New parents often wonder how many outfits their newborn really needs. While each baby is different, there are some general guidelines that can help determine the right amount of clothes for a newborn’s wardrobe.
Why do newborns need multiple outfits?
There are a few key reasons why having multiple outfits for a newborn is recommended:
- Frequent diaper leaks and spit up messes – Babies go through multiple outfit changes per day due to diaper leaks, spit up, and other messes. Having extra clothes on hand makes it easy to quickly change the baby into a fresh, clean outfit.
- Rapid growth – Babies grow incredibly fast in the first few months. Outfits that fit one week may be too small the next. Having multiple sizes and styles ensures you have clothes that will fit your growing baby.
- Laundry frequency – With so many outfit changes, laundry can pile up quickly. Having more clothes means you don’t have to do laundry every day.
- Convenience for leaving home – Bringing multiple outfit options when leaving the house with a newborn allows you to have back-up clothes in case of diaper blowouts or other messes while out.
How many newborn outfits are recommended?
Most experts recommend having between 15-25 outfits for a newborn’s first 3 months. Here is a breakdown of how many clothes to have on hand:
- 5-7 one-piece bodysuits or kimono shirts for layering
- 2-3 footed pajamas or sleepers
- 3-5 pants
- 3-5 shirts
- 2-3 dresses or rompers
- 1-2 sweaters or jackets
- 2-3 hats
- Socks
Having 15-25 individual pieces allows you to mix and match to create multiple outfits. It also provides enough extra clothes for at least a week between laundry cycles.
Factors to consider
When determining how many newborn outfits you need, here are some additional factors to take into account:
- Climate: If you live in a colder climate, have more warmer items like sleepers, socks, and hats. In warmer climates, you can focus more on bodysuits, rompers, and light pants.
- Season: If your baby will be born in the summer, you’ll need more lightweight short sleeve bodysuits and rompers. In the winter, have more footed pajamas, pants, and jackets.
- Activities: Will your baby go on frequent outings or stay home more? Going out often means having back-up clothes in case of accidents while away from home.
- Laundry access: Can you easily do laundry at home or will you need to go to a laundromat? Less laundry access means having more clothes.
- Budget: Finances may dictate how many outfits you can purchase upfront. Focus on versatility and multiplying outfits by mixing and matching pieces.
Types of outfits and essential pieces
Here is an overview of the key types of outfits and essential clothing items to have for newborns:
Bodysuits
Bodysuits with snaps at the bottom are a newborn wardrobe essential. They easily layer under other clothes and contain messes. Look for:
- 5-7 short sleeve bodysuits
- 2-3 long sleeve bodysuits
- Cotton, jersey, or stretch fabrics
- Envelope neck or v-neck styles
- Snaps at the bottom for easy diaper changes
Footed pajamas
Footed pajamas or sleepers are key for sleep and lounging. Ideal features include:
- 2-3 footed pajamas in cotton, fleece, or polyester
- Zipper or snap front for diaper changes
- Fold over cuffs on feet
- Long sleeves for warmth
Pants
Pants and leggings allow creating comfy outfit sets. Look for:
- 2-3 pairs of sweatpants or leggings
- Soft elastic waistbands
- Knit fabrics that stretch
Shirts
Pair tops with pants or bodysuits for cute looks. Good options include:
- 2-3 short sleeve shirts or onesies
- 1-2 long sleeve shirts
- Stretchy cotton or jersey
- Snaps at the bottom
- Fun graphics and patterns
Dresses
Sweet dresses are easy one-piece outfits for girls. Look for:
- 2-3 stretchy cotton dresses
- Sleeveless or short sleeves
- Flared skirts
- Frills, bows, or fun embellishments
Rompers
Rompers are one-piece outfits with shorts instead of pants. Great features include:
- 1-2 jersey knit rompers
- Short sleeves
- Snaps between the legs
- Fun patterns and colors
Outerwear
Depending on your climate, have light jackets or sweaters handy. Consider:
- 1-2 cardigan sweaters or sweatshirts
- Lightweight cotton or fleece
- Hooded jacket for extra warmth
- Swaddle blankets for indoor layering
Socks and hats
Babies lose heat quickly from their heads and feet. Have multiples of:
- 2-3 hats in cotton, knit, or fleece
- 5+ pairs of socks in cotton or wool
Tips for expanding a newborn wardrobe
Once you have the essentials covered, here are tips for expanding your newborn’s wardrobe economically:
- Check resale stores for lightly used clothes at a fraction of retail price.
