As an expecting parent preparing for your new arrival, it can be overwhelming to determine exactly how many pieces of clothing you need to purchase for your baby in each size. Proper planning is key to ensuring you have all the essentials without going overboard. By following some general guidelines, you can feel confident that your baby will be dressed comfortably in the early months without having to run out to the store time and again.
Newborn Size
For the newborn stage, focus on bodysuits and sleepers. You’ll go through multiple changes per day, so plan for at least 10-12 bodysuits and 8-10 sleepers as a minimum. Footed styles allow you to forgo socks entirely in the early weeks. Look for styles with envelope shoulders for easy on and off. Stock up on at least 2-3 lightweight swaddle blankets as well for naps and sleep time.
In terms of outerwear, have 2-3 lightweight gowns or kimono styles available for layering over bodysuits for trips outside the home. You likely won’t need heavy sweaters or jackets for a newborn unless you give birth in cold weather months. Opt instead for simple cardigans or lightweight wraps. A coordinating newborn hat is also useful for regulating temperature.
Suggested newborn sizes breakdown:
- 10-12 bodysuits
- 8-10 sleepers
- 2-3 swaddle blankets
- 2-3 gowns/kimono wraps
- 1 hat
0-3 Months
For the 0-3 month size range, plan for growth spurts and potential mess. Focus on stretchy styles that will get more wear over time. Stock up on 12-15 bodysuits, adding some short sleeve options for warmer weather. Have 10-12 sleepers on hand, including some footless versions now that you may use socks. Add 2-3 pairs of pants, mainly for layering under onesies.
Outerwear choices expand in this stage. Have 3-4 lightweight shirts or sweaters for layering, along with a soft infant jacket or two. Zip-up styles allow you to adjust baby’s temperature easily. You can also add a few pairs of socks and scratch mittens to contain those busy newborn hands. Bibs become useful now as well.
Suggested 0-3 month size breakdown:
- 12-15 bodysuits
- 10-12 sleepers
- 2-3 pants
- 3-4 lightweight shirts/sweaters
- 1-2 jackets
- 5 pairs socks
- 2 pairs scratch mittens
- 5-6 bibs
3-6 Months
In the 3-6 month range, baby becomes much more active. Focus on dressier styles for trips and outings beyond home and daycare. Have 10-12 short sleeve bodysuits and 8-10 long sleeve options, mixing in some side snap shirts. Sleepers remain essential for overnights, with 6-8 pieces recommended.
For bottoms, have 5-6 pairs of pants and leggings available. Separates allow you to mix and match for cuter outfits. Outerwear expands to include lighter sweaters and jackets for seasonal changes. A sunhat and swimsuit might come in handy now as well.
Suggested 3-6 month size breakdown:
- 10-12 short sleeve bodysuits
- 8-10 long sleeve bodysuits
- 6-8 sleepers
- 5-6 pairs pants
- 2-3 pairs leggings
- 2-3 sweaters/sweatshirts
- 1-2 jackets
- 1 sunhat
- 1 swimsuit
6-9 Months
Your little one will be sitting up and crawling around by this exciting stage. Comfy, playful separates become a focus alongside tried-and-true bodysuits and sleepers. Have 10-12 short sleeve and 6-8 long sleeve bodysuits on hand along with 4-6 sleepers.
Bottoms extend to 8-10 pairs of pants, leggings, and shorts for warm weather. Dressier tops include 6-8 short sleeve and 4-6 long sleeve options. Sweaters, sweatshirts and light jackets prepare for cooler temps. Don’t forget coordinating accessories like hats, socks, and bibs!
Suggested 6-9 month size breakdown:
- 10-12 short sleeve bodysuits
- 6-8 long sleeve bodysuits
- 4-6 sleepers
- 8-10 pairs pants
- 4-5 pairs leggings
- 4-5 pairs shorts
- 6-8 short sleeve tops
- 4-6 long sleeve tops
- 2-3 sweaters/sweatshirts
- 1-2 jackets
- 3-4 hats
- 5-6 pairs socks
- 6-8 bibs
9-12 Months
Congratulations, your baby is almost 1! Their personality really starts to shine through at this fun age. Have staple bodysuits and sleepers on hand, but focus on building a versatile wardrobe of separates. Opt for 8-10 short sleeve bodysuits and 4-6 long sleeves along with 3-4 sleepers.
Bottoms increase to 10-12 pairs of pants, leggings and shorts. Short sleeve tops can be 8-10, while long sleeves are 4-5 pieces. Round out the wardrobe with 2-3 dresses or rompers. Sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets prepare for temperature dips. Accessorize with hats, bibs and socks.
Suggested 9-12 month size breakdown:
- 8-10 short sleeve bodysuits
- 4-6 long sleeve bodysuits
- 3-4 sleepers
- 10-12 pairs pants
- 5-6 pairs leggings
- 5-6 pairs shorts
- 8-10 short sleeve tops
- 4-5 long sleeve tops
- 2-3 dresses/rompers
- 2-3 sweaters/sweatshirts
- 1-2 jackets
- 3-4 hats
- 5-6 pairs socks
- 4-6 bibs
12-18 Months
Toddling into the world, your 1 year old needs clothes that allow freedom of movement. Focus on stretchy, playful styles with simple closures. Have 6-8 short sleeve bodysuits and 2-3 long sleeves on hand along with 2-3 sleepers.
Bottoms increase to 12-15 pairs of pants, leggings, shorts and even jeans. Short sleeve tops can be 10-12, while long sleeves are 4-6 pieces. Round out the wardrobe with 2-3 dresses/rompers and 1-2 skirts/shorts sets. Layer with sweaters, sweatshirts and light jackets. Hats, bibs and socks complete the look.
