The amount of clothing your newborn needs varies by garment type, but you will find yourself only need a handful of items in each category. You will want a sufficient amount of pajamas, onesies, pants, swaddles, and much more. As a mom of three, I recommend finding outfits that are easy to get on and off. Newborns can make outfit changing a bit tricky. While it can be tempting to buy an excessive amount of adorable outfits, babies outgrow their clothes so fast that it can be a waste of money to overbuy clothes.
Everyday Newborn Clothes
Pajamas
I recommend having at least four pairs of pajamason hand, but you are probably better off with a few more. You do a lot of laundry when you have a newborn, so having a few pairs of pajamas means you don’t have to start a wash cycle every time they dirty a pair.
In addition, I want to tell you how much you will love zip-up pajamas over button-ups. There is nothing worse than having to find the correct buttons in the middle of the night while you are changing your baby. NOTHING. I digress, though.
My kiddos lived in pajamas for at least the first few weeks. We weren’t going anywhere, and it was so much easier to change than any other article of clothing they owned. Having just one piece of clothing to take on and off is so much more manageable than intricate outfits.
Onesies
If you are stocking up your nursery, I recommend having at least eight onesieson hand. This number is definitely on the low end, especially since onesies usually come in packs of multiples. You may also want to consider having both short sleeve and long sleeve onesies in your nursery.
The reality is, your newborn could probably live in just onesies for the first few months. This is especially true if you have a newborn in the summer. While adorable outfits are cute for photos, they aren’t always practical. It doesn’t get more basic than a white onesie.
Major hack: The onesie does not have to go over their head in case of a blowout. Pull it down to avoid covering their head with you know what. Those flaps on each shoulder are put there for this exact reason. You’re welcome.
Pants
While babies are the only ones who can get away with leaving the house without pants on, you’ll want to have about 2-3 pairs of pantson hand. I’m a fan of the footed pants, so you don’t have to worry about their feet being exposed to the cold air or socks falling off while you are running errands.
Pairing a set of footed pants with a onesie allows for an easy outfit and makes you feel like you are dressing your newborn. However, remember that’s the last thing you need to worry about after you’ve had a baby.
Rompers
Rompersare adorable one-piece outfits that are a breeze to get on and off. While I don’t love things with snaps, I don’t mind these because they are for wearing during the daytime and not bedtime. You’ll want to find a romper that has snaps on the bottom to make for easy diaper changing. I give a hard pass to anything that needs to be pulled over their head after a blowout.
The rompers are perfect for a summer day where you want to take your little one out and about. You can quickly put a blanket over them if they get a little chilly. The rompers I used to buy came in a pack of 3, and that’s all you need when they are newborns. Once they are older and getting dirty, you’ll want a few more than that.
Sleeper Gowns
If you are looking for something different for nighttime other than pajamas, consider a sleeper gown. I find these to be sweet and allow your baby to have their feet a little loose. They also make middle-of-the-night diaper changes much easier because you don’t have to unzip anything. You simply pull the gown up to change.
Since they usually come in a pack of multiples, you probably only need to add one order to your shopping cart. As long as you have 2-3 sleeper gowns, you will be golden.
You may want to put a diaper cover on so that nothing leaks out while they are sleeping. Even tiny newborns can toss back and forth a little bit, and you don’t want anything tossing out of their diaper. If your baby does often have blowouts, you may want to reconsider which diaper you are using.
Sweaters/Cardigans
While you shouldn’t take your baby out in a snowstorm, sometimes the weather calls for a light sweater. It doesn’t take much to get a newborn cold, so it’s a good idea to put a sweater on if you are going out for a stroll. You will only need 1-2 sweaters when your little one is still an infant. You aren’t going to put them in too cold of situations, so you don’t have to stock up.
You can pick a cute hooded sweater to help keep their head warm or a simple cardigan for a fantastic fall night. I like this combo pack from Carter’s because you get one of each!
