As an expectant or new parent, one of the many things you will need to buy for your baby is onesies. Onesies, also known as bodysuits, are shirt-like garments for babies that snap at the bottom between the legs. They are very convenient for diaper changes and keeping babies comfortable. When it comes to 0 to 3 month onesies specifically, a common question many parents have is – how many do I need to buy?
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to the question of how many 0 to 3 month onesies you need:
- Most experts recommend having at least 10-12 onesies for the 0 to 3 month range.
- Consider buying more (15-20) if you want less frequent laundry or plan to use onesies as the main outfit.
- Stock up on more for the newborn stage (first month) when babies go through many changes per day.
- Focus on having more of the smaller sizes like newborn and 0-3 months.
- Choose a variety of styles – kimono, side snap, envelope shoulder, etc. for convenience.
- Stick to solid colors and whites for versatility and mixing/matching.
- Natural fibers like cotton are best for breathability and comfort.
How Many Depends on Frequency of Use
When deciding how many onesies to get, the number will depend largely on how often you plan to use them or need to change your baby. Here are some factors to consider:
- Will you use onesies as the main outfits for your baby? In this case, you will need more.
- Do you prefer convenience of not having to pair separates? More onesies would be better.
- Is your baby spitting up often and needing outfit changes? Stock up on extra.
- Do you plan to do laundry more or less frequently? The less often, the more you need.
- Does your baby have blowouts and outfit changes from diaper leaks? Have extra back-ups.
- Do you use cloth diapers that are bulkier? Look for side snap or kimono styles.
Taking these considerations into account will help determine if you should stick to the standard 10-12 onesies or if buying extra is prudent for your situation.
Newborn Stage Needs More
While 10-12 onesies is often recommended as a general guideline, most babies go through many more changes in the early newborn days and weeks. Here are some tips for the newborn stage:
- Have at least 15-20 onesies for the first month when babies need frequent diaper changes.
- Stock up on more smaller sizes like newborn and 0-3 months for this stage.
- Focus on basic solids and whites that can handle frequent laundering.
- Look for styles like kimono and side snap that make diaper changes easier.
- Have some backup outfits for spit ups, blowouts, and other messes.
While it may seem like overkill, having those extra newborn onesies on hand will make a huge difference during those hazy first weeks. As baby gets older and on more of a routine, you can scale back down to a dozen or so.
Choose a Variety of Styles
Rather than stocking up on a bunch of the same exact onesie, consider choosing a variety of different styles for convenience. Here are some of the main options:
- Kimono style – overlapping front with side snaps, easy access for diaper changes
- Side snap – snaps run along the inseam for quick changes, good for cloth diapers
- Envelope shoulder – crossover shoulder folds down for dressing, good for newborns
- Normal – standard over the head style, least convenient for changes
- Two-way zipper – zips from top or bottom for flexibility
- Footed – attached feet for warmth and no coordinating socks
Having different options like kimono, side snap, and envelope shoulder makes those frequent newborn changes a breeze. And footed varieties help reduce laundry by avoiding the matching sock hunt!
Prioritize Neutrals and Whites
When selecting onesies, especially in smaller sizes, most parents will find they get the most use out of solid whites and neutrals. Here’s why:
- Easy to bleach and keep white with frequent washing
- Hide stains and spit up better
- Flexible for mixing and matching with other outfits
- Gender neutral for reuse with future children
- Withstand high heat drying to kill bacteria
- Can layer under other clothes for warmth
- Simple and clean appearance
Of course, some patterned and colorful onesies can be nice for variety or special occasions. But for everyday use, you can’t go wrong stocking up on the whites and creams in cotton, especially for smaller sizes.
Focus on Natural Fibers
When buying onesies, prioritize natural, breathable fabrics like:
- Cotton – soft, breathable, flexible
- Cotton blends – combined with spandex for stretch
- Organic cotton – softer feel, chemical free
- Bamboo – eco-friendly, moisture wicking
These types of natural fibers will help keep your baby comfortable by wicking away moisture, preventing overheating, and being gentle against delicate newborn skin.
Avoid onesies with 100% polyester or other synthetics which don’t breathe as well. And watch out for scratchy fabrics, snaps, or appliques that could irritate your little one’s skin.
Plan for Growth Spurts
It’s hard to predict exactly how fast your baby will grow. Some may stay longer in newborn sizes, while others may have sudden growth spurts. Here are some tips to handle changing sizes:
- Buy more of the smaller sizes since baby will use these for a shorter time.
- Look for overlapping sizes like 0-3 months that have some extra room.
- Avoid buying too far ahead – stick to the next 1-2 sizes up.
- Choose styles with multiple row snaps to allow adjustable sizing.
- Plan to exchange or return unopened packages if you end up with excess.
While babies will eventually outgrow their onesies, you can make the transition smoother by focusing initially on the smaller sizes and only buying a few of the larger ones. That way you don’t end up with a stockpile of unused 6-9 month clothes.
