umm I'd probably get more covers to be honest. The OSFM ones might be a bit big for a newborn - and you want a good fit for pootainment factor - don't want accidents to put you off using cloth or making more work for you.

Plus, I got compression leaks with my wool until about 8 weeks of age.

But thats all I can think of.

And yes to your question about softening them up. Well thats what I would do.