. Avoid trousers with buttons or zips to make life simpler for your little one.
• Layers: Nurseries can get warm during the day, so dressing your little one in layers allows carers to adjust their outfit as needed.
• Shoes with Velcro Fastenings: If your child is walking, ensure their shoes are sturdy but easy for staff to manage.

 

 

The Borro Advantage

If you’re looking for a convenient solution to your little one's ever-changing wardrobe, consider renting their clothes. It means you get beautiful organic clothes and can easily return them whenever they grow out of them, without the hassle of reselling or storing. Most of our clothes are brand new or in excellent used condition, but you'll also find some available in 'good condition' which means they might have a small mark and are available at a reduced price - perfect for nursery! And the best thing is we never charge you for stains!

 

Managing Stains: Eco-Friendly Hacks

Nursery life is full of surprises, and stains are almost guaranteed. There are many stain removers out there which promise the earth, but as a mum of two with a rental business, I've learnt that there are no magic stain solutions (sorry!). The absolute best thing to do is to treat stains as quickly as possible and run them under cold water (hot water can set a stain in). If stains happen at nursery this isn't always possible. Soaking it overnight as soon as you can is the next best thing. Many stain removers contain bleach or other harsh chemicals, here are some eco-friendly solutions for common nursery stains:

• Milk Spit-Up: Dab the stain with a mix of cold water and baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
• Food Smears: Treat greasy or colourful stains with a dab of eco-friendly dish soap (and let soak if possible) before washing.
• Grass and Mud: Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts. Soak the stain for 30 minutes before tossing it in the wash.

 

Nursery paint is frankly one of my biggest annoyances! While I buy washable paint to use at home, I've found nurseries always use non-washable paint which is almost impossible to get out! They will usually provide an apron or bib but (in my experience) they might not ensure that your little one is always completely covered. As stains like these are somewhat inevitable, you might want to try a separate 'nursery-only' wardrobe. Either way, you can rest assured that we will never charge you for stains at Borro!

 

Create a Separate Nursery Wardrobe

One tip that has worked well for me is having a separate nursery wardrobe - clothes that are specifically for nursery. This way, you don’t worry as much about precious or sentimental outfits getting stained or damaged. Opt for practical, durable items that can handle the wear and tear of nursery life. This is perfect for babies where you have complete control over their wardrobe. 

However, as your child gets older, especially with toddlers, this approach can become tricky. My first child was happy for me to dress him in whatever I chose, but my daughter is much more determined to chose her own outfit every day, so it's a bit harder! What's worked for us is to make the nursery wardrobe more accessible, and let her choose whatever she wants from it, and keep the nicer clothes a bit higher up so she needs help to reach them. 

 

Cloth Nappies at Nursery

If you use cloth nappies, most nurseries are happy to accommodate them. However, it’s worth checking if they’ve had experience using cloth nappies before and you might want to give a quick demo on the ones you have as they can vary a lot. Provide clear instructions on how you’d like the dirty nappies handled - for example, sending them home in a designated wet bag. You'll also need to make sure you send in an adequate supply of fresh ones (ready made up is best I found) plus reusable wipes if you're using them as well. I did cloth nappies with a couple of different nurseries and generally found they worked well, although once did have my child come back in a nappy inside out! So safe to say not all the staff knew how to use them! 

 

Always Pack Spares

One thing I’ve learned as a mum is that you can never have too many spare clothes at nursery. Accidents happen, from nappy leaks to paint spills. Pack a labelled nursery bag with at least one full spare outfit every day, including socks and a jumper.

Labelling: A Nursery Essential

Labelling clothes is a must. Items often go missing or get mixed up with other children’s belongings. I use stick-on labels which tend to last well in the wash, but are quite easy to remove when you want to return/donate/sell the clothes. Other options are iron-on or sew-in labels.

 

Overlooked Nursery Clothes Tips

If you're little one is napping at nursery, don't forget to include a sleep bag or make sure you know what blankets they're using and include an extra cardigan to keep them warm for naps. I always provided a sleep bag as that's what we used at home so I thought would be most comforting for my kids.

If they have a comforter they're attached to as well, it's a good idea to buy several the same and rotate them regularly from the beginning. Otherwise one will become especially well-loved and if it gets left at nursery over the weekend, you'll be wishing you had another EXACTLY the same spare!

Another overlooked factor is weather changes. Always have a jacket or coat ready, even if it looks like a sunny day when you leave home. Lightweight waterproof jackets or puddlesuits are especially handy for those unpredictable showers.

 

Why Renting Makes Sense for Nursery

Babies and toddlers grow so fast that it often feels like you’re buying clothes every other month. Renting from Borro is a game-changer. It’s a sustainable way to access high-quality baby clothes without worrying about whether your little one will outgrow them before they’re properly worn. Renting clothes in 'good condition' with small marks at a reduced price is ideal for nursery wear, where stains and wear are part of the daily routine.

 

Final Thoughts

Getting your child’s nursery clothes organised doesn’t have to be stressful. Focus on comfort, practicality, and enough spares to handle unexpected messes. Don’t forget to label everything, and consider renting clothes to save money and reduce waste. With these tips and the option to rent from Borro, you’ll be ready for this exciting new chapter in your little one’s life.