How many newborn clothes do you need? Creating a registry for your baby or simply trying to figure out what you really need for a new baby can be overwhelming, I’ve been there. When I had my first baby I kept getting bombarded with “must-have items” which made me feel as though I was missing out if I did not buy everything.
All the relatives sent us baby clothes which was exciting at first, but it quickly became annoying as I simply had too many to put on my baby. Not to mention that every person has their own preferences when it comes to baby clothes. Patterns aside, some might want to buy organic only, while others fall in love with bamboo baby onesies.
Let me tell you the truth: most people overbuy for their first baby.
How Many Baby Clothes Do You Need in Each Size?
If anyone gives you a straight answer they’re simply lying. Every baby and their needs are different.
A newborn generally only wears each size from newborn to 6 months for 1-2 weeks or a month maximum. But sometimes they might even skip a size.
My firstborn skipped the newborn size and went straight to 0-3 months, while my second was too small for newborn and had to wear Preemie size for 5 weeks, then wore newborn for a month and then went straight into 3-6 months. You can’t ever predict it!
My babies never had reflux or poop explosions but I know a friend whose babies had to be changed every milk due to reflux. If you asked both of us the same question my answer would be that one baby onesie per day is enough, while my friend would have answered at least 4.
How Many Newborn Size Clothes Do I Need?
One thing that I think we can all agree on is that buying for a newborn is cute and exciting, but it will also be frustrating as your baby will only get to wear each outfit once if you buy too many.
My recommendation would be to buy a maximum of 5 outfits until they hit size 6-12 months. After this age, your baby’s clothes will fit for longer and once they hit 12-18 and 2T it will feel like they wear it forever… That’s when you can splurge!
What Types of Baby Clothes Do I Need?
When you’re shopping for baby clothes you’ll quickly realize how many adorable options you have from onesies and dresses to sleepers and costumes, the list seems endless.
To simplify your baby’s wardrobe, focus on essentials like onesies, sleepers, and comfortable pants.
Most newborns live in baby onesies or bodysuits in the summer, so these are the most useful items you can buy. With their easy snap closures and simple one-piece design, onesies are key for quick diaper changes, and truly, your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping so they don’t really need fashionable clothes (no matter how cute they are).
Here are some other types of baby clothes that you might want to consider to round out your little one’s wardrobe:
- Onsies
- Sleepers (long sleeves and legs that cover the feet)
- Body Suit (legless and more fitted than a onesie)
- Pants/leggings
- Socks
- Hats
- Mittens
- Swaddles
You might also want to get one cute outfit for a baby photoshoot but it’s best to get this after your baby is born when you know what size you will need.
Keeping it simple with versatile and comfortable clothing will make your parenting journey a lot smoother. Plus, you don’t have to have it all figured out beforehand, as long as you have enough clothes for the first couple of weeks, you can always adjust!
How Many Swaddle Blankets Do I Need?
Baby blankets have become collectible items for many (especially bamboo ones) and while the number you need depends on your laundry routine, having at least 3-5 swaddle blankets on hand is a good starting point.
Again, you can always adjust after you have figured out your baby’s preferences and needs but it’s nice to always have a fresh blanket ready to go no matter when the next wash day is.
It’s also good to consider that many babies don’t like having their arms restricted, so you may also want to try a sleepsack as an alternative.
Winter Babies
Welcoming a baby in the winter brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your little one warm and cozy.
If your newborn is due during the colder months of the year, it’s a good idea to buy clothing that can be layered to easily adjust for indoor and outdoor temperatures.
You’ll also need warm mittens, hats, and baby booties to keep your little one snug as a bug!
For particularly cold climates you may want to get a snowsuit to keep your baby snug during outdoor adventures but this isn’t always necessary and it’s important to pay attention to signs of overheating.
What to Think About When Buying Baby Clothing
We all know how tempting adorable princess and pirate outfits can be to buy before having your first child but if you want to ease your way into parenting as much as possible, there are a few things to consider when choosing baby clothes.
Materials – This can change depending on your and your baby’s preferences as some prefer bamboo and others cotton. If you’re not sure where to start, look for soft and breathable materials that are appropriate to the season for when your baby will be born.
Functionality – Another vital thing to consider is how easy the clothes will be to use. Picking clothes with easy closures such as snaps makes changing much easier, and don’t underestimate how many times a day you’ll be doing this!
Seasonal Temperatures – Think about what age your baby will be in each season. You don’t need to buy everything for every age as your baby will grow way quicker than you think. It’s best to leave more specific purchases like snowsuits for when you need them so you know what size to get.
Laundry schedule – Depending on how much time you have, you may be a household that washes laundry every other day or may only wash once a week. This may also change quite quickly once you add another member to the family. The more frequently you wash, the fewer pieces of clothing you will need to buy.
Size Fluctuation – As with adult clothing, different brands of baby clothing have slightly different sizes within each range. You might find that a 0-3 month fits in some brands but not in others, especially as your baby gets close to moving up in size. Buying from a few different brands will give you more choice to find the best fit for your baby as they grow.
Flame-Resistant Clothing – When shopping for baby pajamas you may come across tags stating that the clothing is not suitable for sleeping or is not flame-resistant. The tags can look quite alarming and may make you question the clothing you’re buying, however, it shouldn’t be this way. I have written a whole article about flame-resistant baby clothes and why you shouldn’t worry too much about the outdated law.
Leave a reply