How Many Baby Clothes Do You Need?

Has shopping for baby clothes become your new cardio? Listen, we get it—baby clothes are addictive. But what items do you actually need, and how many of them? And to get down to brass tacks: What pieces will make overnight feedings and changes go as seamlessly as possible? (News flash: Snaps are not your friends.)

Understanding Baby Sizes

If you’re a first-time parent, baby clothing sizing is a brave new world. But, understanding the sizes of baby clothes is essential to ensure that your baby is comfortable and dressed appropriately for their age and stage of development. Remember, these are general guidelines—each brand varies slightly from another, and some brands run small or large.

Preemie. Usually fits babies up to 5 lbs and 17” long.
Newborn. Usually fits babies 5-8 lbs and 17-21” long (some babies never fit into newborn sizes, and they’re outgrown quickly).
0-3 months. Usually fits babies 8-12 lbs and 21-24” long.
3-6 months. Usually fits babies 12-16 lbs and 24-26” long.
6-9 months. Usually fits babies 16-20 lbs and 26-28” long.
9-12 months. Usually fits babies 20-24 lbs and 28-30” long.
12-18 months. Usually fits babies 24-28 lbs and 30-32” tall.
18-24 months. Usually fits toddlers 28-32 lbs and 32-34” tall.
2T. Usually fits toddlers 28-32 lbs and 32-34” tall.
3T. Usually fits toddlers 32-35 lbs and 34-38” tall.
4T. Usually fits toddlers 35-39 lbs and 38-40” tall.
5T. Usually fits toddlers 39-43 lbs and 40-44” tall.

(Note: If we could instead create a chart with this info that would be ideal.)

A Few Baby Clothing Considerations

As you build your registry (or add to your shopping cart), keep these considerations in mind as your build your baby’s first wardrobe.

Think about sizes: While you won’t be sure how big or small your newborn will be, one thing is certain—babies grow fast. So, while you may be tempted to register for or purchase only newborn sizes, focus on 0-3 month sizes instead.

Think about laundry: Our suggestions are based on the assumption that you will wash three loads of laundry a week. Double our suggestions if you plan to wash once a week, and cut in half if you plan to wash daily. Babies are messy, no matter what.

Think about seasons: Summer and winter babies will need seasonally appropriate clothing. Summer babies will need extra hats, lightweight fabrics, and fewer layer pieces. Winter babies will need mittens, cozy hats, warmer fabrics, more layering pieces, and outerwear.

Think about fabrics: Soft, natural, breathable fabrics are the way to go—they’re gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and temperature regulating. And make sure to avoid itchy tags and seams.

Essential Baby Clothes

Here’s our guide to building a wardrobe of layette essentials to have on hand, with seasonal inclusions, too. Our list covers the basics for layette, and your mileage may vary depending on climate, budget, or older sibling(s). We’d recommend registering for these items, however, at the bare minimum. Your bases will be covered, and you won’t be cursing that adorable—but entirely inconvenient—set of pajamas come 3 am.

6-8 Bodysuits or Rompers

Bodysuits are an easy summer outfit staple and a great base layer in the winter (there are short and long-sleeve options).
Good to know: Kimono shirts, which don’t have to be pulled over your baby’s head, are a great option when the umbilical stump is still healing or if you’re a little nervous dressing your floppy newborn (we’ve all been there).

4-6 Pairs of Pants

Pants are great for layering over bodysuits and keeping legs from getting chilly year-round.
Good to know: Newborns are sensitive to cold and quickly lose body heat. Even if you have a summer baby, you’ll still want to pair pants with tops indoors in air conditioning.

4-6 Footies or Gowns

Cozy footies are the quintessential baby wardrobe item and the best for lazy dressing.
Good to know: Make sure you have zippered footies for overnight diaper changes—super quick! Gowns are also a convenient choice for overnight wear. Pair it with booties or socks, and you’re all set.

Fancy Outfits for Pictures

Babies look adorable in anything, but you may want a couple of nicer outfits for extra special photo sessions.
Good to know: It’s probably smart to have at least two options because, hey, spit up happens.

2-3 Hats

Beanie style or knotted hats are essential for helping to keep newborns warm in those early weeks.
Good to know: Have at least two hats on hand so one is always available if the other is in the laundry.

4-6 Pairs of Socks

You’ll want to keep a newborn’s feet nice and toasty, even in the summer months. Buy them all in the same color and you won’t have to worry about searching for the elusive matching pair.
Good to know: Sleeping gowns paired with socks make for super quick diaper changes.

3-4 Swaddles or Swaddle Sacks

Sure, a swaddle isn’t really an item of clothing, but many parents find that they are essential for soothing a newborn to sleep.
Good to know: you can swaddle babies in traditional swaddle blankets (which make for great lightweight blankets in the summer) or in swaddle sacks that are zipped and/or velcroed snuggly into place. Some swaddle sacks allow for arm movement so that your baby has access to his hands for self-soothing.