Newborn Accessories
Socks
Newborns are good at kicking their socksoff. It’s probably from all that practicing they did in the womb. However, you will want to have at least 5 or 6 pairs of socks to keep those cute little toes warm. Since newborns tend to have clean feet, you can get away with using the same pair of socks for at least a day or two.
Socks are also fun to have on while your baby is starting to find their feet. It’s something fun for them to grab for and attempt to pull off. They get good at that part.
Scratch Mittens
Newborns have very interesting yet sharp fingernails. When they are first born, they are softer than a traditional fingernail. It means you can’t quite cut them yet, but you can attempt to file them down. However, their tiny claws and their Moro reflex are pretty good at scratching their face up. Because of this, it’s advisable to have at least two pairs of scratch mittens readily available.
While you will be just fine without them, it’s nice to have something to prevent your baby from tearing up their sweet little face. The good news is you can start clipping their nails around the one-month mark. I highly recommend a pair of clippers with a flashlight. Cutting a baby’s nails is as terrifying as clipping a bear’s nails, so it’s nice to have a little light to help you out.
Hats
You may think your little one doesn’t need a hat, but they can come in handy, especially on those cooler days. Since cute baby hats usually come in a pack, you should be OK with 2 or 3 hats. If it’s wintertime, you want to make sure you have a thicker hat, but fall and spring only require a lightweight hat to keep your little one’s head warm.
If hats aren’t your things, consider one of the best headbands for babies. It’s a fun way to dress up your little ones without the hassle of actually dressing them.
Newborn Blankets and Bibs
Blankets
You probably got several baby blanketsat your baby shower. While babies should never sleep with a blanket due to the risk of SIDS, they can come in handy in many ways. They are great for tummy time and if you need a burp cloth in a pinch. In addition, if you are pushing your baby in the stroller, you can cover their torso and legs to keep them warm.
As a note, once your child turns one, you can let them go to sleep with their favorite blanket. Even then, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get stuck under it.
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Burp Cloths
While you may not consider it an article of clothing, you want to make sure you have enough burp cloths on hand. My second son had horrible reflux and put Old Faithful to shame. It’s a good idea to have at least 6-7 burp cloths lying around. This way, you can have one in any room you feed in and stash one or two away in your diaper bag.
Burp cloths tend to come in a pack of multiples, so it’s easy to stock up on these necessary items. I’m a fan of the simple ones, but there are some with adorable patterns. Since you’ll find yourself with a burp cloth over your shoulder often, you might as well make it fashionable!
RELATED: The 11 Best Burp Cloths in 2022
Baby Bibs
While newborns aren’t feeding themselves messy foods, bibscan come in handy if your little one tends to spit up. While burp cloths are great at protecting your clothes, it’s also a good idea to protect your baby’s clothes. It’s merely an attempt at not having to change their clothes multiple times a day.
For a newborn, you will be set with 5-6 bibs. Once your child gets older, you’ll want to invest in more. However, a newborn doesn’t need a mass supply of bibs.
Swaddles
While it’s also not a clothing item, it’s something you want to keep in consideration if you plan on swaddling your little one. I recommend having at least 2-3 swaddleson hand. I have had to change swaddles in the middle of the night because my little one had a blowout or had a significant spit-up, and there was no salvaging the swaddle for the night.
As a note, you should stop swaddling your little ones when they can roll over independently. For this reason, I’m a fan of swaddles that transform into sleep sacks. Your little one likely will grow out of their swaddle around the 3-month mark.
General Sizing Chart for Baby Clothes
Looking at a rack of baby clothes may leave you scratching your head on what size to get. It’s always best to consider the weight of your child when buying clothes. Here’s a quick rundown of sizes with their appropriate weight. Since sizes can vary by brand, think of this as a loose guideline.
- Preemie – up to 6 lbs
- Newborn – 5-8 lbs
- 0-3 months – 8-12 lbs
- 3-6 months – 12-16 lbs
- 6-9 months – 16-20 lbs
- 9-12 months – 20-24 lbs
If your baby is on the edge of a size range, I recommend always sizing up. Babies grow quickly and will fit it perfectly in no time. Make sure there is no loose fabric that may bunch up on their face.
