How many outfits does a newborn need per day?

New parents often wonder how many outfits their newborn baby needs each day. The answer depends on several factors, including the baby’s age, how messy they tend to be, and personal preferences. Here is a quick overview of how many outfits newborns typically need per day.

Newborn Outfits Per Day

Most experts recommend having at least 5-7 outfits per day for a newborn baby. Here’s a breakdown:

  • 2 daytime outfits
  • 2 nighttime outfits
  • 1 going home outfit
  • 2 extra outfits for spills/blowouts

So in total, you’ll want to have around 5-7 outfits per day to keep your newborn clean, dry and comfortable.

Factors That Determine How Many Outfits You’ll Need

While 5-7 outfits is a good general guideline, every baby is different. Here are some factors to consider when deciding how many outfits your newborn will need:

  • Your baby’s age: In the first few weeks, babies sleep and eat most of the time. They may only need 2-3 outfits per day. As they get older and more active, they’ll need more outfit changes.
  • How messy your baby is: Frequent spit up or blowouts will require more outfit changes. Some babies tend to be “cleaner” than others.
  • Climate/weather: Babies in hot climates may need more outfit changes if they sweat a lot. Cold climates require layers which mean more clothes.
  • Activities/outings: Will you take your baby out daily? More activities and outings mean more potential for messy outfit changes.
  • Your preferences: Some parents change their newborn’s outfit with each diaper change. Others don’t mind reusing an outfit if it’s still clean.

Knowing these factors will help you determine if your baby needs 5 outfits or 7+ per day.

Types of Outfits to Have on Hand

It’s important to have a variety of outfit types and sizes for your newborn. Here are some essentials:

  • Onesies: Comfortable, versatile and easy to change. Have short and long sleeve options.
  • Sleepers/pajamas: For nighttime and naps. Get different thicknesses for warm and cool weather.
  • Socks: Newborns kick these off easily so have lots of pairs.
  • Hats: Their little heads get cold fast. Have some soft knit hats or cotton caps.
  • Mittens: Mittens prevent scratching. Ensure they have some with wrist straps.
  • Going home outfit: A cute outfit for baby’s big debut. Often includes a hat and sweater.

Having multiple sizes (newborn, 0-3 months, etc.) allows you to adjust as baby grows. Stock up on more of the essentials like onesies and sleepers.

Tips for Organizing Newborn Outfits

To make outfit changes easier, use these tips for organizing clothes:

  • Sort clothes into bins by size. Label the bins clearly.
  • Arrange rotation so you’re using up newborn sizes before breaking into larger sizes.
  • Designate separate bins or drawers for different items like socks, hats, mittens, etc.
  • Have a bin or section just for pajamas to grab easily for nighttime.
  • Store extra outfits handy to the changing area for quick access when needed.

Essential Extras to Have on Hand

In addition to multiple outfits, here are some other essentials to have on hand:

  • Bibs – to protect clothes during spit up and feeding. Have at least 6-8.
  • Burp cloths – place these over your shoulder during burping/feeding. Have 10-12.
  • Swaddles – swaddling helps baby sleep. Have 2-3.
  • Blankets – for stroller rides, tummy time and more. Have 2-3 lightweight options.

Stock up on multiple packages of things like bibs and burp cloths that you’ll go through frequently. Having extras of these items will make outfit changes less stressful.

Sample Newborn Outfit Schedule

To give you an idea of a typical newborn outfit schedule, here is an example:

Time Outfit Needed
7am Sleeper, hat
8am Short sleeve onesie, pants, socks
10am Long sleeve onesie (after spit up)
12pm Sleeper
2pm Short sleeve onesie, pants, socks
5pm Long sleeve onesie, pants, hat (walk outside)
7pm Sleeper, swaddle
11pm New sleeper (diaper leak)

This baby went through 7 outfit changes in one day. Even a “clean” newborn is likely to need at least 5 outfit changes per day.

Shopping List for Newborn Outfits

Use this shopping list as a guide when buying clothes for your newborn:

  • 10-12 short sleeve onesies
  • 10-12 long sleeve onesies
  • 5-7 pants/leggings
  • 10-12 sleepers/pajamas
  • 2 going home outfits
  • 1-2 dressier outfits for pictures etc.
  • 10-12 pairs of socks
  • 5-7 hats
  • 2-3 pairs mittens
  • 6-8 bibs
  • 10-12 burp cloths
  • 2-3 swaddles
  • 2-3 blankets

Having multiples of essentials like onesies and pajamas means you’ll always have a clean outfit ready. You can adjust quantities based on your personal preferences.

Laundering Newborn Clothes

With so many outfit changes, newborn laundry piles up quickly! Here are some tips for keeping up:

  • Check clothing care labels and wash in cold water
  • Use a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent
  • Don’t use fabric softener which can irritate sensitive skin
  • Air dry when possible to avoid shrinking
  • Wash clothes inside-out to protect prints/patterns
  • Pre-treat stains from spit up, poop etc. before washing
  • Sanitize clothes occasionally by washing in hot water or adding bleach

Wash newborn clothes frequently and as needed. Having extras allows you to stay on top of laundry. Stick to gentle, sensitive skin products.

Other Outfit Changing Tips

Here are some additional tips for making outfit changes go smoothly:

  • Have a changing station with a long pad to prevent squirming away
  • Use changing table straps to keep baby from rolling
  • Only undress as needed to avoid getting cold
  • Keep wipes and diaper cream within reach
  • Have a Diaper Genie or trash can close by for soiled clothes
  • Use changing table organizer trays to hold items
  • Change baby’s clothes whenever they have a blowout
  • Have pacifiers handy to distract baby during changes

Planning ahead for outfit changes makes the process faster. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro at the newborn clothing shuffle!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many baby clothes do I need to buy?

Plan on having at least 5-7 outfits per day for a newborn. Purchase multiples of essentials like onesies, sleepers and socks. Have around 25-30 outfits in the first month.

Should I buy bigger sizes in advance?

No, only buy newborn and 0-3 month sizes at first. Babies grow at different rates. Larger sizes may never get worn. Wait until baby is ready for the next size.

How often should you change a newborn’s clothes?

Change their outfit whenever it’s soiled from spit up, leaks or after feeding. You’ll likely change clothes up to 10 times a day. Some parents change with each diaper change.

How many pajamas do newborns need?

Have at least 10-12 pairs of pajamas or sleepers. Babies spend much of their time sleeping at first. Extra pajamas mean you can wash less frequently.

Should I wash new clothes before use?

Yes, wash all new baby clothes before use. Wash with gentle detergent for sensitive skin. This removes any irritants or chemicals the clothes may contain.

Conclusion

Having enough outfits for your newborn is key to keeping them comfortable. Plan on at least 5-7 changes per day. Stock up on essentials like onesies, sleepers and socks in varying quantities. Organize clothes efficiently for easy access during changes. With multiple sizes on hand and a good changing system, you’ll sail through the many newborn outfit changes ahead!

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