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One of the most exciting parts about having a baby is planning their closet and deciding which clothes you should add to your baby registry. Let’s all admit it, baby clothes are adorable and your little one will look even more adorable in them! If you are a new parent, you need to know certain things when it comes to baby clothes. You might have some questions, too. How fast will my baby grow? How many clothes of each size do you need? What clothes does a new baby need? It’s hard to answer because every baby is different! Typically, you do not need a lot of baby clothes as you might think because your new baby will never wear half the items. Keep on reading to learn more about baby clothes.
How Many Clothes Do You Need In Each Size?
Baby clothes are expensive. So, buy less than you think you need or want because babies grow up in a blink of an eye. More often, your baby’s closet will be filled with clothes that they’ve never worn. There is no exact number because everyone has their own experiences to share. But every mom will tell you that you don’t need as many clothes as you think. When it comes to buying anything related to the baby, as we mentioned before, less is always more (except for diapers, you need a lot of diapers!). Moreover, you can always buy more later.
How Many Clothes Should You Buy Before The Baby Is Born?
It is very easy to go overboard with and waste hundreds of dollars. Remember to not go over-budget even before the baby is here. Before the due date, you need to buy clothes for the 2 weeks of their life or buy for 0 to 3 months instead of a newborn. A normal size baby grows out of newborn clothes very fast. Moreover, you’ll be changing your baby’s clothes at least once per day. Buy enough shirts, onesies, pants on hand so that you don’t have to stop everything to do laundry because you ran out of clothes in a matter of 2 days. Your little one’s clothes should be simple, soft, comfortable, and user-friendly because you’re going to be unsnapping, removing, and changing clothes off your baby multiple times per day.
How To Build Your Little One’s Wardrobe?
Before building a wardrobe, you need to think about how many baby clothes you’ll need and how you should add clothing to your registry.
1. Laundry
How often you do laundry and your access to it makes a huge difference in how many baby clothing items you’ll need on hand. This list will assume that you do a few loads of laundry throughout the week. However, if that’s not the case, you might need more or less clothing. How to adjust?
- Simply multiply the numbers given below by two, if you plan on doing laundry just once a week.
- Or cut the numbers given below in half, if you plan on doing laundry every day.
2. Sizes
It’s tricky to figure out sizes and how many pieces you need in each size. Also, it’s tough to foresee how big your baby will be at the birth and how quickly they might grow. So, here are some tips you need to keep in mind when you are buying clothes for your little one:
- You need to think big because most newborn sizes top out around 8 pounds. If you have a bigger baby, from the start, they could need 0 to 3 months in size. Whereas, if they’re smaller, they’ll fit into newborn sizes for a few weeks. So, just pick some newborn items and then focus on 0 to 3 months.
- Try mixing it up because every baby brand, when it comes to sizing runs differently. Since you won’t know your baby’s body type, try mixing clothes from different brands. This way you’ll have a few different fit options to choose from.
3. Stay Organized
Baby clothes are cute and are easy to lose track of. The best way to know what will fit your baby right now and what you are available in the next size is by organizing your little one’s closet in sizes.
- Invest in some drawer dividers, if you’re storing most of the baby’s clothes in a dresser. These dividers will keep everything in one place. Plus, you can set it up by clothing type, size, or any way you’d like.
- Invest in some closet dividers, if you’re storing your baby’s clothes in a closet. These sturdy hanging signs will make sure that your clothes are separated into different sizes.
Here‘s A Sample Baby Clothing Registry For Your Little One
In this list, you’ll have the standard number of clothing items you’ll want on hand for your newborn’s arrival. Additionally, we’ve included items for summer and winter babies and some things for special occasions.
1) 7 Onesies or Rompers
Onesies or bodysuits are an easy, no-fuss outfit. It comes in both long and short-sleeves. It is comfortable for summer and can be worn as a basic layer in winter. With seven, you’ll always have a clean one available. Even if you do laundry a couple of loads per week.
2) Burt's Bees Baby Organic Short Sleeve Bodysuit (5 Pack)
Amazon Reviews
Love the print and the quality such is to be expected from Burts Bees. May run a lil big in my opinion. Love them tho.
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3) 3 to 5 Pants
Babies don’t need to wear pants (for a while) but it’s good to have a few pairs available. On chilly days, you can pull the pants over the bodysuits and keep their tiny legs warm.
4) Carter's Pant (2 Pack)
Amazon Reviews
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5) 4 Sleepers, Footies, or Gowns
Although these sleepers and footies are perfect for sleeping, they can be used during the daytime, too. In colder climates, you can pair them with a swaddle during the nighttime. Moreover, a gown is always a great wardrobe addition. They are perfect for the first few months when you want something quick and easy for the constant diaper changes.
6) 2 Hats
During the early weeks and months, beanie-style hats are important to keep your baby warm. Remember do not use hats when the baby is sleeping! You should start with two hats, one for the wash and one for your little one to wear. For colder weather, we would recommend buying fleece hats.
7) Copper Pearl Top Knot Hat
Amazon Reviews
What darling little hat! Fabric is soft, pattern is understated and the little top knot is so cute. I look forward to seeing my soon-to-be-born grandson wearing it!
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8) 5 Pairs of Socks
Make sure your little one’s feet are cozy in socks, even during summers.
Additional tip: Try to buy them all in one color, this way you don’t have to worry about matching those tiny socks. Also, if you are having a winter baby, simply add two extra pairs.
