When expecting a baby, one of the most important and exciting things to do is shop for baby clothes. While it may sound like a fun task, it’s also overwhelming, especially for new mothers who don’t know what to pick for their bundle of joy.

New babies are notoriously messy and require frequent changing. But they also outgrow their clothes pretty soon, so you must strike a balance between too much and too little. To help you out, here’s the best list of newborn garments you may want to get.

We’ve listed the essential ones first, and then you can add a few more items based on your baby’s needs.

1- One-piece bodysuits

How many? 7-10

A bodysuit is a single-piece garment with snaps at the crotch area, making it easy to put on and take off. It’s usually worn under other clothes, but it’s also a great outfit in summer. You can just put a diaper and a cute bodysuit on them, and your baby is set.

This will probably be the most used item in baby clothing, so seven or even ten are a must-have.

There are two types of bodysuits;

Onesie: Onesies don’t have legs and may or may not have long sleeves. It’s more useful in newborns who are too small to wear pants, leggings, and socks.

Romper: Romper is a bodysuit with full legs but doesn’t have feet. It is more of a dress than a bodysuit and fits better when a baby has a little more weight on them.

Tip:

• In either summer or winter, we recommend buying cotton-based soft bodysuits. They are the most comfortable and breathable items that will keep your baby feeling soft and cozy without getting too hot.
• Plus, always buy the bodysuit with snap buttons; it’s easier to change the diaper without removing all the clothing. Plus, the buttons don’t open up by the baby’s activities.

2- Sleepers

How many? 5-7

Sleepers or footers are very similar to one-piece bodysuits with long sleeves, but they have a convenient foot and flaps to keep your baby’s feet inside. They are perfect for colder climates as you don’t want to layer the baby too much and make them uncomfortable.

But you can also put these on under a cute outfit, and your baby is still comfortable but more stylish.

Tip:

• Sleepers come in a few different fabric materials. Fleece or flannel lining is the most popular choice in the winter, while cotton or polyester is better for warmer climates.
• Buy the sleepers which open from top to end until baby foot; these are the easiest to put on and take off. Both zippers and snaps are good options.

3- Pants

How many? 5-7

Your newborn won’t be wearing pants a lot. Usually, the under outfit does the work, especially if you live in a warm climate. But it’s better to have a few pairs of pants in the closet in case you want to dress up your baby.

We recommend buying three soft thermal pants, two cute fashionable leggings, and two cotton summer pants. Depending on the weather and your preference, you can also buy a few pairs of shorts.

Tip:

• Buy soft, slightly stretchy pants that fit your baby comfortably and don’t leave marks on the waist or bunch up in the thighs.
• Buy loose-fitted pants, which can be worn over multiple layers and will not constrict your baby’s movements.

4- T-shirts

How many? 3-4

Who doesn’t like those cute little baby tops? T-shirts are probably the most adorable clothing item for your newborn. And you can never have enough of them. But you really won’t need that many in the closet. Just get enough to last a few weeks and switch them out for bigger sizes.

Tip:

• Many newborn t-shirts are designed with small neck openings to fit the shirt on tiny bodies. But such shirts can be hard to put on and take off. So always select t-shirts with an expandable neck opening or a V-neck.
• These are the clothes your baby will wear going outside or when friends and family will come over. So prioritize bright colors and cute prints when selecting t-shirts.

5- Beanies

How many? 2-3

Another important item that’s not just for looks. Newborns have delicate skin and vulnerable spots on their head that need protection from the heat and cold. And a nicely fitted beany can do just that.

If you live in a warm climate, you can probably get away with two beanies but if it’s cold where you are, get an extra one.

Add a cute summer hat instead of the extra beanie if you’re in the summer.

Tip:

• Buy beanies with soft material and stretchable enough to take the shape of your baby’s head.
• Don’t buy beanies with many things attached to them; even strings and cute flowers are unnecessary and unsuitable for a baby’s sensitive skin.
• Never put beanies or hats on when the baby is sleeping.

8- Sweaters

How many? 2-3

Love your baby’s chubby arms and legs? Well, you’ll love them even more when they are underneath a soft, warm sweater. Just like beanies, buy sweaters according to the weather—more for colder climates and less for warmer areas.

Also, buy different kinds of sweaters; get a few that go under outerwear and a few that can be used on their own, like zip-up sweaters, hoodies, and cardigans.

If you plan to travel or go outside with the baby, add a pair of winter bunting and snowsuits to the list.

Tip:

• Don’t buy thick knit or puffy sweaters; they are not very practical and can make it hard for the baby to move comfortably.
• Many moms recommend buying slightly roomy sweaters, and there are two reasons behind this.

