Shopping for baby clothes for the first time is overwhelming. Adorable outfits in miniature sizes are tempting everywhere, but what do you actually need — and how many?
This buying guide gives you a concrete shopping list with quantities, sizes, and materials. This way, you avoid spending too much on clothes the baby outgrows in a few weeks.
What Does a Newborn Need?
Newborns need surprisingly few clothes. The first weeks, the baby spends most of their time indoors and mainly needs soft garments that are easy to put on and take off.
The Basic Newborn Pack
| Item | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Onesies (side-snap or kimono style) | 6-8 | Newborn / 0-1M |
| Footed pants / leggings | 4-5 | Newborn / 0-1M |
| Sleepers / footie pajamas | 3-4 | Newborn / 0-1M |
| Long-sleeved undershirts | 2-3 | Newborn / 0-1M |
| Socks / booties | 3-4 pairs | Newborn |
| Hat (cotton or wool) | 1-2 | Newborn |
| Scratch mittens | 1-2 pairs | Newborn |
| Sleep sacks (1-2.5 TOG) | 2 | Newborn |
Side-snap or kimono-style onesies are gold in the first weeks. You don't have to pull anything over the head of a newborn with an unsteady neck — and many babies protest loudly against that.
How Many in Each Size?
Babies grow fast. Some skip entire sizes. Buy the fewest in the smallest sizes.
| Size | Age (approx.) | Number of items |
|---|---|---|
| Preemie | Premature / very small newborn | Only as needed |
| Newborn | 0-1 month | 15-20 items |
| 0-3M | 1-3 months | 15-20 items |
| 3-6M | 3-6 months | 10-15 items |
| 6-9M | 6-9 months | 10-15 items |
| 9-12M | 9-12 months | 10-15 items |
Large babies (over 8.8 lbs / 4 kg) may skip newborn size entirely and go straight to 0-3M. Consider waiting to buy newborn size until the baby is born, so you know which size fits.
Materials — What Works Best?
Not all materials are equally suitable for baby skin. Here's what you need to know.
Wool (Merino Wool)
Merino wool is soft against the skin, regulates body temperature, and keeps warm even when damp. Wool is naturally antibacterial and rarely needs washing.
Best for: Base layers (onesies, pants), outerwear in winter, sleepwear.
Cotton
Soft, affordable, and handles frequent washing. Cotton breathes well and is comfortable against the skin. The downside is that cotton doesn't keep warm when wet.
Best for: Summer clothes, onesies, everyday wear for indoor use.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is silky soft and moisture-absorbing. Great for babies with sensitive skin. Dries quickly and is temperature-regulating.
Best for: Sleepwear, summer clothes, babies with eczema or sensitive skin.
Avoid synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) next to the skin. Synthetic fabric can give the baby a rash and regulates temperature poorly. Fleece is OK as a mid layer, but never directly against the skin.
Layering for Any Climate
Layering is the key to dressing your baby right in changing weather. Combine several thin layers rather than one thick garment.
Winter (outdoors): Wool onesie + wool pants + fleece layer + bunting/snowsuit + wool hat and mittens.
Spring/Fall (outdoors): Wool onesie + light mid layer + softshell/warm suit + hat.
Summer (outdoors): Cotton onesie + light pants or romper. Sun hat with brim.
Indoors: Onesie + leggings. Add a wool undershirt if the room is cool.
Where to Shop
Online Retailers
Major baby retailers (Amazon, Target, BuyBuyBaby, Carter's) have wide selections and regular sales. Subscribe to newsletters to catch deals.
Secondhand and Resale
Baby clothes are often worn for just a few weeks before being outgrown. Used clothes are a smart choice — both for your wallet and the environment.
- ThredUp — large online consignment store for children's clothes
- Facebook Marketplace — many local groups for buying and selling baby clothes
- Poshmark / Mercari — popular apps for secondhand children's clothing
- Consignment shops — local stores often have excellent baby clothing selections
Quality merino wool clothes in good condition hold up well secondhand. A used set often costs half the price of new — and handles several more rounds of wear and washing just fine.
When Should You Shop?
Many expectant parents start shopping around weeks 30-34. Here's a simple plan:
Before birth: Buy the basic pack in newborn size (or 0-3M if you're expecting a large baby). Have 2-3 days' worth of changes ready. Don't go overboard — you don't know how fast the baby will grow.
After birth: Buy 0-3M and larger as needed. Now you know the baby's actual size and growth rate.
Seasonal clothes: Buy winter suits and outerwear when you know what size the baby will be in the relevant season. Buying ahead may mean the baby is too big or too small when the season arrives.
Budget — What Do Baby Clothes Cost?
A realistic budget for the first six months:
| Category | New | Secondhand |
|---|---|---|
| Basic newborn pack | $200-400 | $75-150 |
| Wool base layers (6 items) | $150-300 | $60-120 |
| Seasonal outerwear | $80-200 | $30-80 |
| Sleep sacks (2) | $50-100 | $20-40 |
| Total | $480-1,000 | $185-390 |
A mix of new and secondhand gives the best value. Buy base layers new (better fit and durability), and save on outerwear, sleepers, and everyday clothes by buying secondhand.
Laundry Tips for Baby Clothes
- Wash all new clothes before the baby wears them. New clothes may contain chemicals from manufacturing.
- Use fragrance-free detergent — baby skin is sensitive
- Wool goes on the wool cycle with wool detergent, max 86°F (30°C)
- Cotton handles 104-140°F (40-60°C) — use 140°F for spit-up stains and diaper blowouts
- Tumble dry on low heat for cotton, never for wool (dry flat)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many baby clothes do I need to buy?
For a newborn, you need 15-20 items in newborn size — that means 6-8 onesies, 4-5 footed pants, 3-4 sleepers, and some wool items. That's enough for 2-3 days of changes between washes.
Should I buy baby clothes before or after birth?
Buy the basic pack in newborn size before birth, but wait to buy much in 0-3M and larger. After birth, you'll know the baby's actual size and growth rate, and you won't end up with clothes that were never used.
Is it safe to buy secondhand baby clothes?
Secondhand baby clothes are perfectly safe as long as you wash them before use. Baby clothes are often in excellent condition because they're worn for such a short time. Check that elastic, snaps, and zippers work properly.
Sources
- Consumer Reports. "Baby Clothing Safety." consumerreports.org
- AAP. "Safe Sleep for Babies." aap.org
Last updated: March 2026