As a first-time mom, it can be effortless to end up with a ton of baby clothes. Once your baby is born, you might realize you have more baby clothes than you can use! If this has you wondering, ‘how many baby clothes do I need?’, you’re in the right spot.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how many baby clothes you need but also things like summer and winter baby clothing essentials.
Let’s get started!
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Baby Clothes Sizes By Weight
When buying baby clothes, it’s helpful first to know how the sizes work. Baby clothing sizes are based on your baby’s age, but sometimes your baby’s age and the clothing size don’t always line up.
If your baby is a little smaller or larger than average, you will need to adjust the clothing size they are in. That’s why it’s crucial to know the weights that baby clothing sizes are based on.
Most clothing brands base their sizes off of the average weight for that age. The weights below are general guidelines that many brands use for baby clothing sizes:
- Preemie (P):Up to 5 pounds
- Newborn (NB):5 to 8 pounds
- 0-3 months: 8 to 12 pounds
- 3-6 months:12 to 16 pounds
- 6-9 months:16 to 20 pounds
- 9-12 months:20 to 24 pounds
If you are shopping for baby clothes before your baby is born, you can use this chart to your advantage. Your doctor should give you estimates on how big your baby will be at birth, which will help you decide what clothing size to start buying.
Filling out your baby registry? Check out these related articles:
- How Many Diapers Do You Need for the First Year?
- How Many Cribs Sheets Will Your Baby Really Use?
- How Many Bibs Do I Need? The Ultimate Guide
- How Many Burp Cloths Will My Baby Need?
- How Many Swaddles Should I Have For My Baby?
How Many Baby Clothes Do I Need In Each Size?
So now that you know how baby clothing sizes work, you might be wondering, ‘how many baby clothes do I need in each size?’.
First, you will want to think about your laundry routine. Are you able to do more than one load of laundry per week? Do you have to go out of the house to do laundry?
Our recommendations are based on doing one load of laundry per week. You can adjust the suggested amounts of clothing up or down based on your laundry needs.
8-10 Onesies
Onesies will be a staple in your baby’s closet because they don’t ride up as a regular shirt would, and they can help keep your baby’s diaper from sliding down.
Onesies typically have a 3-snap closure between the legs and a spacious neck opening. When buying onesies, you will want to make sure they are made from a soft, breathable cotton blend like these ones.
Also, it’s nice to have a mix of long and short-sleeved onesies to help keep your little one warm on cooler days.
8-10 Pants/Leggings
Pants are also essential in keeping your baby warm. I like to have as many pants as I do onesies because you never know when a blow-out will strike.
When shopping for pants, you will want to make sure that they are soft and breathable like the onesies. I’m sure you will stumble upon some adorable baby jeans, but they won’t be the most comfortable thing for your little one to lounge in.
8-10 Footed Pajamas
Footed pajamas are the best option to keep babies warm on cool nights, especially when blankets are off-limits for the first year.
When looking for footed pajamas, make sure to steer clear of the button-up pajamas. Nothing is worse than trying to button ten snaps in dim lighting after a middle-of-the-night feeding. Zippers are the way to go!
As your baby gets older, you can start introducing 2-piece pajamas. When it gets warmer in the summer, 2-piece pajamas with shorts are great!
7-10 Pairs of Socks
Baby socks can be known to fall off, but they help keep your little one’s toes warm. We have used these ones, and they don’t slip off!
Do I Need Newborn Size Clothes?
Whether or not you need newborn size clothing can be a debate. Most everyone I knew told me not to bother with newborn-sized clothes. But, I quickly found out that newborn sizes fit my 6-pound baby the best for almost a month.
I believe it’s better to have something and not need it than need it and not have it. That’s why I recommend having a few newborn-sized outfits. You can always buy more if you need them, but at least you will have a few pieces ready.
How Many Baby Clothes To Buy Before Baby Is Born
You will want to be prepared with the majority of your baby’s clothing before you bring them home from the hospital. There will always be items that you might need to run to the store for, but you will want the bulk of it washed and ready to use.
