Baby Clothes: What You Really Need
While you may want to splurge on a tiny sailor suit or mini tutu for your newborn, the fact is: babies don’t actually need that many clothes. What’s more, they don’t need anything that could potentially irritate their delicate skin or respiratory systems. Here are our tips and picks for buying baby clothing.
For the first three months (at least), your baby’s main activities will be milk feeds and sleeping. So all those adorable outfits you’ve been eyeing aren’t really necessary. In fact, what your baby really needs is comfortable, temperature-appropriate clothing that’ll help him sleep (which in turn will help you sleep). And usually, that isn’t a sailor suit. Sorry to disappoint.
The other thing parents need to consider when purchasing baby clothes is what its made of. Babies have incredibly sensitive skin and delicate respiratory systems. Even though a material like 100% cotton might seem harmless enough, you need to be wary about how it’s cultivated. Was the cotton farmed with pesticides? Did they use formaldehyde to make it wrinkle-resistant? Do the snaps contain traces of heavy metals? Are the pajamas sprayed with flame-retardant chemicals?
We recommend using 100% organic or pima cotton where possible. We also love bamboo, because it doesn’t require any harsh pesticides or herbicides to grow either. All of these materials are much better options than synthetics like polyester or Spandex because they offer breathability.
For the first year of your baby’s life, their bodies will need to learn how to regulate their temperature and trust us – you don’t want to get up every hour of the night because your baby is sweating in their onesie!
Scroll down to see our tips and picks for buying baby clothing.
Tips for buying baby clothes for your newborn
- Snaps make diaper-changing a snap: As much as possible, choose clothing with snap buttons at the crotch – these make diaper changes (and changing in general) much simpler. While two-way zipper onesies are life savers for older babies, they can fold awkwardly and rub your newborn’s chin/ face in the first few months.
2. Roomier is better: Where you can, go one size up. Again, changing your baby into clothing that’s a little roomier will make things easier on you, but also, going one size bigger makes your tot’s clothing work that little bit harder. Babies grow quickly, so it’s always best to give them room.
3. Layering is key: Remember to layer, layer, layer! Babies lose heat quickly, so as a rule of thumb, add one more piece of clothing than you’d wear yourself. We always add a tank under a onesie or tee.
4. Avoid pull-over styles: Layers that don’t need to be pulled over your baby’s head are essential, too – hoodies and cardigans with snaps are easy to pack in your diaper bag for cooler days.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of baby clothing essentials, including how many of each you’ll really need.
The Tot’s baby clothes essentials list
Sleepsacks (2)
Babies wriggle and squirm a lot, which is why sleepsacks will be your best friend. Unlike a blanket that can be kicked off, or worse, accidentally moved over your baby’s face, sleepsacks keep your baby warm and toasty, while allowing their legs and arms to move freely and safely.
Since many babies prefer to be swaddled, you may want to opt for the Halo Swaddle Sleepsack. With a three-way adjustable swaddle, this sleepsack adapts to your growing baby’s sleep styles as she grows.
Halo Organic Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle
$34.95
HART + LAND Bamboo Solid Sleep Bag
$40
EXCLUSIVE
Sleeveless bodysuits (2–4)
Tanks are a must have for sleep time. Since babies need one extra layer than adults, having a few of these on hand will make naps and bedtime so much easier!
HART + LAND Organic Cotton Solid Tank Bodysuit
$18
EXCLUSIVE
Footed bodysuits & PJs (4–6)
Keeping socks on your baby’s feet may as well be an attempt at Everest in flip flops. Seriously – there may be a scientific law that says socks can’t stay on a newborn’s feet! Don’t fret – footed onesies will keep those tootsies warm! The other great thing about bodysuits is that they’re cute enough for playdates, but cozy enough for when nap time calls.
HART + LAND Organic Cotton Footed Bodysuit
$40
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Simple Stripe Bamboo Footed Bodysuit
$40
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Polka Dot Bamboo Footed Bodysuit
$40
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Rainbow Bamboo Footed Bodysuit
$40
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Rockets Bamboo Footed Bodysuit
$40
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Pima Cotton Footed Bodysuit PJ
$40
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Pima Cotton Footed Bodysuit PJ
$40
EXCLUSIVE
Kimono Bodysuits (2 or more)
Particularly great in the first three months, the kimono-style closure allows the fabric to lay flat on your baby’s chest.
HART + LAND Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Kimono Bodysuit
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Lap shoulder bodysuits (4–6)
Designed with an envelope neckline that makes it super easy to get your baby dressed and undressed, lap shoulder bodysuits are must have basics due to their versatility. Adorable on their own or layered under a cardigan, the snaps keep your tot’s torso covered unlike shirts that roll up.
HART + LAND Bamboo Long Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Stripe Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Polka Dot Bamboo Long Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Rocket Bamboo Long Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$22
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Rainbow Bamboo Long Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$22
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Simple Stripe Bamboo Long Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Bamboo Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Galaxy Stars Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Short Sleeve Organic Cotton Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Footless rompers (4–6)
As your baby gets older and starts walking, footless rompers are key because they’ll need to be able to grip the floor with their feet.
HART + LAND Bamboo Footless Romper
$32
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Leggings (4–6)
Unisex leggings are great because you can slip them over a onesie or use them to hide a diaper under a cute dress. Designed with room for a diaper, they won’t fall down!
HART + LAND Organic Cotton Legging
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Stripe Organic Cotton Leggings
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Bamboo Legging
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Polka Dot Bamboo Leggings
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Simple Stripe Bamboo Leggings
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Galaxy Stars Organic Cotton Leggings
$22
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Crew neck shirts (3–4)
As your baby starts sitting up and walking, t-shirts are an easy basic to mix and match.
HART + LAND Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Crew Neck
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Rocket Bamboo Long Sleeve Crew Neck
$20
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Rainbow Bamboo Long Sleeve Crew Neck
$20
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Dot Long Sleeve Crew Neck
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Bamboo Short Sleeve Crew Neck Tee
$18
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Stripe Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Crew Tee
$18
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Hats (2–3)
Whether you’re going for a stroll or simply sitting outside with your newbie, it’s important to remember that babies lose a lot of heat through their heads.
HART + LAND Polka Dot Bamboo Hat
$14
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Simple Stripe Bamboo Hat
$14
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Organic Cotton Baby Hat
$14
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Galaxy Stars Organic Cotton Hat
$14
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
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