Quick Answer
The number of outfits a baby needs in each size depends on a few key factors, including how often you plan to do laundry and your baby’s growth rate. As a general guideline:
- Newborn size: Around 10-12 outfits
- 0-3 months: Around 15-20 outfits
- 3-6 months: Around 20-25 outfits
- 6-9 months: Around 25-30 outfits
- 9-12 months: Around 30-35 outfits
- 12-18 months: Around 35-40 outfits
Of course, every baby is different, so use your own baby’s growth patterns and laundry schedule to determine what works best for your family. Focus on having plenty of onesies, sleepers, and socks on hand.
How Fast Do Babies Grow?
Babies grow incredibly fast in the first year of life. On average, most babies:
- Double their birth weight by about 4-5 months
- Triple their birth weight by their first birthday
- Grow around 1 inch per month for the first 6 months
- Grow around 1/2 inch per month from 6-12 months
However, every baby develops at their own pace. Premature babies tend to grow a bit slower, while bigger babies may grow faster. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s growth.
Knowing general growth patterns can help you estimate when your baby may outgrow certain clothing sizes. Here is an overview of common size ranges:
Newborn Size
Most newborns fit into newborn size clothing for the first 1-2 months. Newborn sizes generally fit babies up to 10 pounds and around 21 inches long. Some larger babies may skip this size altogether.
You’ll need newborn clothes in the hospital, so have at least 5-7 newborn outfits on hand even if you have a larger baby.
0-3 Months
By 2-3 months, most babies have outgrown newborn sizes and fit into 0-3 month clothing. This size range generally fits babies from 10-14 pounds and up to around 24 inches long.
Babies grow quickly at this age, so they may only wear 0-3 month size for 6-8 weeks before moving up. Have 10-15 outfits in this size.
3-6 Months
Between 3-6 months, babies are very active and often messy! They typically weigh between 12-18 pounds and are around 24-27 inches long at this stage.
Aim for 15-20 outfit changes in 3-6 month size. Focus on short sleeve bodysuits, pants, and comfortable play clothes.
6-9 Months
Around 6 months, babies start sitting up and moving around more. They usually weigh 15-22 pounds and measure 26-29 inches during this time.
You’ll need around 25-30 outfits in 6-9 month size. T-shirts, shorts, and playtime outfits are used most often.
9-12 Months
Babies hit lots of physical milestones around 9 months as they crawl, pull up, and potentially walk. They typically weigh 18-26 pounds and are around 28-32 inches long.
Have around 30-35 outfits in 9-12 month size. Easy access clothes for diaper changes are key.
12-18 Months
In the second year, baby’s growth starts to slow down. 12-18 month sizes fit babies weighing around 22-30 pounds and 29-34 inches long.
Aim for 35-40 outfits in this size range. Focus on play clothes as babies stay busy and active at this age!
Factors That Affect Needs
While these size charts provide a general guide, a few key factors impact exactly how many outfit changes your baby will need:
Laundry Schedule
How often do you plan to do baby laundry? If you’ll wash clothes every 2-3 days, you can get by with fewer outfits than if you laundry just once a week. Adjust quantities based on your own routine.
Growth Spurts
Babies don’t grow at a perfectly steady rate – they experience growth spurts between periods of slower development. During growth spurts, they may outgrow sizes very rapidly. Having extra outfits allows flexibility.
Seasons and Climate
Consider the seasons when building your baby wardrobe. In colder months, you’ll need more layers and changes for spills. In hot climates, quick outfit changes for comfort are key.
Activities and Messes
Will your baby attend childcare or activities outside the home? These often involve art, meals, and outdoor play that all mean extra outfit changes. Plan accordingly.
Essential Articles of Clothing
When shopping for baby, focus first on versatile basics you’ll use every day. Here are the must-haves:
Onesies
Soft cotton onesies are the backbone of a baby wardrobe. They easily layer under clothes or work on their own for sleep. Stock up on short sleeve, long sleeve, and sleeveless styles.
Sleepers and Pajamas
Comfy pajamas and sleepers make overnight changes quick and easy. Look for zippers, avoid buttons. You’ll need both lighter and warmer sleepwear.
Socks
Babies lose socks easily, so have multiples. Choose soft cotton socks with grips on the bottom to help little ones learn to walk.
Pants and Shorts
Easy pull-on pants streamline diaper changes. Look for soft, stretchy fabrics. Have both shorts and pants for layering.