- Seek out clothing bundles or lots to get multiple pieces at once.
- Ask friends and family if they have extra newborn clothing to pass on.
- Shop end of season sales to stock up on the next size up at a discount.
- Add accessories like bibs, burp cloths, and swaddles for extra outfits.
- Mix and match – pair pants with bodysuits, shirts with leggings, etc.
- Layer during colder months for warmth with footed pajamas, pants, socks, and hats.
- Utilize clothing rental services to try out clothes before purchasing.
When to size up
It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s growth and not strictly stick to size charts. Watch for these signs it may be time to move to the next clothing size:
- Onesies ride up on the tummy
- Socks no longer fit over feet
- Waistbands leave marks on the skin
- Sleeves or pants look too short
- Diaper area gets compressed
- Babies become fussy when dressed
Around 3 months, babies often transition from newborn to 3 month size clothing. Have some larger sizes on hand as your baby approaches this growth spurt.
Caring for newborn clothes
Proper laundry and care will make newborn clothes last. Follow these tips:
- Wash in gentle, mild detergent with no dyes or perfumes
- Use laundry bags to protect delicate items
- Wash in cold water to avoid shrinkage
- Hang dry or tumble dry on low to preserve fabrics
- Avoid using fabric softeners which can irritate baby’s skin
- Do a test wash on all new clothes before first wear
- Spot treat stains by rinsing or using gentle cleaners
- Fold clothes along seams to avoid hard creases
Clothing rental services
If you don’t want to purchase a full newborn wardrobe upfront, clothing rental services allow you to try different styles and sizes as your baby grows. Popular options include:
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Rent the Runway | Designer children’s clothing for rent or purchase. Offers newborn through size 14. |
| Le Tote | Monthly subscription includes clothing, accessories, and toys. Newborn through 5T. |
| BabyQuip | Baby gear rental including newborn through toddler clothes. Available nationwide. |
| Tiny Wardrobe | Designer baby clothes rental. Sizes newborn to 24 months. |
Buying secondhand
Gently used clothing is an economical way to get a full newborn wardrobe on a budget. Consider these tips when sourcing secondhand clothes:
- Inspect items closely for stains, damage, and wear
- Look for items from smoke-free homes
- Wash thoroughly before use
- Search local resale stores, online exchanges, and consignment sales
- Ask friends and family if they have hand-me-downs to offer
- Seek bundles or lots of clothes for cost savings
- Focus on high-quality, durable fabrics and styles
Most useful items to register for
If creating a baby registry, focus on versatile clothing essentials. Most useful items to register for include:
- 5-7 bodysuits in short and long sleeves
- 2-3 footed pajamas or sleepers
- 3-5 pants and leggings
- 2-3 shirts or onesies
- 1-2 stretchy dresses for girls
- 1-2 rompers or jumpsuits
- 1-2 cardigan sweaters or jackets
- Multiple pairs of socks
- 2-3 hats
Register for multiple sizes so you have clothes ready as baby grows. Focus on high quality, soft, stretchy fabrics from reputable brands in gender neutral colors.
Bottom line
While each newborn is different, most babies will need around 15-25 clothing items or outfits for the first 3 months. Bodysuits, pajamas, pants, shirts, and dresses form the core of an essential newborn wardrobe. Have at least 5-7 go-to outfits on hand and utilize layers, laundering, and creative mixing and matching to maximize your baby’s wardrobe. Expand smartly with rental services, secondhand finds, and seasonal sale shopping as needed.