For Winter Babies, Add

1 Winter Coat or Bunting

Winter babies need an extra layer of super warm outerwear. A winter coat will work unless you live in a colder region—in that case, opt for a full-body winter bunting suit.

1 Pair of Winter Mittens

Make sure to cover tiny hands with cozy mittens. Bonus: They also help keep newborns from scratching themselves.

2 Pairs of Cozy Booties

Your little one won’t actually need shoes until he starts walking, but cozy booties—especially fleece ones—help keep tiny toes toasty.

2-3 Sweatshirts or Sweaters

A cardi or zip up hoodie is easy to get on and off when going from outdoors to in.

For Summer Babies, Add

1 Sun Hat

When it’s so warm a blanket isn’t practical, a sun hat will keep that newborn skin protected and covered. Look for a wide brim and an adjustable toggle so that the hat grows with the baby.

2 Lightweight Blankets

Swaddle blankets are great for draping strollers and car seats in the bright summer sun, but always keep in mind: even thin blankets raise the temperature and decrease ventilation inside both. Make sure you aren’t fully covering your stroller or car seat to create shade, and once you are parked somewhere out of the sun, go ahead and remove the blanket, just to be safe. Now you’re picnic ready.

How to Avoid Overbuying Baby Clothes

As a new parent, it’s easy to get carried away with buying clothes for your baby. After all, who can resist those adorable onesies, tiny socks, and sweet little outfits? However, overbuying baby clothes can quickly become a problem, leading to clutter, wasted money, and unnecessary stress. These practical tips and strategies will help you avoid overbuying baby clothes and keep your baby’s wardrobe streamlined and functional.

Wait and See: It’s tempting to buy everything before your baby arrives (and comforting to control what you can), but waiting for your bundle of joy to make their debut can give you a better sense of what you really need.
Accept Hand-Me-Downs: Gently used clothes from friends and family can help save money and reduce waste—a true win-win.
Quality Over Quantity: Fewer, higher-quality items may last longer—they tend to hold up to repeated washings better— and worn by any future siblings.

Storage and Organization

Before you’re overwhelmed by piles of baby clothes, take some time to get organized and stay on top of the mess. And don’t forget you’ll need to buy baby hangers if you plan to utilize your nursery’s closet.

Sort your baby clothes by type and group categories together—knowing exactly where to find that romper will save you time in the long run. After sorting by category, group by size. Rather than folding and stacking clothing, which can make it hard to find something specific, try rolling instead, which gives a clear view of everything in a drawer.

Baby Clothes FAQs

Q. Can I just buy bigger sizes to save money?

Buying a size up can be economical, but do so with caution. Oversized clothing can be uncomfortable, and more importantly, may pose safety risks like strangulation. Opt for a snug but comfortable fit that allows for movement and growth.

Q. How can I tell if a clothing item is high quality?

Quality baby clothes typically feature soft, breathable fabrics that are gentle on sensitive skin. Look for well-stitched seams that won’t irritate and rub. Fastenings should be secure yet easy to open for quick diaper changes.

Q. Is it really necessary to buy organic baby clothes?

Organic clothing isn’t a must, but it’s beneficial for babies with allergies, sensitive skin, or eczema-prone, and they’re also eco-friendlier. But they’re also more expensive, so weigh the benefits against your budget.

Q. How should I store outgrown baby clothes?

Wash and thoroughly dry the clothes before storing. Use clear, labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags to protect them from dust and moisture. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and fabric degradation.

Q. What’s the best way to handle clothes my baby has outgrown?

Donating to charities, selling online, or giving them to friends or family are great options. Some stores offer trade-in programs for baby clothes. Don’t forget, recycling or repurposing baby clothes is both eco-friendly and community-supportive.

Q. Should I wash new baby clothes before use?

Yes, it’s recommended to wash new clothes before the first wear. Washing removes any chemicals or irritants that might be present after manufacturing and shipping.

Q. What types of fabrics are best for baby clothes?

Cotton and bamboo are popular choices because of their softness and breathability (bamboo has the added benefits of being temperature-regulating and sustainable). Look for hypoallergenic and non-irritating materials, and avoid heavy, stiff fabrics that can be uncomfortable for little ones.

Q. How can I make baby clothes last longer?

Follow washing instructions carefully, use gentle detergents, and avoid high heat (in both washing and drying cycles).

Determining how many baby clothes you need involves a balance of practicality, preparation, and personal preference. By focusing on the essentials and shopping smartly, you can ensure that your baby is comfortably and appropriately dressed without overwhelming your budget, storage space, and mental load.

Finding What’s Right for You

Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or at [email protected].