9) Burt's Bees Baby Ankle Socks (6 Pack)
Amazon Reviews
These are the best . We had some when my toddler was a baby and learning to pull up. The no slip bottoms are perfect and the elastic band doesn’t give out after time. I just bought more of same brand when he grew out of the first set.
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10) 2 to 3 Swaddles
Yes, we know, swaddles can’t be considered as clothes, per se. However, a lot of babies spend a lot of time with them. Why is that? Simple, for the first few months, most babies like to be swaddled because it feels very womblike. Also, it prevents their startle reflex from waking them up. During sleep time, you might find many nights where you just put your little one in a diaper and swaddle them to sleep.
11) Aden + Anais Classic Cotton Muslin Swaddle (4 Pack)
Amazon Reviews
I have loved these blankets since I babysat my friends daughter and she always had one with her. We used one from this pack as one of the backdrops for my son’s newborn pictures and it worked perfect!
For more product reviews visit Amazon
Are You Expecting A Summer Baby?
1) 1 Sun Hat
If you are outside on sunny days, your baby needs a sun hat. They are a must-have and you should get one with a wide brim. Also, make sure it won’t fall off and it fits snugly. You should opt for a sun hat that has an adjustable toggle which will create a custom fit as the baby grows.
2) i play by Green Sprouts Brim Sun Protection Hat
Amazon Reviews
Got this for a last minute beach trip, I do like that you can tighten it, I bought it for my newborn. She’s 6 months old now and she can still wear it !
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3) 2 Lightweight Blankets
You can use cotton or a muslin blanket to protect your little one from the sun. A blanket will not overheat your baby. Simply drape it over your carrier, stroller, or car seat. Also, make sure to leave plenty of space for air to circulate.
4) Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Swaddle (3 Pack)
Amazon Reviews
I was on a search for berry swaddles, I know sounds weird but I always thought they were so cute. I looked at many option but other brands I just didn’t like something, whether it was the price ($25+ for one swaddle) or the other swaddles in the pack.. I came across these, I loved each of the swaddle designs and the price was fair. They just got in and are exactly as pictured! They are adorable! They are on the thinner side so if you are looking for something thick these aren’t for you. I wanted something breathable so I can also use it as a nursing cover and car seat cover, these will work great for that. These are muslin so aren’t incredibly soft but they should get softer after some washes. I’ll make sure to update my review after some washes … but so far I’m in love!
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Are You Expecting A Winter Baby?
1) 2 Sweaters or Sweatshirts
When there’s a chill in the air, you can put your little one in a cardigan or zip-up hoodie. Plus, it’s easy to take them off if your baby gets too warm.
2) Carter's Cardigan
Amazon Reviews
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3) 1 Pair of Mittens
Cozy mittens are perfect to cover up their little hands. Get a pair which comes with a cord, so that the pairs stay together and one of them won’t go missing.
Additional tip: Cotton mitts tend to come in handy with newborns (even if it’s not winter). It prevents them from scratching themselves with their super-sharp new nails.
4) Zutano Cozie Fleece Mittens
Amazon Reviews
Perfect for my 4 month old grandson, soft and warm. Love that there is no finger or thumb, just the mitt. Easy to put on and take off
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5) 1 Winter Coat or Bunting
If you are due during winter, your little one needs at least one layer of extra-warm outerwear. For colder regions, get your baby full-body outerwear to make sure that they will stay snug during any weather.
6) Magnetic Me Fleece Pram
Amazon Reviews
I just bought this for my unborn son to have when we leave the hospital. I can’t wait to use it. It is so soft inside and out. I love the convience of the magnetic snaps. If this line was lower priced I would have all of their products.
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7) 2 Slippers or Booties
Your babies won’t need shoes until they start walking or crawling. However, you can buy them, some booties which are great for extra warmth.
8) Zutano Cozie Fleece Booties
Amazon Reviews
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Clothes For Special Occasions
You’ll probably have a few occasions to dress up your adorable little one. Make sure to buy some elegant outfits. A coming-home outfit will be a sweet addition!
1) Aden + Anais Snuggle Knit Newborn Gift Set
Amazon Reviews
This nightie is so incredibly soft after many many washes! I wish they made these for adults!
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2) Parker Baby Co. Bows And Headbands (10 Pack)
Amazon Reviews
So many headbands are advertised for infants but are way too big. I love that these fit my newborn (but also can stretch to fit my 6 year old as well. The variety in pattern and color is nice to have options without all the bows looking the same. With two girls these have by far been my favorite.
more product reviews visit Amazon
In Conclusion
While preparing for your baby’s arrival, it’s tough to resist the urge to add every cute baby outfit to your registry. Babies create a lot of mess and having clothing options for quick outfit changes will come in handy. Then again, your little one will grow up quickly, and they aren’t going to stay in one size for very long. So, buy wisely!
FAQs: Baby Clothes to Buy?
1) How many layers of clothes does a baby need?
2) How many layers do babies need overnight?
3) Should babies wear socks to bed?
Reviewed By:
Nimrat Sidhu - Pediatration
Dr. Nimrat S Sidhu is a practicing pediatrician for about 5 years now and holds an MD pediatrics degree. She was the topper of her batch, has always had a keen interest in her core medical field, and is specially trained for neonatal resuscitation.
She has published multiple research papers on pediatrics and is interested in topics like Neonatal care, skincare, baby growth, vaccination, growth, and development.
