How Many Baby Clothes Do You Need in The First Year? (2024)

FAQs

How Many Baby Clothes Do You Need in The First Year? ›

Essential Baby Clothes for Year 1

0 – 3 month – Plan on two outfits and a sleeper each day, but don't overbuy in this range as your child will grow quickly. 3 – 6 month – Plan on one to two outfits a day plus a sleeper.

By the time you hit the 9-12 month clothing mark, you should have a pretty good idea of how frequently your baby spits up and needs changing. Most parents should be able to stick to the seven outfits for the day and seven for the night per week at this stage.

Baby clothes are the most common gift that new parents receive, but the average cost of clothes is around $50 a month for the first year. Using hand-me-downs or shopping at second-hand clothing stores can help you save in this area. Estimated monthly amount: $1,100.

6 stretch suits (all-in-ones) for both day and night, or 4 stretch suits and 2 nightdresses (nighties) for the night – use socks or bootees with the nightie if it's cold. 2 cardigans, wool or cotton rather than nylon, and light rather than heavy – several light layers of clothing are best for keeping your baby warm.

On the low end, you're going to want to have at least 6 onesies in each size throughout baby's first year. The same is true for bodysuits and footed pajamas. Don't plan too far out in the realm of more seasonal items because you can't predict baby's growth.

However, as your baby grows and you size up, you'll eventually come to the bittersweet realization: Most onesies stop after 18-24 months. The good news is that our Kids Graphic Tees are equally sweet and come in even more styles.

Newborn babies generally feed between 10 and 14 times in 24 hours, with feeds becoming a little less frequent as they grow. If you are exclusively bottle feeding your baby, whether formula or expressed breastmilk, you might want around four to six bottles and teats to get you started.

Sleepers (4-6 pieces): Comfortable sleepwear is crucial for both you and your baby. Sleepers with easy-access snaps make nighttime diaper changes a breeze. Tops and Bottoms (6-8 sets): Invest in a few sets of mix-and-match tops and bottoms for daytime outfits. Look for elastic waistbands and comfortable fits.

What is the greatest expense during the baby's first year? ›

One of the largest expenses for new parents can be the delivery—the cost of which depends on the location and health insurance policy. One-time costs often include travel, home needs, and nursing/feeding. Other things to consider include the cost of child care and savings plans.

A solid emergency fund holds three to six months' worth of your take-home pay. If that sounds overwhelming, start with $1,000, then shoot for one month of expenses, and before you know it, you'll be at your goal.

When should you start buying baby clothes? You should start buying baby clothes during your second trimester onwards. If you're planning on finding out your baby's gender, you may choose to wait until after your 20 week anomaly scan, but there's no reason not to buy basics like sleepsuits and vests before then.

A good rule of thumb is to give your baby 1 extra layer of clothing than what you're wearing. For example, if you're in a t-shirt and jumper, dress them in a vest, sleepsuit and cardigan or jumper. If you feel chilly, your baby probably does too.

In reality, a baby's needs (at least at first) are relatively simple: milk, a safe place to sleep, nappies, clothes and, of course, love. Let's look at these basic needs in more detail.

Whereas size 0-3 months should fit your baby up to 12 pounds, and you can always roll up sleeves and pant legs for a few weeks while baby grows into the larger size. If your baby is predicted to be petite, or you have a preemie, Newborn or Preemie sizes make a little more sense.

And the answer is: it depends. Babies are notoriously messy, and you might need to change their outfits 2-4 times a day just because they spat and got their onesie dirty again. Factor in the outfit needed for their 'outside' time, and you'll quickly come to learn you might need a few outfit changes throughout the day.

There is no set definition for the newborn age range; however, some experts consider an infant to be a newborn up to 28 days, whereas others suggest it's up to 3 months of age.

Usually, you'll only need to bring one outfit for your baby – a coming-home outfit to wear for the trip home. Most hospitals provide a newborn hat, long-sleeved shirts, and swaddling blankets for your baby to wear during your stay.

Put simply, there is no straightforward answer to the question, “How long do babies wear newborn clothes?” But, here is a general rule of thumb: If your baby weighs eight pounds or less at birth, you can probably expect them to be in newborn sizes for about three to five weeks.