For a newborn, it is generally recommended to have enough clothes to cover multiple changes per day without needing to do laundry constantly. Here is a practical guideline based on expert recommendations:
- Bodysuits/Onesies: 6 to 12 pieces, including a mix of short and long sleeves depending on the season. These are essential as they form the base layer and are easy to change
- Pants/Leggings: 3 to 7 pairs, preferably soft and with a loose waistband for comfort
- Sleepers/Pajamas: 4 to 6 pairs of footed sleepers or gowns for nighttime and naps
- Cardigans or Jackets: 2 to 3, especially important if it’s cold or winter
- Hats: 2 to 4 hats to protect the baby's head from cold or sun depending on the season
- Socks or Booties: 4 to 7 pairs to keep feet warm
- Swaddles and Blankets: 2 to 5 for wrapping and comfort
Special occasion outfits are optional but having 1 to 3 can be useful for hospital discharge or family photos
. This range (roughly 7-10 outfits total including bodysuits, pants, and sleepers) allows for multiple daily changes due to spit-ups and diaper leaks without overwhelming laundry needs
. The exact amount depends on how often you plan to do laundry and your baby's growth rate, as newborn sizes are typically outgrown within a few weeks
. In summary, a practical newborn wardrobe might include:
- 6-12 bodysuits/onesies
- 3-7 pants/leggings
- 4-6 sleepers/pajamas
- 2-3 cardigans/jackets
- 2-4 hats
- 4-7 pairs of socks/booties
- 2-5 swaddles/blankets
- 1-3 special occasion outfits (optional)
This setup balances having enough clothes for frequent changes and manageable laundry
