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How Many Clothes to Buy Before Baby is Born: Complete Guide (FREE PDF!)

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Last Updated on 05/16/2024 by Nell Marie

All new parents have the same questions because they are those questions that are universal to raising a baby from sleep training, to breast or bottle, to milestones and more.

Related: Essentials for Changing Table

How many clothes to but before baby is born wouldn’t seem to go along with those serious questions, but it’s actually a question at the top of the list and for good reason, baby’s go through a lot of clothes and they outgrow them quickly as well!

This article is all about how many clothes you should have on hand for when your baby is born.

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how many clothes to buy before baby is born

How Many Baby Clothes to Buy Before Baby is Born

While there’s no hard and fast rule to this question, there are some guidelines to go by when purchasing clothing for babies.

I remember when my first born was a newborn, I had an endless supply of newborn clothes because he was our first and the grandparents went wild buying him clothes.

But then when he graduated up to the next size, we didn’t have nearly as many clothes.

Often, with baby showers you get a lot of newborn items, which is so helpful, but they don’t have newborns for long.

So, let’s chat newborn clothing first!

Related: Food recipes for babies

how many newborn clothes do you need

Newborn Clothing Guide

Newborns typically grow quickly but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a lot of clothes for them.

They spit up, they poop and it runs, they get hot or they get cold, it’s a lot – and you need a lot.

They also need a few different kind of clothing items in their wardrobe.


Onesies or Bodysuits

Onesies, also known as bodysuits, are one-piece garments designed for infants, typically made of soft and breathable cotton.

They feature snaps at the crotch, allowing for easy diaper changes without having to undress the entire baby.

Onesies are a staple in a newborn’s wardrobe, providing comfort and convenience.

For a newborn, having 5 to 7 onesies is recommended, as they serve as a versatile and essential component of daily wear, suitable for both day and night.

This quantity allows for regular changes due to potential messes or spills and ensures your baby remains comfortable and appropriately dressed in various weather conditions.

Recommended Onesies

Sleepers or Sleep Gowns

Sleepers, also known as pajamas or sleep suits, are one-piece outfits designed for infants to wear during sleep.

They typically have long sleeves and legs to provide warmth and comfort throughout the night.

Sleepers come in various styles, including zip-up or snap closures, making it easier for diaper changes.

The number of sleepers you need for a newborn can vary based on personal preferences, laundry frequency, and climate, but having 5 to 7 sleepers is a reasonable starting point.

This quantity ensures you have enough for nightly changes and allows for any unexpected spills or messes.

Choosing soft, breathable fabrics, such as cotton, is advisable for your newborn’s comfort, and selecting sleepers with convenient closures can simplify the process of dressing and undressing your baby.

Recommended Sleep Gowns

newborn baby clothes

Socks and Booties

Newborns can have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so it’s important to keep their extremities covered.

Soft, breathable materials like cotton are ideal for baby socks and booties.

Many newborn outfits come with built-in footies, but having additional pairs is useful, especially since socks can easily get lost or soiled.

A recommended quantity is 3 to 6 pairs of socks or booties.

This ensures that you have enough to keep your newborn’s feet warm throughout the day and allows for spares in case some go missing or need to be changed due to spills or accidents.

Keep in mind that socks or booties with elastic bands should be chosen carefully to avoid being too tight and restrictive on the baby’s delicate skin.

Socks You May Love


Footie PJS


Footie pajamas for newborns are one-piece outfits that cover the baby from neck to toes and include built-in foot coverings.

They are convenient for keeping the baby warm and comfortable, eliminating the need for separate socks or booties.

Footie pajamas are often made from soft and breathable materials like cotton, providing a cozy and safe sleep environment for newborns.

The number of footie pajamas you’ll need for a newborn can vary based on personal preferences, laundry frequency, and climate.

A practical starting point is having 3-5 footie pajamas. This quantity allows for regular changes, considering that newborns might go through several outfits in a day due to diaper changes, spit-ups, or other messes.

Opt for easy-to-fasten options with snaps or zippers to simplify the dressing and undressing process.