Tips For Buying Newborn Clothes
Consider Their Size at Birth
While you won’t know their exact weight ahead of time, it’s essential to consider their weight if you buy clothes after they are born. My largest baby was 10 lbs, and my smallest was just over 8.5 lbs. My kiddos never fit into newborn clothes. I had to go straight to 0-3 months when it came to shopping.
In addition, if you are expecting twins, you can probably anticipate you won’t be giving birth to two 10 lb babies. In this case, you are safe picking up some newborn clothing and holding off on three months and so forth, to begin with. While apparel that is a little big is okay, you don’t want anything with excessive fabric. The fabric can easily bunch up against their face while they are sleeping and can pose safety hazards.
Think About the Season
My third was born during a California summer where we didn’t have air conditioning. While most of the year it wasn’t a problem, it was a hot issue that summer. I made a point to dress her in light clothing to ensure she didn’t get overheated. Since we swaddled her, she usually only wore a onesie to bed. I also didn’t cover her feet, so the socks stayed in the drawer during those hot summer months.
However, if you live in a cold climate and bring your baby home in the middle of winter, you will want to make sure you are appropriately dressed. It’s important not to overdress your child so they don’t overheat. All of this can sound pretty overwhelming, but I promise you got this!
Aim for Functionality
I am 100% guilty of buying newborn clothes simply because I thought they were cute, not because they were easy to get on and off. However, I can promise you it is not always easy to dress a newborn, and you may realize some outfits are merely a waste of money.
While it doesn’t hurt to have a few dressier items on hand, you’ll notice it’s better to hold off until they are a little older. It will also be easier to dress them once they are out of the newborn phase. Just get those cute outfits in before they want to be fully in charge of their wardrobe.
Hit Up The Sales Rack
One of my favorite things to do is scanning the clearance rack at my regular stores. Even if the clothes don’t fit now, it’s an excellent opportunity to stock up. If you buy a larger size, think about the time of year your child will wear it. Sure there is a fantastic deal on bathing suits, but consider how old your child will be next summer.
In addition, I thoroughly enjoy checking out the sale items after a holiday, like Christmas. It’s a great time to buy outfits for next year. It’s also a great time to stock up on bibs. I have no problems with my child wearing a Christmas bib in July.
Ask Friends for Hand-Me-Downs
There is nothing wrong with asking a friend or family member if they would be willing to pass along clothing once their child outgrows them. When I had my second son, he was able to wear most of my oldest son’s old clothes. However, when I had my daughter, I needed to start fresh. While I loved buying new clothes, I did not hesitate to ask my friends if they had anything they were willing to pass along.
Also, consider joining an online group for your neighborhood. A lot of times, parents will post free baby clothes on there. It’s not only a great way to get clothes for your baby but a way to meet other moms. Win-win!
Aim for Softness
Babies have sensitive skin, and it’s always a good idea to find clothes that will be gentle on their skin. Aim for clothes with mostly cotton. It is soft on their skin and highly absorbent. It’s also lightweight and will help prevent your little one from getting too hot. You’ll want to avoid anything with synthetic fibers, like polyester, that will be rough on your baby’s skin.
In addition, your baby will be in their clothes all day, minus any accidents. You want to keep it as comfortable as possible. If you wouldn’t want to spend a whole day in a specific outfit, then you shouldn’t put it on your baby.
Keep a Budget in Mind
It’s effortless to spend lots of money on baby clothes. I mean, they are so stinking cute. However, it’s wise to set a budget on how much you want to be spending. This will ensure you are only buying the necessities, with the room to buy some fun things now and again.
You have plenty of other expenses with your new addition, so it’s a good idea not to break the bank on a new outfit every day. You will regret overspending on items your baby doesn’t get the chance to wear.
How to Dress Your Newborn for Bed
One of the most important things to consider when dressing your newborn is the temperature inside your home. You’re told not to overdress them. You’re told not to underdress them. So, what do they wear when it’s hot or cold out? Here is a quick guide on how to dress your little one, depending on the temperature. All temperatures are listed in Fahrenheit.