Newborn Clothing Checklist
As I mentioned, you may not need newborn-sized clothes, but it’s best to have some just in case. Here’s what you should start with:
The amount of newborn clothing above is perfect if your baby won’t use them for long. If your baby is around the 5-pound mark when firstborn, you may need to invest in a few more options.
0-3 Month Baby Clothing Checklist
Because your baby might not be in newborn clothes for long, it’s also a great idea to purchase 0-3-month baby clothing before your baby is born.
Here are our recommendations for 0-3 month baby clothing if you plan on doing one load of laundry per week:
- 8-10 Onesies
- 8-10 Pants/Leggings
- 8-10 Footed Pajamas
- 8-10 Socks
- 2 Thin Hats
While it’s not technically clothing, it’s also essential to be prepared with sleeping necessities before bringing your baby home. Swaddles and sleep sacks are the best options to keep your little one warm through the night.
We loved these swaddles because they are easy to use, and they don’t break open as easily as a traditional swaddle. A three-pack is excellent to have, so you always have an extra swaddle while one is washing.
Sleep sacks are also wonderful to have as an extra layer during cold nights if your baby hates being swaddled. These ones are so soft and warm!
You’ll also love: When To Start Buying Baby Stuff
Related Articles:
- The Best Items To Keep In Your Diaper Caddy
- Important Pros and Cons of Pack ‘N Plays vs Cribs
- How To Organize and Store Outgrown Baby Clothes
- Do I Need a Baby Monitor? The Ultimate Guide
- Crucial Tips for Saving Money on Baby Clothes
Summer Baby Clothing Essentials
Now that you have the basics of baby clothing down, you will need to think about the time of year your baby will be born. Your clothing needs will be different whether you bring your baby home in the summer or winter.
If your baby is born right before or during summer, here are some extras you’ll need for your baby’s wardrobe:
5-7 Shorts
Shorts are a summer must-have for your little one. When looking for shorts, make sure that they are lightweight, soft, and breathable.
Sun Hat
Another essential summer item is a sun hat. Your baby’s skin is extra sensitive, so you will want a great hat like this one with extra coverage.
Swim Suit
If you know you will be out in the water or even a kiddie pool, it’s best to find a swimsuit like these ones (or these ones for girls) that have extra sun protection.
Another must-have when going in the water with your baby is reusable swim diapers. Disposable swim diapers are highly overpriced, and I have found that these ones work just as well.
Winter Baby Clothing Essentials
If your baby is born right before or during winter, here are some great options to keep your baby extra warm:
2 Zip-Up Hoodies
It can get chilly inside during winter, which is why it’s crucial to have a couple of hoodies. If you’d rather have sweaters for your baby, that works too! Just make sure they are easy to get on and off for minimal fuss.
Winter Coat
As you get farther into winter, a hoodie won’t be enough to keep your baby warm outside. A simple coat like this one will make sure your baby stays warm while outside.
Reminder: Always remove jackets/coats before strapping your baby into their car seat. Removing the coat will ensure that your baby is correctly secured into their seat.
Snow Suit
If you have extra harsh winters where you live, having a snowsuit for your baby will come in handy.
When shopping for a baby snowsuit, you will want one that covers their feet and their hands.
1 Warm Hat and Mittens
Hats and mittens are essential during the winter months, so you will want to ensure the ones you buy are of excellent quality. This set is terrific; the hat is thick and comes with matching mittens to keep your baby warm.
1 Pair of Fleece Booties
Baby shoes don’t have a use until your baby starts walking, so you can skip buying those expensive but cute winter boots. Instead, get your baby some fleece booties.
Fleece booties are excellent for keeping your baby’s feet warm, especially when paired with socks. Another great thing about fleece booties is that they are adjustable, meaning they won’t slip off easily!
Getting all of your baby clothes together is so exciting because it means your baby will be here soon! You will be so relieved to come home from the hospital and remember that your baby’s necessities are all ready to go!
Before you go, check out these related articles:
- The Best Nursery Organization Tips
- How To Clean Baby Toys (The Right Way)
- The Best Tips For Having A Baby On A Budget
- How To Have A Baby Shower On A Budget
I hope I’ve answered all of your questions about how many baby clothes you’ll need in each size for the first year! I would love to know what your baby clothing essentials are in the comments below!
