Getting ready for a new baby is exciting and many parents head straight for the baby clothes section. But before you start filling up your shopping basket, you might stop and wonder, “How many newborn clothes do I need?”
According to pediatric experts, newborns may need up to five changes of clothes each day because of spit-ups and diaper leaks.
There are so many baby clothes out there—onesies, pajamas, tiny socks—it can feel like the options never end. In this guide, you will learn the basics and get easy tips for buying newborn clothes.
By the time you finish reading this article, you will know exactly what you need, so you can be ready for your baby without packing their closet or piling up extra laundry.
What You Should Consider When Preparing For Your Newborn’s Wardrobe
It can be tempting to buy every adorable outfit in sight, but babies need clothing that suits their everyday needs and comfort.
Before shopping for your newborn, it is helpful to consider how many onesies you need for a newborn to make sure you have just enough without overfilling the closet.
Consider these important factors as you decide what to buy:
- Laundry habits: If you plan to wash baby clothes every day, you will need fewer outfits in your newborn’s wardrobe.
- Climate: Babies in colder areas need more layers. In warmer places, light cotton outfits are best.
- Mess factor: Spit-ups, diaper leaks, and little accidents happen often. So, consider changing clothes too often.
- Growth spurts: Babies sometimes outgrow newborn sizes in just a few weeks.
Buying too many clothes means you risk wasting money on outfits your baby never wears. If you have too few outfits, you might run out of clean clothes just when you need them most.
What Are Some Types of Newborn Clothes and Essentials?
You will come across many baby clothing items, but three types of clothing make up the heart of every newborn’s wardrobe: onesies, outfits, sleepers and other essentials. Here is how they are different:
- Onesies (also called bodysuits): These are soft, one-piece outfits with snaps at the crotch, available in short or long-sleeved styles. Onesies are the everyday go-to for most newborns.
- Outfits and Sleepers: These include sets for daytime, like pants and tops, dresses, or overalls—what your baby wears to meet family or go out. Sleepers are all-in-one suits, usually with feet, designed for nighttime and naps.
- Other Essentials: These include socks, mittens, swaddles, etc.
How Many Newborn Onesies Do You Need?
Many new parents have this question in mind while shopping, “How many newborn onesies do I need?” Most parents use seven to ten onesies per week.
Babies go through several in a day, especially in the early weeks when messes are frequent.
Different situations call for more or fewer onesies. For instance, you might need more outfits if your baby spits up frequently or has delicate skin. If you take your baby out, having a spare in your diaper bag is always smart.
The number of onesies also depends on how often you do laundry.
The following simple chart helps answer your concern about “How many onesies does a newborn need?” Remember to check the fit every week or two, as newborns can outgrow sizes fast.
Recommended Number of Onesies Per Week
|
Laundry Frequency |
Number of Onesies Needed |
|
Daily |
5-6 |
|
Every Other Day |
7-9 |
|
Twice a Week |
10-12 |
How Many Newborn Outfits Do You Need?
A good starting point is five to seven outfits for daytime and four to six sleepers for nighttime. This should give you enough changes for spit-ups, messes, and special outings, while keeping your baby comfy during naps and bedtime.
When it comes to sleepwear, go for snug-fitting footed sleepers instead of using loose blankets. This helps lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and supports safer sleep. For daytime, choose soft, stretchy clothes that are easy for your baby to move around in.
Mixing and matching is smart. Simple, solid colors go with everything. You can use a single top with different pants, or layer a dress over a onesie for cooler days.
Keep in mind that special occasion outfits are great, but one or two are usually enough for newborns.
Typical Number of Outfits Needed Per Week
|
Laundry Frequency |
Daytime Outfits Needed |
Sleepers/Pajamas Needed |
|
Daily |
3-4 |
2-3 |
|
Every Other Day |
5-7 |
4-6 |
|
Twice a Week |
7-9 |
6-8 |
How Many Other Essentials Do You Need?
Beyond onesies and outfits, a few more basics will keep your baby comfortable in any situation:
- Swaddles: For wrapping your baby securely to help them sleep.
- Hats: Two or three for warmth or sun protection.
- Socks and booties: Four to six pairs for cozy feet.
- Mittens: A couple of pairs to keep little hands warm and prevent scratching.
-
Weather extras: Think jackets or cardigans for cool days and sunhats for summer.
Sample Checklist: Newborn Clothes Shopping List
Here is a handy checklist for your shopping trip:
|
Item |
Suggested Quantity |
|
Onesies/Bodysuits |
7-10 |
|
Daytime Outfits |
5-7 |
|
Sleepers/Pajamas |
4-6 |
|
Hats |
2-3 |
|
Socks/Booties |
4-6 pairs |
|
Mittens |
2-3 pairs |
|
Swaddles/Blankets |
2-4 |
|
Weather Extras |
1-2 (as needed) |
Review this list and adjust it as needed, based on your laundry habits and your baby’s needs.
Best Ways to Simplify Your Newborn Clothing Checklist
- Look for multipacks of onesies or sleepers. They are usually more affordable and make outfit changes quick and simple.
- Go for wide neck openings, snap-up fronts, and stretchy fabric. These make dressing your baby much easier.
- You only need one or two special items. Most days, your baby will be in comfy basics, so keep it simple and save some money.
- Babies grow fast! Have a few clothes in the next size up so you are ready when that happens.
- Make sure you have enough soft, comfy clothes for both daytime and nighttime.
- One or two outfits for photos or family events are enough.
- Layering is also important. Add a jacket, cardigan, or sunhat when needed and take them off if your baby gets too warm.
Conclusion
Knowing how many newborn clothes you need helps you shop smart and keep your baby happy. Every family is different, so review your laundry routine, climate, and baby’s habits to decide what works best.
The right balance means fewer laundry emergencies and less wasted space. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy those first precious weeks with your newborn.
If you are looking for high-quality and comfortable baby clothes, Magickal Wear offers a range of soft, practical options designed for both babies and parents. Our clothes collection makes building your baby’s wardrobe easy and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need different clothes for my newborn day and night?
It helps to have soft sleepers for the night and onesies or outfits for the day, but you can mix and match.
How often should I do laundry with a newborn?
Many parents do laundry every other day, but daily washes mean you need fewer clothes.
What fabrics are best for newborn clothes?
Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to keep your baby comfortable.
What is the best way to organize and store baby clothes?
Use small bins or drawer dividers for onesies, socks, and hats. Label everything for easy changes.