T-Shirts and Bodysuits
Plain cotton tees and bodysuits allow for endless mixing and matching. Stock up on short and long sleeves.
Sweaters and Jackets
Have light cardigans and heavier sweaters for layering as weather cools. Don’t forget hats, mittens, and jackets too.
Bibs and Burp Cloths
Messes happen! Bibs and burp cloths will save countless outfits. Have at least a dozen so some are always clean.
Capsule Wardrobe Ideas
One approach for minimizing overwhelm is to create a capsule wardrobe – a small collection of versatile mix-and-match items. Here are suggested capsules for different ages:
Newborn Capsule
- 5 footed pajamas/sleepers
- 3 shirts
- 2 gowns for easy diaper access
- 5 kimono style onesies
- 2 pairs pants
- 1 cardigan
- 5 pairs socks
- 2 hats
0-3 Month Capsule
- 7 footed pajamas
- 5 kimono onesies
- 4 short sleeve bodysuits
- 2 long sleeve bodysuits
- 2 pairs pants
- 1 jacket
- 2 hats
- 8 pairs socks
3-6 Month Capsule
- 5 short sleeve onesies
- 3 long sleeve onesies
- 4 pairs pants
- 2 shorts
- 7 short sleeve bodysuits
- 2 long sleeve bodysuits
- 1 sweater
- 1 jacket
- 10 pairs socks
Mix and match these core items and supplement with a few fun extras each season. The capsules provide all the essentials without going overboard on quantities.
Tips for Organizing
To keep all those tiny outfits organized:
- Use labeled bins or drawers to separate by size
- Store based on type – onesies together, pajamas together, etc.
- Put socks, hats, and mittens in clear plastic bins for visibility
- Set up diaper changing station near dresser for easy access
- Only keep in current rotation what fits now
- Pass down outgrown clothes promptly to limit clutter
Check clothing every few months and donate what won’t be worn again. Keep only properly fitting clothes within reach so changing is quick and easy.
Buying Recommendations by Size
Wondering what to shop for at each stage? Here are some specific recommendations:
| Size | Recommended Purchases |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 5-7 footed pajamas, 3-5 basic onesies, 1-2 pairs pants, 1-2 shirts/gowns, 2 warmer sleepers, 2 jackets/cardigans, 2 hats, 1-2 pairs shoes and socks |
| 0-3 Months | 10-12 footed pajamas, 5-8 kimono onesies, 8-10 bodysuits, 2-3 pairs pants, 1-2 pairs shorts, 1-2 jackets/sweaters, 5-7 hats, 1-2 pairs shoes and 10 pairs socks |
| 3-6 Months | 10-15 footed pajamas, 10-12 short sleeve onesies, 4-5 long sleeve onesies, 1-2 pairs pants, 2-3 pairs shorts, 3-5 shirts, 2 sweaters/jackets, 7-10 hats, 15 pairs socks, 1-2 pairs shoes |
| 6-9 Months | 10-15 footed pajamas, 15 short sleeve onesies, 5-8 long sleeve onesies, 4-6 pants, 3-5 shorts, 5-7 shirts, 2-3 sweaters/jackets, 10-12 hats, 20 pairs socks, 1-2 pairs shoes |
| 9-12 Months | 15 footed pajamas, 20 short sleeve onesies, 10 long sleeve onesies, 5-7 pants, 5-7 shorts/skirts, 10 shirts, 3-4 sweaters/jackets, 15 hats, 30 pairs socks, 1-2 pairs shoes |
| 12-18 Months | 15 footed pajamas, 25 short sleeve onesies, 10 long sleeve onesies, 10 pants, 10 shorts/skirts, 15 shirts, 5 sweaters/jackets, 15 hats, 40 pairs socks, 2-3 pairs shoes |
Focus first on necessities like pajamas, onesies, and socks, then supplement with play clothes, pants, shirts and accessories. And don’t forget – every baby is unique, so tweak quantity and sizes to fit your baby best!
Conclusion
While recommendations provide a helpful starting point, your baby’s own growth and needs should drive your wardrobe choices. Allow flexibility for growth spurts and seasons. Most importantly, choose clothes that keep your little one comfortable, safe, and easy to change – those basic onesies and pajamas will go a long way! With a little planning, you can be prepared for all of those outfit changes ahead.