Compare Bulk Packs vs. Individual
For onesies, you’ll often see two types of packaging options:
- Multi-packs – contain 3, 5, 6+ onesies together, often identical
- Individual – single onesie sold on its own
Bulk multi-packs are convenient and tend to cost less per onesie compared to buying individually. However, there are some trade-offs to consider:
- Can’t mix and match specific prints/colors
- Limited ability to choose closure types
- No versatility to use for layering
- Possible waste if entirely wrong season/size
Whereas buying onesies individually offers more flexibility to pick various styles. But this comes at a higher cost per piece. So weigh your priorities in terms of variety vs. value when deciding on packaging.
Buying Tips for Multi-Packs
- Focus on basics like solid colors in cotton.
- Choose side snap or kimono closures for easy changes.
- Make sure all are the same size within pack.
- Open right away to exchange if any defects.
- Supplement with some individual onesies for diversity.
Buying Tips for Individuals
- Create your own packs by mixing colors and styles.
- Choose specific features like footed or envelope shoulder.
- Layer under clothes for customizable warmth.
- Repurpose as t-shirts later on.
- Spot clean stains to extend wear between washes.
Compare Reusable vs. Disposable
Traditional cloth onesies that can be washed and reused are the most popular option. However, there are also now disposable onesies designed for very short term use, such as:
- Hospital – for first day after delivery
- Travel – reduce laundry away from home
- Visitors – keep germs contained
- Messy play – painting, eating, photo shoots
Disposable onesies offer convenience in certain situations. But they also have downsides to consider from cost to environmental impact. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Reusable Cloth | Disposable |
|---|---|
| Can be laundered and reused | Single use |
| Lower cost per wear | Higher cost per wear |
| More environmentally friendly | Contribute to landfill waste |
| Higher upfront cost to stock up | Lower upfront cost per pack |
| Can last for multiple children | Very temporary use |
For most everyday needs, reusable cloth onesies are best. But disposables can fill a niche role when convenience trumps other factors.
Shop Multiple Sources for Best Value
Onesies are sold at nearly any store that carries baby products. Here are some popular places to find them and things to look for:
- Department stores – wide selection, ability to see/feel in person, item exchanges
- Big box stores – low prices, bulk multi-packs, basics
- Boutiques – unique prints/styles, luxury fabrics, personal service
- Thrift stores – discounted secondhand, environmentally friendly
- Online – broad selection, easy price comparisons, doorstep delivery
If shopping in person, inspect onesies closely for defects and high quality construction. For online purchases, review return policies in case you need to exchange.
Wherever you buy, look for sales, coupons, or memberships to get the best deals. Sign up for store emails to receive special offers and discounts.
Consider Buying Secondhand
Gently used onesies can be a budget-friendly way to stock up, with options like:
- Consignment shops
- Thrift stores
- Hand-me-downs from friends/family
- Online swap groups
- Yard sales
- Facebook Marketplace
When buying used onesies, inspect them closely for:
- Stains/discoloration
- Loose or damaged snaps
- Holes, tears, fraying seams
- Pilling, thinning fabric
- Twisted/warped shape
- Missing tag with sizing details
Gently wash used onesies before using and don’t buy anything with stains that seem risky to remove. While hand-me-downs can save money, safety and cleanliness are priorities.
Include Some Special Outfits
While basic onesies in white and neutral colors are wardrobe staples, you can also pick up a few special outfit onesies for certain occasions, such as:
- Holiday prints
- Mommy/Daddy matching
- Birthday party
- Family photos
- Visiting grandparents
- Daycare/babysitter
These fun onesies let your baby show off their developing personality! Just keep the number of patterned pieces smaller than your everyday solids.
Don’t Forget the Extras
Beyond the onesies themselves, here are some additional items that may be useful:
- Bibs – protect onesies from mealtime messes
- Burp cloths – cloth diapers can also be used
- Swaddles – transition from swaddle wraps as needed
- Sleep sacks – wear over onesie for naps/night
- Jackets/sweaters – layer for warmth over onesies
- Pants – pair with onesies for outfit sets
- Socks/booties – unless using footed onesies
Having these extras on hand will maximize how many different looks you can create from just onesies while keeping your baby comfy!
Special Considerations for Multiples
If you are expecting or have just welcomed multiples, all the onesie tips apply times two or more! Here are few special notes:
- Have at least double the newborn onesies for frequent changes
- Consider color coding onesies with ribbons for easy identification
- Mix up prints/patterns to identify which baby is which
- Share larger sizes between babies as they grow
- Pass down onesies to younger siblings later on
Having multiples means even more onesie changes and laundry. But you’ll also have twice the cuteness wearing matching or coordinating onesies together!
Conclusion
When it comes to stocking up on onesies for the early months, most babies will go through at least 10-12 per day if not more. Have extra on hand for blowouts, spit ups, and other messes. Prioritize smaller sizes like newborn and 0-3 months initially.
Choose a variety of styles like kimono and side snap for easy diaper changes. Stick to basic solids and whites for versatility. Look for natural fibers like cotton for breathability. Supplement with some patterned onesies for special occasions.
Shop sales at department stores, big box retailers, online, and secondhand for the best value. Look for bulk multi-packs along with individual onesies to mix and match.
With enough onesies to get you through a few days between washes, you’ll be prepared for anything while keeping your newborn comfortable and looking adorable!