First, they are worn over multiple layers, and small sweaters can get tight and uncomfortable for the baby. Secondly, winter wear, in general, is more expensive than other items, so you’d want to get the ones that your baby will wear for a while before outgrowing them.

9- Socks

How many? 7-10 pairs

Why so many socks? Well, you may actually only need a few pairs, but those tiny socks are very easy to misplace.

You’ll probably lose one or two socks every washing cycle. So it’s best to have extra on hand at all times. They’re also convenient for keeping babies warm after a bath or when it’s chilly outside.

Tip:

• Buy socks that don’t slip off easily; make sure they fit tightly or have a firm elastic band to keep them in place.
• Breathable cotton socks are ideal for summer, and fuzzy woolen socks are ideal for winter.
• Buy socks in packs, preferably in one color, so when you lose one, you don’t have to toss the other too.

10- Mittens

How many? 2 pairs

If you live in a cold region, mittens are a must-have. They not only look adorable and keep the baby warm but also keep those tiny, sharp fingernails away from their eyes and face.

You won’t need many mittens because a lot of baby winter clothes like sweaters and jackets will have mittens attached to them. You may need an extra pair if you are planning to travel or when visiting friends and family.

Tip:

• A soft, non-scratchy material is a must, as babies will touch their faces often and the last thing you want to see is red marks on their faces.
• Buy mittens with full-hand coverage, with no exposed wrist, for maximum protection from the cold.
• Some mittens also come attached with a string, so you don’t lose them easily, consider buying those.

11- Swaddles or Sleep Sack

How many? 2

Not exactly a piece of clothing, but it’s still something the baby has to wear, so we decided to include it here.

A swaddle is a big cloth wrapped around a baby’s body snuggly. Moms worldwide swear by swaddles and sleep sacks to keep their babies warm, secure, and comfortable at night.

Not only does it help soothe them as they fall asleep faster, but it also prevents them from startling themselves awake due to sudden movements. Which means it’s a valuable item to have in your baby’s wardrobe.

Tip:

• There are many types of sleep sacks on the market, some with extra features like a hood or a kangaroo-style pocket. The most important point of sleep sacks is that they snuggly fit the baby, so double-check the size and buy the right one.

12- Booties

How many? 1 pair

Newborns simply don’t need shoes. Their feet mostly remain inside the blanket, so baby booties are more for fashion than practicality, and one pair is enough.

Tip:

• Buy booties with buttons or loops that tie up securely to the baby’s ankles so they don’t slip off easily.
• Again depending on the weather and the season, you should buy booties made of warm wool or soft cotton.

13- Special Occasion Clothes

How many? Depends on your budget and what’s the occasion.

It’s always a good idea to have a few options in a baby’s wardrobe to dress her up on special moments like coming home from the hospital, a friends and family visit, or a photo shoot.

A good choice would be a set of clothing with matching accessories like a cap, scarf, or even tights.

Tip:

• Buy clothes that have a practical purpose and not just because it looks cute and won’t be of use after one occasion.
• If you’re expecting gifts from friends and family, chances are someone will bring clothes which you can use for special occasions. The person who bought those will be happy, and you’ll save money for other essential things.

Conclusion

Having the right kind of clothing is essential for keeping the baby comfortable and warm, no matter what the weather or occasion. But many first-time moms get overwhelmed with the sheer number of options available in the market.

So remember to start with basic newborn clothing, like onesies, sleepers, mittens, booties, and swaddles or sleep sacks. As your baby grows, you can add more special occasion clothes and accessories like hats and booties.

But remember to keep it practical because your baby will outgrow them in just three months. And don’t spend too much money on clothes that they will never wear again and focus more on quality than quantity.

FAQs

Q: What is the Size of Newborn Baby Clothes?

A: Newborn baby clothes are labeled as ‘For newborn,’ but the size does vary slightly depending on the brand.

Q: Is there a difference between a newborn and 0-3 month clothes?

A: Yes, there is. Newborn clothes are smaller in size and fit 5-8 pound babies, which is the average weight at birth. 0-3 month clothes, on the other hand, fit babies who weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. 0-3 size is also suitable for newborn babies who are on the heavier side.

Q: When is The Best Time To Buy Newborn Clothes?

A: While you should have a few essential items like onesies, sleepers, swaddles, or sleep sacks before the baby arrives, it’s best to buy other items like clothes and accessories after your baby comes home from the hospital. That way, you’ll know the baby’s actual size before making any purchases.

But if you want to be prepared and be ready to dress your baby right away, wait until the last months so you can at least get a general idea of the size through scans.

Q: What Do Babies Wear Right After Birth?

A: Newborn babies are dressed in a diaper, a full-sleeve bodysuit, and covered in a swaddle or a soft blanket. Most hospitals provide these essentials, and you don’t have to take any clothes with you. But ask beforehand to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.