Babies grow fast. They're born with about two months' worth of clothing, but by the time they reach their first birthday, that number will have tripled- and if you want to keep up with your little one's wardrobe as they get older, it can be hard to know how many clothes you should buy for a newborn baby.
One thing is certain: it won't be the same amount for every child. There are so many different factors like gender and size that come into play when deciding how much newborn baby clothes you need in your home. Not only does each baby grow differently, but some might also outgrow their clothes faster than others- meaning if you don't purchase enough new ones after a few months, you may need to put the rest of your baby's clothing in storage for years!
Some parents might have a hard time deciding how many clothes they want to get when they're shopping for their newborn, and others might have difficulty determining just how much newborn clothing they actually need. You'll find that there is no wrong answer here: either buy a lot or a little, as long as you're doing it with your baby's needs in mind.
How many newborn clothes do I need?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents have enough clothes for their baby to use daily and night. This means having at least six to eight outfits, which includes sleepers and outfits with pants. Your baby's clothing will grow out of them quickly, so it is essential to buy the right amount.
You will need a minimum of 6-8 shirts and pants for your baby to wear during the day. This means you'll need at least 2-3 outfits per day, but remember that babies tend to soil their outfits many times a day. You'll also need at least 3-4 sleepers or outfits with pants for nighttime, but you will probably want to have some extra ones for those nights.
Including sleepers, outfits with pants and tops, you will need at least 10-12 items of clothing during the day. The same number is true for nightwear; it's a good idea to have four or five sleeper sets that will be enough for you to change your babies daily.
What type of newborn clothes should I get?
If you are a parent of a newborn baby, then you're probably wondering what types of clothes you should buy. Many different types of clothing can be purchased for babies, and it may be challenging to know which ones are the best. One thing you want to consider is the season. The clothes that you purchase depend on the climate and weather in your area. Some parents also choose not to clothe their children because they feel that it "protects" them from danger or that it's too much work to change their diapers and clothes constantly! You will also need to consider how many outfits your baby will need during the day. Most babies wear about eight outfits per day.
You need to consider your baby's skin color as well. Babies with darker skin tones may not be able to wear white clothing because it will expose their skin to the sun and cause them to burn more easily! However, a lighter-skinned baby can wear white clothing without getting burned more efficiently. You also need to consider the gender of your baby. Some parents try to dress their baby sons in blue and girls in pink. However, some people feel it is wrong or unnecessary. Children don't care what color they wear as long as the clothes are comfortable!!
After you have considered everything, you can list everything that you think your baby will need. Remember to plan for any special events or holidays!!
Basic Baby Clothes Checklist List for Your Newborn
There are a few basic pieces of newborn clothing essentials that you should buy for your newborn. A complete basic baby clothing list includes the following:
5-7 baby bodysuits (or rompers for the summer season)
A baby bodysuit (baby onesies) is a garment designed to be worn by babies, typically during their first six months. It covers the baby's torso and is often worn under clothing or the only garment on an outing. By definition, a newborn baby bodysuit is designed to fit an infant who is 2 - 3 weeks old. A baby in this stage of development should still be wearing the clothes they came from the hospital with, for at least the first week after birth.
Baby bodysuits are designed to be worn by babies, typically during their first six months. They cover the baby's torso and are often worn under clothing or as the only garment on an outing. By definition, a newborn baby bodysuit is designed to fit an infant who is 2 - 3 weeks old. A baby in this stage of development should still be wearing the clothes they came from the hospital with, for at least the first week after birth.
One of the most fun aspects of buying baby clothes is picking out cute onesies. I like getting onesies that have exciting sayings on them, such as "I may be little but I'm fierce" or "I think therefore I am." It's a good idea to buy an assortment of onesies so you can be sure to find "just the right one" for any occasion. Check out Kidstor's funny baby onesies collection and pick out something fun for your baby.
Baby rompers are garments that cover the whole body of the baby but leaves the legs free. It is sometimes called a "onesie" or "pajamas". Baby rompers are often made of cotton and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Most baby rompers have snaps along the shoulder to make changing easier, although they can be found with hook-and-loop fasteners instead. They usually have a fold-down flap that covers the front opening, sometimes called a "bib".