Choose pajamas appropriate for the current season to ensure your baby is neither too hot nor too cold during sleep.

Footie PJs

Going Out Outfits

Starting with 2 to 3 outfits is a good idea, as it allows your baby to be dressed appropriately for special occasions like family visits or doctor appointments.

These slightly more formal outfits are also perfect for capturing memorable moments in photographs, creating lasting memories.

Having going-out options ensures your baby can wear special outfits gifted by family and friends, turning them into meaningful keepsakes.

While the majority of your newborn’s clothing is likely to be comfortable and practical, having a small collection of going-out outfits adds variety and allows you to express your baby’s style on occasions when you want them to look a bit more dressed up.

Consider things like season and comfort when selecting these outfits, making sure they are easy to put on, take off, and clean.

This small addition to the wardrobe ensures your newborn is well-prepared for different social situations and adds a touch of charm to special moments.

But truth be told, those newborns months will be spent mostly in their cozy and comfortable onsies and such.

A few outfits to consider:


Pants and T-Shirts

Providing your newborn with about 4 to 6 T-shirts and an equal number of pants offers a sensible and practical approach to their wardrobe needs.

This quantity accounts for the frequent changes newborns often require due to diaper changes and other potential messes.

It also takes into consideration the weather changes, allowing you to change clothing depending on the temperature.

Opting for soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton, keeps your baby’s comfort front of mind – which is of utmost importance to a baby.

Cute shirts and pants for girls

Cute shirts and pants for boys

newborn clothing essentials

Hats

It’s recommended to have 2 to 3 hats for your newborn. This quantity allows for regular changes, accounting for potential spills or messes.

It’s best for hats to be made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to ensure comfort and avoid irritation.

Also, hats with brims or flaps provide better protection against the sun.

Having a few hats on hand ensures that you can keep your newborn’s head covered appropriately, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, and helps in maintaining their comfort and well-being.

Hats for Newborns


Swaddles and Blankets

The number of receiving blankets and swaddles you need for your newborn can depend on various factors, including personal preference, laundry frequency, and climate.

However, as a general guideline, having around 4 to 6 receiving blankets and 2 to 3 swaddles is a reasonable starting point.

Here’s why:

  • Receiving Blankets: These versatile blankets can be used for various purposes, such as swaddling, providing a clean surface for diaper changes, offering additional warmth, or even as makeshift nursing covers.

  • Swaddles: Swaddling can help comfort and soothe newborns by mimicking the snug feeling of the womb. While some receiving blankets can be used for swaddling, having 2 to 3 dedicated swaddles designed for this purpose can provide specialized features like easy closures or specific designs for effective swaddling.

You’ll want to consider the climate in your location when selecting the thickness and material of the blankets.

For warmer climates, lighter and breathable fabrics like muslin may be preferred, while thicker blankets may be suitable for cooler weather.

Adjust the quantity based on your specific needs and preferences, and keep in mind that having a few extra blankets can be beneficial for unexpected situations or additional uses.

Swaddles and Blankets

what you need for your newborn

How Many Clothes Newborn Will Need – Wrap Up

Congratulations on the arrival of your baby!

As you embark on the joyous adventure of selecting tiny outfits, consider creating a wardrobe that reflects comfort, style, and practicality for your little one.

From the adorable onesies and sleepers that cocoon your baby in warmth to the special going-out outfits that mark memorable occasions, each piece becomes a testament to the joy your newborn brings.

Don’t forget the charming hats – not just for style, but for protecting that precious little head.

And in the cozy embrace of receiving blankets and swaddles, you’ll discover versatile companions for various delightful moments, from swaddling during peaceful naps to providing a soft haven for diaper changes.

Happy newborn clothes shopping!

May this be the beginning of countless delightful moments in your new adventure of parenthood.

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Do you have any questions about newborn clothing still? Feel free to leave me a comment, I’d be happy to help!

FREE NEWBORN CLOTHES CHECKLIST PDF

Simply click the image below to download the PDF to your computer.

More resources for pregnancy and baby:

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