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In this guide
It’s easy to buy far too many tiny clothes, and newborns grow out of them fast. Here’s a sensible starting point for the first few weeks, assuming you’ll wash every two or three days. Add a few more if you’d rather wash less often.
The quick list
| Item | How many | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Vests or bodysuits | 6 to 8 | The layer next to the skin, worn every day |
| Sleepsuits | 6 to 8 | Day and night wear for the first weeks |
| Cardigans | 2 to 3 | An easy extra layer that doesn’t go over the head |
| Socks | 4 to 6 pairs | For outfits without feet |
| Hats | 1 to 2 | For going outside in cooler weather |
| Scratch mitts | 2 to 3 pairs | Some sleepsuits have fold-over cuffs instead |
| Pramsuit or snowsuit | 1 | Autumn and winter babies only |
| Muslins | 6 to 10 | Burping, wiping and everything else |
Which size to buy
Most babies fit newborn (up to about 10lb) for only a few weeks, and bigger babies may skip it altogether. Buy a handful in newborn and most in 0 to 3 months. If your baby is expected to be small or early, add a few tiny baby items.
When family ask what to get, sizes 3 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months are a good answer: lots of people gift newborn clothes, so these bigger sizes are often what parents end up short of.
Vests and bodysuits
Short-sleeved vests are the base layer most days. Envelope necks stretch easily over a baby’s head, and poppers at the bottom keep everything in place during nappy changes.
Sleepsuits
Sleepsuits are what most newborns wear day and night. Zips are quicker than poppers at 3am, and two-way zips let you change a nappy without undressing your baby completely.
Keeping baby the right temperature
A useful rule is one more layer than you’re comfortable in. For sleep, the NHS and The Lullaby Trust advise against hats indoors, and a baby sleeping bag of the right TOG is safer than loose blankets. Our sleeping bag TOG guide explains which TOG to use at what room temperature.
Washing new clothes
Wash everything before the first wear, using a non-biological detergent if your baby has sensitive skin. Keep the labels on bigger sizes until you need them, in case you want to return or swap them.
Put them on your list
Clothes are one of the easiest things for family to buy, and one of the most likely to be duplicated. Add the sizes you need to your baby wish list so guests can see what’s already been bought.
Questions parents ask
How many vests and sleepsuits does a newborn need?
Around 6 to 8 of each is a good start if you wash every two or three days. Add a few more if you'd rather wash less often.
Should I buy newborn or 0 to 3 months clothes?
Buy a handful in newborn and most in 0 to 3 months. Many babies only fit newborn sizes for a few weeks, and bigger babies may skip them altogether.