It is usually cut to fit the body with short sleeves and often has a pattern on it. Nowadays, they are available in several color combinations and designs for babies. It offers a comfortable wearing experience to them.
6-8 pairs of baby pants (or baby leggings for the summer season)
Baby pants are where all your baby's fluids go out, and they are therefore one of the most important clothing items you should buy. In general, baby pants are designed to be leak-proof, so you don't have to worry too much about leakage issues during your baby's first year.
For babies, they often have elasticized ankles that can be fastened with covered or uncovered button-operated shoe-like tabs. Most baby pants are cut at an angle, which means part of the leg opening is higher than the other (also known as "cut off"). The angle is usually less than 90 degrees.
The other common option is pants that have a wide elastic waistband with an additional piece of fabric to cover the front open between the baby's legs. Like onesies and leggings, baby pants are often made of cotton or polyester and sometimes have been designed. Polyester pants tend to retain creases that are often hard to iron out.
Baby pants for an infant can be worn without a diaper or under a diaper, depending on the situation. Many babies experience fewer leaks when wearing cotton diapers combined with plastic lining, so they do not want their clothing absorbing their wetness outside of the diaper area. Others prefer leaving the plastic liner outside of the baby pant so that they feel wet sooner.
The pants come in a few varieties, such as:
Leggings are similar to socks for adults; they are tight on your legs and ankles. They can be made from cotton, polyester, bamboo, or spandex.
Cotton leggings should be at least 65% cotton for maximum comfort for your child. However, most are made from a blend of materials to give them stretchiness and colorfastness. Polyester leggings will be the softest on your baby's skin but contain harmful chemicals which could cause rashes in sensitive areas (such as the waistband). Bamboo is a type of material that offers excellent breathability and is therefore great for the summer.
Spandex leggings are made to be tight fitting to allow free movement and maximum comfort. They also contain harmful chemicals in the production process.
5-7 pairs of socks
Baby socks are similar to baby pants; they keep your child's feet warm and dry during cold seasons; however care should be taken to choose the right material. Cotton socks are the best option as they are breathable, soft, and absorb moisture away from your baby's feet. Polyester socks will be less absorbent and, therefore, not suitable for babies with sweaty feet.
3 winter baby hats and 2 summer hats.
You can skip the winter baby hats if you live in a warm climate, or the baby will be taken care of by someone else during cold months.
Babies cannot regulate their body temperatures as well as adults, therefore they need additional layers of clothing to keep them warm in winter and cool during hot summer months.
Infants have fine yet thick hair, which makes it harder for them to stay warm. Hats are the best way to make sure your baby stays cozy during cold weather.
There are 2 main types to choose from:
Baby caps have a similar appearance to beanies, but its opening is more sleek and narrow. Baby hats are designed with fold-back flaps on the ears to keep them warm. Often baby hats have cute patterns or strings of beads that add personality and cuteness whilst keeping your baby warm.
1 or 2 pairs of mittens/gloves.
You can skip the gloves if you live in a warm climate or baby will have other sources to keep hands warm. Also, there are newer findings that babies learn more when their hands are free to move and explore during discovery time. However, if your house is super cold during the winter months, putting gloves on your baby's hands can keep your little one warm and thus make his or her life more comfortable.
Baby Sweaters and Outerwear
Your baby only needs one or two sweaters, depending on the climate where you live. If the weather is cold where you are, you may want to buy a sweater for your baby. In Atlanta, I have seen babies wearing one sweater during fall and winter, while in Chicago, you may want to buy two sweaters. If all you need is a cover-up for your baby, then buy a snowsuit rather than a baby sweater or baby coat.
A baby jacket or coat is made of thicker and warmer materials than regular clothes and are commonly worn in the winter. They may have a piece for infants that can't stand on their own yet to help keep them from rolling over in the crib or walker when they sleep.