Suggested 12-18 month size breakdown:
- 6-8 short sleeve bodysuits
- 2-3 long sleeve bodysuits
- 2-3 sleepers
- 12-15 pairs pants
- 5-6 pairs leggings
- 5-6 pairs shorts
- 10-12 short sleeve tops
- 4-6 long sleeve tops
- 2-3 dresses/rompers
- 1-2 skirt/shorts sets
- 2-3 sweaters/sweatshirts
- 1-2 jackets
- 3-4 hats
- 5-6 pairs socks
- 2-4 bibs
18-24 Months
Your toddler is now full of opinions about what to wear! Cater to their interests with fun graphics and colors. Scale back on basics in favor of dressier pieces. Have 4-6 short sleeve bodysuits and just 1-2 long sleeves, along with 1-2 sleepers.
Bottoms can include 10-12 pairs of pants, leggings, shorts and jeans. Short sleeve tops are 8-10 pieces, while long sleeves can be 4-6. Round out with 2-3 dresses/rompers and 1-2 skirts/shorts sets. Include 2-3 sweaters and 1 jacket for weather changes. Complete the looks with hats, socks and a few bibs for messy eaters.
Suggested 18-24 month size breakdown:
- 4-6 short sleeve bodysuits
- 1-2 long sleeve bodysuits
- 1-2 sleepers
- 10-12 pairs pants
- 4-5 pairs leggings
- 4-5 pairs shorts
- 8-10 short sleeve tops
- 4-6 long sleeve tops
- 2-3 dresses/rompers
- 1-2 skirt/shorts sets
- 2-3 sweaters
- 1 jacket
- 2-3 hats
- 4-5 pairs socks
- 2-3 bibs
Tips for Shopping
When stocking up on all those baby clothes, keep these tips in mind:
- Buy ahead – Don’t wait until you actually need the next size. Shop end of season sales and consignment shops.
- Mix and match – Choose bodysuits, sleepers and tops in complementary colors that allow versatile pairing with bottoms.
- Focus on snaps – Seek out kimono styles, side snaps and envelope shoulders for easier changes.
- Buy duplicates – For essentials like bodysuits and socks, buy multiple of the same style to simplify laundry.
- Skip patterns – Opt for solid tops and bottoms that pair with anything, and save patterns for special occasion pieces.
- Mind accessories – Hats, bibs, mittens and socks get easily misplaced. Have back ups available.
- Use organizers – Clear drawer organizers and hanging closet organizers keep tiny clothes neatly accessible.
- Bundle up – Babies need one more layer than adults. Have light jackets and sweaters ready for air conditioning and chilly weather.
- Consider climate – Adjust wardrobe selections if you live in very warm or very cold temperatures year-round.
- Be prepared – Keep an extra bodysuit, socks and outfit in your diaper bag at all times for accidents and messes.
Essential Clothing by Age
Here is a quick reference for the baby clothing essentials needed at each age and stage:
| Age Range | Essential Clothing |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 10-12 bodysuits, 8-10 sleepers, 2-3 swaddle blankets, 2-3 gowns/wraps, 1 hat |
| 0-3 months | 12-15 bodysuits, 10-12 sleepers, 2-3 pants, 3-4 shirts/sweaters, 1-2 jackets, 5 pairs socks, 2 pairs mittens, 5-6 bibs |
| 3-6 months | 10-12 short sleeve bodysuits, 8-10 long sleeve bodysuits, 6-8 sleepers, 5-6 pants, 2-3 leggings, 2-3 sweaters, 1-2 jackets, 1 sunhat, 1 swimsuit |
| 6-9 months | 10-12 short sleeve bodysuits, 6-8 long sleeve bodysuits, 4-6 sleepers, 8-10 pants, 4-5 leggings, 4-5 shorts, 6-8 short sleeve tops, 4-6 long sleeve tops, 2-3 sweaters, 1-2 jackets, 3-4 hats, 5-6 pairs socks, 6-8 bibs |
| 9-12 months | 8-10 short sleeve bodysuits, 4-6 long sleeve bodysuits, 3-4 sleepers, 10-12 pants, 5-6 leggings, 5-6 shorts, 8-10 short sleeve tops, 4-5 long sleeve tops, 2-3 dresses/rompers, 2-3 sweaters, 1-2 jackets, 3-4 hats, 5-6 pairs socks, 4-6 bibs |
| 12-18 months | 6-8 short sleeve bodysuits, 2-3 long sleeve bodysuits, 2-3 sleepers, 12-15 pants, 5-6 leggings, 5-6 shorts, 10-12 short sleeve tops, 4-6 long sleeve tops, 2-3 dresses/rompers, 1-2 skirts/shorts sets, 2-3 sweaters, 1-2 jackets, 3-4 hats, 5-6 pairs socks, 2-4 bibs |
| 18-24 months | 4-6 short sleeve bodysuits, 1-2 long sleeve bodysuits, 1-2 sleepers, 10-12 pants, 4-5 leggings, 4-5 shorts, 8-10 short sleeve tops, 4-6 long sleeve tops, 2-3 dresses/rompers, 1-2 skirts/shorts sets, 2-3 sweaters, 1 jacket, 2-3 hats, 4-5 pairs socks, 2-3 bibs |
Conclusion
Shopping for baby’s first wardrobe can seem overwhelming when staring at those tiny clothes. Just remember that babies grow incredibly fast, so take it one month at a time when building out your essentials. Focus on bodysuits, sleepers and multipurpose layers to start. Then gradually grow the wardrobe with accessories and specialized pieces as baby’s needs and activities expand. Planning ahead for each size range ensures you’ll stay on top of laundry without scrambling for that next size up!