- Over 78° – Onesie
- 75° – 77° – Onesie with Lightweight Sleep Sack or Swaddle
- 71°- 74° – Long-Sleeve Pajama and Sleep Sack
- 69° – 70° – Long-Sleeve Pajama with Onesie Underneath and Sleep Sack Over
- 64° – 68° – Long-Sleeve Pajama with Long-Sleeve Onesie Underneath and Sleep Sack
With that being said, the ideal temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 68° and 72°. Having the right temperature can help prevent SIDS and make your baby sleep better in general. If you cannot control your child’s room temperature, consider getting a fan to help keep the space cool.
How To Clean Newborn Clothing
It’s recommended to wash all your baby’s clothes before they wear them for the first time. All clothes come with some chemicals, and cleaning the clothes helps eliminate those. In addition, it can help the clothes become softer from when you first bought them. Washing newborn clothing is an excellent task when you begin nesting. While I’m not a big laundry person, I did enjoy getting all the clothes ready for when the baby arrived.
I also recommend washing any clothes given to you by someone. While they probably will be fine, you don’t know what type of allergens they may have had in their home, and it’s best to give the clothes a clean start. Most baby clothes don’t have any specific cleaning instructions, but it’s always a good idea to read the label before you put them in the wash.
Finally, you should never use bleach on your baby’s clothes. If you are trying to get out a stain, consider using a solution of vinegar. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your regular wash load. It’s also best to put the wash on a gentle cycle to ensure the clothes aren’t run through a harsh wash.
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What to Do With Your Old Baby Clothes
You know by now that babies grow out of their clothes reasonably quickly. So, what should you do with all those clothes your little one can no longer wear? I have several great ideas regardless of whether you are holding onto them or ready to pass them along.
Store Baby Clothes
If you plan on keeping clothes for a future child, it’s essential to store them well. This will prevent any mildew from forming. You’ll also want to make sure you have thoroughly cleaned them ahead of time. There is no question that stains will set in if they are left for several years.
I’m a fan of the Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags. They make it easy to store clothes without taking up a lot of space in your house. The vacuum seal ensures the clothes will not be damaged while waiting for the next little one to wear them.
Donate Baby Clothes
Passing along your baby clothes to someone in need is a fantastic idea. If you plan on donating your old baby clothes, make sure to look for any stains or tears. If you wouldn’t want your child to wear it again, you shouldn’t donate the item.
Find a reputable donation center to take the gently used clothing. You can also check for a local women’s shelter that may need baby clothing. It’s a great way to help someone in need.
If you have any clothes that aren’t worthy of being donated, use them around the house! Have your kids wear them for art projects or use them as rags. If you have a pet, they make great wipes for any accidents! A donation center will have to throw them away, so it’s better to think of creative ways to reuse them. Mother Earth will thank you.
Give Clothes to Family or Friends
Sometimes you don’t have to look any further than your family or circle of friends when it comes to giving away baby clothes. If you know someone who is expecting, offer them what you have. Don’t be offended if they turn you down.
When I had my first, I only wanted to have brand new clothing. While I now know that’s a little silly; there’s nothing wrong with someone who wants to purchase their newborn clothing right off the rack. They probably will hit you up once they are on to child number two and behind.
Sell Baby Clothing
I am all for giving back and donating baby clothes to others, however, nowadays a lot of people are re-selling their clothes. If you paid a lot on an outfit that didn’t get used much or at all, it makes sense to try to make some money back. You can sell them through your local Facebook group, a consignment shop, or try an online seller.
You will want to price them fairly if you want to make some money. You can also sell old baby gear, like strollers and high chairs, this way as well. After we knew we were done having kids, I made a pretty penny by selling our gear.
As a tip, if you can sell them on the marketplace, you won’t have to pay the fees a consignment shop or online service charges. Remember to always meet up with people in a safe space, like a fire or police station.