4-6 bibs
Baby bibs are for babies who have just started eating solids or 'self-feeding (breastfed babies don't need to wear them). The bib is intended to cover your baby's neck and chest area during feeding time.
The purpose of a bib is to:
Cover up soiled clothing; prevent dribbles from staining your baby's clothing.
Help reduce any chance of choking.
They are also great for catching drool which babies produce as they try to master the skill of chewing and swallowing food. Wearing a bib will make sure it doesn't go anywhere else except for the bib instead of falling on the baby's clothing.
Bibs are made of different materials but should be 100% cotton as they absorb moisture faster than synthetic fabrics do and are therefore more suitable for use by babies who drool a lot. Still, if you don't have bibs that are 100% cotton, then opt for ones that at least contain 95% cotton. This is important as the moisture that was absorbed by the bib will eventually be released, and you don't want it to make your baby cold. Also, babies older than 6 months may drool more so a bib that is 100% cotton makes sense then.
3-5 sleepers (baby footies)
The best material to buy baby clothes is 100% cotton. You can purchase them in a variety of fabric weights and colors. According to the age of your child, you may want to get onesies/rompers or footed p
8 or more sleepers - these are short sleeved shirts, often with feet sewn on, which are made to keep the baby warm while sleeping. Usually there is one sleeper per size and weight.
1-2 pairs of booties/socks - booties go over the sleeper and help keep warmth in.
1-2 hats - hats provide head protection against cold weather and prevent sunburn on top of an infant's head. They also have dressier versions, such as a lace or crocheted cap that look cute with an outfit.
Clothing for newborns should be lightweight, covering all parts of the body. The right clothes will help your baby sleep better. There can be many different types of clothes for babies, and some may fit better than others.
Nursery Clothes
The first thing you'll need is clothing for the nursery. You don't want anything too heavy because that might make your baby cranky when he or she sleeps on it. There are very light blankets and comforters that can keep your child warm without being too hot. Make sure the blankets are big enough to cover your baby's feet. You'll also need a diaper pail and changing table equipped with safety straps or belts. Don't forget to get some plastic bags for disposing of diapers, too!
Newsboy Hats
You might consider getting one or two newsboy hats for your newborn baby, especially if he or she has a lot of hair. These hats will keep baby's head warm, especially before your child starts to regularly spend time outdoors during the winter.
Pajamas
You'll need both day pajamas and night pajamas. Choose lightweight cotton pajamas for the daytime so your baby stays comfortable at all times. Remember to buy some extra pairs in case of accidents, and a few different colors so you can change the pajamas every day.
Bunting/Blankets
You'll also need bunting or blankets to cover your baby once he or she is born. Babies spend almost their entire day asleep, so it's important to have several blankets that can accommodate your child's length as he or she grows. Some bunting will also be appropriate for colder nights and temperatures. Just remember, you don't want anything too heavy while the baby is still young!
How many baby clothes to buy?
You need several outfits to wear with the blankets. The right number of outfits depends on how often the baby is bathed and how dirty your house gets. Most babies get changed once or twice a day, but others only need to be cleaned every few days. If your child is very messy or needs daily baths, you'll want more outfits than if he or she has fewer accidents and doesn't spend much time outside! You should still have plenty of outfits for your baby to wear when you bring him or her home from the hospital, though.
Baby Shoes
Once your baby is about a month old, you can start buying shoes to wear with his or her outfits. Make sure they have hard soles and are comfortable because you'll want them to be able to walk as soon as possible.
Winter Wear
We recommend getting a few winter outfits for your baby when the weather starts to get colder. Many babies wear clothes several months after they're born, so you should still have plenty of room in your budget for the right winter wear! Just remember that any extra clothes or blankets you buy will need space for storage.
When you think about everything that comes with a newborn baby, it's easy to forget all of the little things. But remember, it's not how many clothes you buy for your child; it's how much love you put into them! Make sure to take your time while shopping and don't rush anything. The more money you spend on clothes for your baby, the more time you'll be able to spend with them!
Remember- quantity isn't as important as quality in this situation! You don't want to waste money on clothes that your little one won't be able to wear.
