How Many Baby Clothes Do I Need? (and 5 Important Tips)
Wondering how many baby clothes you need? Whether you’re a first-time mom or just need a refresher, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From essentials to seasonal tips, let’s help you keep it simple and save space!
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Every mother wonders, “How many baby clothes do I need?” Whether you’re a first time mom or it’s been a while since you last had a newborn, this blog post is here to guide you, simply and clearly.
So let’s skip the fluff and get right to it.
5 Things to Consider Before Getting Baby Clothes
Before jumping into exact numbers, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost: how often do you do laundry?
Consider Your Laundry Routine
Every parent does laundry a little differently. And your preferred method can determine how many baby clothes you’re going to want on hand.
Personally, I spread my laundry out throughout the week. I’ll wash colors one day, whites the next, and so on. That said…I don’t always fold it right away once it’s clean (anyone else?).
If you only do laundry once per week (or you delay folding and putting it away like I do) you’ll need more baby clothes than someone who does laundry every few days.
Less Is More
If there’s one thing to remember about how many baby clothes you need, it’s this: less really is more. Babies grow quickly. And you won’t be sure how big your baby is until they are born. You don’t want drawers full of baby clothes you never use.
For those reasons, it’s a good idea to start with just a few items in different sizes. You can always buy more later if you need them, but it’s a lot harder to return unpackaged or washed clothes.
I recommend skipping the newborn size altogether (or keeping it minimal) and focusing on 0–3 month sizes to start. Most babies will fit in 0–3 months right away. That said, most babies will grow out of 0–3 month size quickly, so having some 3–6 month items ready can also be helpful.
Shop Smart
While it’s tempting to buy all the adorable outfits you see, pause for a moment. Chances are someone you know has baby clothes they don’t need anymore. I’ve spent very little on clothes for my daughter and she’s already 1.5 years old.
I got most from a sister-in-law. And some from my dental hygienist, of all people!
If you’re not expecting hand-me-downs, you still can save a lot by shopping at resale stores like Once Upon a Child and Kid to Kid. Can’t get what you need there? Look at clearance sections (online or in person) at stores like Old Navy.
If you do these things, you’ll almost certainly have what you need before ever having to pay full price!
Size Up
A trick many moms (including me) use is buying one size up. Baby clothes often run small (so a 6 month outfit might actually fit a 3 month old). And babies will grow into roomy clothes quickly.
Sizing up can mean fewer trips to the store and more wear out of each outfit (so your money goes farther!).
It’s also worth noting that different brands fit differently. Some work better for tall, lean babies, while others fit babies with a chunkier build. Try one or two items from a few brands to find the best fit.
Forgoing the Fancy
As tempting as tiny shoes and frilly dresses are, one of the easiest ways to save money and space is to keep things practical. Babies, especially young ones, don’t need shoes or elaborate outfits.
For most of the first year, my daughter went to church in whatever she was already wearing—it was more comfortable for her and easier for us.
How Many Baby Clothes Do I Need? The Essentials
So, how many baby clothes do you actually need? Generally, younger babies require more clothes, while older babies need fewer since they tend to be a bit less messy.
Here’s a guide to the essentials:
14 Onesies
If you wash and fold laundry weekly, 14 onesies should have you covered. Long sleeves are great for newborns and for colder climates. Short sleeves are great for warmer days or layering.
I save non-onesie tops for older babies and kids who are more mobile and less likely to be held as much—otherwise, the shirts ride up and don’t stay put.
My Favorite Onesies
Gerber 8-pack
TIP: If your baby has a blowout, that envelope top on onesies means you can pull it down past their diaper rather than up over their head.
For more diaper tips, check out 30 Diaper Changing Hacks You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner.
7–14 Pairs of Pants
Pants are optional for newborns—many parents prefer to just use sleepers around the clock—but having 7 pairs on hand is useful for cooler weather or those times you want to change things up.
Footie pants are nice…but babies tend to outgrow them faster. So that’s really up to you!
7 Sleepers
Sleepers are zip- or snap-up pajamas, typically with footies. Some parents prefer snaps, others like zippers—it’s personal preference. You’ll want about 7 of these—fewer if they’re just an extra layer for night time, more if they’re the go-to outfit.
Popular Sleepers
Little Sleepies brand
For newborns, I loved the ones with fold-over mittens attached. They actually stayed on (unlike the little mittens you can get) and I knew my baby’s hands were warm enough.