What To Keep
I have held on to any outfit that holds sentimental value. This includes the outfits my children came home from the hospital in and any others that weren’t just another outfit. I, personally, have several dresses from when I was little, and I got a lot of pleasure in having my daughter wear them.
Just like you would store your clothes for future kiddos, it’s essential to keep your sentimental clothing stored properly, so they don’t get damaged. You may want to consider acid-free tissue paper as a way to wrap them. Once you wrap it in the tissue paper, you can put them in a sealed storage container.
FAQs – Newborn Clothes
Do I need newborn clothing?
You’ll quickly learn how quickly newborns outgrow their clothing. They go from swimming in it to being way too big for it fast. If you don’t anticipate having a tiny baby, I recommend going for the 0-3 months clothing. Newborn clothing typically only fits babies up to 8 lbs, and I know that wouldn’t work for any of my children. (My tiniest newborn was nearly 9 lbs.)
If you are pregnant with your first and have no idea what to expect when it comes to your baby’s weight, I recommend buying a few basic pajamas or onesies ahead of time. You can easily pick extra clothes up after they are born. In addition, the hospital is equipped with onesies they can give you. I can assure you, your baby will have something to wear.
What’s the difference between newborn and 0-3 month clothing?
It can get a little confusing when you start to search for the correct clothing size for babies. The 0-3 month clothing will last you a tad bit longer than newborn clothing. As mentioned, newborn clothes fit babies up to about 8 lbs. On the other hand, 0-3 months will fit those little ones up to nearly 13 lbs. This is why I never bothered with newborn clothing and went straight to 0-3 months.
How fast do babies grow?
Like weeds, they grow like weeds. In all seriousness, babies tend to double their birth weight by the time they hit 5 or 6 months of age. While every baby is different, every baby still is going to be continuously growing. Not only are they going to be putting on some extra weight, but they will also be increasing in length.
Little ones can grow anywhere from half an inch to an inch each month. I had very long babies. I’m 5’11, so it’s not much of a surprise, however, it sometimes made clothes shopping difficult. So, when I found something that worked, I usually would stock up on it.
With my first, I thoroughly enjoyed buying the cutest new clothes for him. By the time my third came along, I was constantly hunting for free or near-free deals on clothes. Since babies grow fast, there’s no reason to invest in a whole wardrobe for them.
Resist the urge to buy something you know will only fit them for a short time. It truly becomes a waste of money in the long run and serves no real value. In addition, anytime you can get hand-me-downs is a total win. While I do love a new outfit for my kids, I never turn down clothes from friends. Once you’re done with them, you can continue to pass them along.
Does my newborn need shoes?
While newborn shoes may be one of the most precious items on the market, they are entirely unnecessary. You want to keep your baby’s feet warm, but that’s what socks are for. Your little one isn’t walking anywhere any time soon and does not need a pair of Nikes. Save the money for when they are running around and need a good pair of shoes.
In addition, as your baby is starting to walk, they do better if they aren’t wearing shoes. So, you don’t have to buy shoes for quite some time.
What’s the best way to store newborn clothing?
Depending on how much space you have in your house, you may have to get creative when it comes to storing your baby’s clothes. A dresser is the easiest way to keep all of their clothes in one place. Make each drawer hold a specific garment type so it’s easy for you to find what you need. (Especially if it’s in the middle of the night!)
If you are relying more on closet space, these velvet hangers come with size dividers, making them both handy and adorable. We have a complete guide on how to organize your baby’s clothes. Don’t worry; we have you covered!
Finally, if your newborn clothing storage is your couch or dining room table, that’s okay too! You just had a baby, so go easy on yourself!
Final Thoughts
Having a newborn is such a special time in your life. While it can be very tempting to overload your nursey with cute baby clothes, it’s essential to focus on the essentials. If you were asking yourself, “how many clothes do newborns need,” I hope this guide will help you as you prepare for your little one.
Newborns don’t need much. A few pairs of pajamas, onesies, pants, and some accessories are all your precious bundle will need to wear. While those extra adorable outfits are hard to resist, remember newborns mainly need two things: something to keep them warm and your sweet loving care.