2 Sleep Sacks
When we picture a sleeping baby, many of us think of them swaddled up snugly. But recent research suggests that swaddling might actually hinder development and create a less safe sleep environment than once thought.
If you’re interested in learning more, I recommend starting with this article by Cayla at Sleeping Beauties.
A good alternative is a sleep sack, which is like a wearable blanket. It keeps your baby warm without the risks of swaddling. If you still want some of the womb-like comfort for your little one, you can get a sleep sack that wraps snugly around the abdomen, without needing to restrain a baby’s arms or legs.
I’d suggest having two on hand—one for wearing and a backup for when it’s in the wash.
Swaddle-Safe Sleep Sack
Halo brand
And really, that’s it! Those are the essentials—onesies, pants, sleepers, and sleep sacks.
Obviously, that’s not everything you could buy though. So let’s cover a few “less essential” things.
Less Essential
A few items of baby clothing are nice to have but aren’t strictly necessary. Some of these are also worth keeping to a minimum as they can affect how your baby experiences and interacts with their surroundings.
6 Pairs of Socks
Socks are useful, but they can be a bit of a hassle, too. Keeping track of tiny socks and getting them to stay on those little feet is a struggle.
Plus, there are reasons to limit how often you put socks on your baby.
Babies naturally regulate their body temperature, so covering their feet isn’t always necessary. To see if your baby is warm enough, check the back of their neck or their chest rather than their feet. Socks can be useful if they feel a little cool.
For babies who are starting to move, bare feet give them a better sense of the ground, which helps with balance and coordination.
Since you won’t need them all the time, six-ish pairs of socks should be enough.
Mittens
There are mixed opinions on mittens as well. While mittens can keep your baby’s hands warm and prevent them from scratching, they can also limit movement and hide hunger cues.
If you do want to keep your baby’s hands covered, use baby socks instead of mittens. They stay on much better than traditional mittens.
14+ Bibs
If you’ve got a drooler, you’re probably going to want some bandana bibs. They help keep clothes dry, so you don’t need to change outfits constantly—just swap out the bib when it gets damp.
My Favorite Bandana Bibs
Konssy 10-pack
I recommend having at least 2 per day (maybe more), so that’s 14 if you do laundry weekly.
Shoes
Baby shoes are probably the cutest things on the planet. And, unfortunately, they are also mostly unnecessary. In fact, shoes can sometimes interfere with foot development, especially if they have hard soles and a narrow shape.
Babies who are learning to walk need to be able to feel the ground beneath them and even grip with their toes. Soft soles (like leather) are better if you’re buying shoes for early walkers.
Make sure the shoes also leave plenty of room for those little toes.
But for the most part, you can skip shoes in those early months.
Seasonal Clothes
If your baby will be born in the middle of winter or just in time for summer, you’ll need a few season-specific clothing items. (Just a few!)
For Winter
If you’re heading into cold season, grab a sweater or 2 for your little one. You may also want a few extra pairs of socks.
If you plan to take your baby outside for more than the distance between the car and the house, you’ll also want a full snowsuit to keep them cozy.
For Summer
If your baby is arriving with the heat, make sure to get a wide-brim sun hat to shade their cute little face.
For older babies (about 6 months and older), you’ll want a swimsuit, too. In addition to a typical swimsuit, I love having a long-sleeve swim shirt. More protection and less sunscreen application…win-win.
A Checklist: How Many Baby Clothes Do I Need?
To recap, you need:
- 14 onesies (some short-sleeve, some long)
- 7–14 pairs of pants
- 7 sleepers
- 2 sleep sacks
- 6 pairs of socks (plus more for “mittens,” if you want)
- 14+ bandana bibs
- Soft-soled shoes for walkers
If it’s winter:
- 2 sweaters/sweatshirts
- Extra socks
- 1 full-body snowsuit
If it’s summer:
- A wide-brim sun hat
How to Organize Baby Clothes
Now you know how many baby clothes you need and some tips to make shopping easier and less costly. But once you have all the clothes, how do you organize them?
I’ve got you. Check out my guide, How to Organize Baby Clothes (in 9 Practical Steps).
Until next time,
Allison
READ MORE:
How to Prepare for Postpartum: The Ultimate Guide
The Baby Registry List I Wish I’d Had
21 Freezer Meals for Postpartum (+ a printable list for your fridge)
