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Baby clothes: What you really need

Before you fill your baby’s wardrobe with adorable sailor suits or tiny tutus, read this!

Lauren Sams Writer & author

One of the best things about being pregnant is the total carte blanche to buy cute baby clothes any time you please. Tiny sailor suits? Add to cart. Mini tutus? Yes, please. Teeny pastel socks? I’ll take a million.

But the fact is, babies don’t actually need that many clothes, and what’s more, they don’t need too many types of clothing – particularly newborn babies. For the first three months (at least) your baby’s main activities will be milk feeds and sleeping. So all those adorable outfits aren’t really necessary – and 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.

Tips for buying newborn clothing

As much as possible, choose clothing with snap buttons at the crotch – these make diaper changes (and changing in general) much simpler.
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.
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 vest under a onesie or tee, and tuck this into pants so it doesn’t ride up.
Layers that don’t need to be pulled over your baby’s head are essential, too – zip-up hoodies and cardigans with snaps are easy to pack in your diaper bag for cooler days.
And finally, never forget booties or a pair of socks. Those little tootsies get cold super quickly!

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 Clothing Essentials List

Halo Organic Sleepsack Swaddle
You’ll need: 2

With a three-way adjustable swaddle, this sleepsack adapts to your growing baby’s sleep styles as she grows. Made of super-soft, 100 per cent certified organic cotton, this keeps your tot snug as a bug and safe all night long. Buy two in case you need to wash one and use it again that day.

Kyte Baby Solid Sleep Bag
You’ll need: at least 2

Not strictly apparel, but since your baby will be sleeping a lot, these sleep sacks are practically clothing! Made of super-soft bamboo rayon, this sleep bag will help your baby stay warm all day and night, safely. With a handy double zipper that allows quick, simple diaper changes, this is an absolute essential for any new parent.

HART + LAND Long Sleeve Kimono Bodysuit
You’ll need: at least 2

Particularly great in the first three months, the Kimono style closure allows the fabric to lay flat on your baby’s chest. Sometimes zippered onesies can fold and irritate your baby’s chin.

HART + LAND Organic Footed Bodysuit
You’ll need: 4-5

They’re not the most exciting pieces of clothing, but trust us: your baby will live in these – happily (and honestly, so would we!). Made ultra-soft organic pima cotton, these onesies will keep your baby warm and comfortable while they sleep. Snap buttons make diaper changes quick and efficient, too.

HART + LAND Long Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
You’ll need: 3-4

Perfect for spring and fall, when the weather is “in-between”, these long sleeved onesies not only look beautiful, they’ll keep your tot feeling snug as a bug.

HART + LAND Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit + Leggings
You’ll need: 2-3

We love sets like these because they’re cute enough for playdates, but also cozy enough for when naptime calls!

Rylee + Cru Snow Relaxed Sweatshirt
You’ll need: 1-2

This soft-as-feathers sweatshirt is as cute as it is adorable. Ideal for cooler days when your baby needs layers of clothing to feel warm, this is perfect to stash in your diaper bag for quick changes. (We also happen to think it’d look great in grown-up sizes…)

Hart + Land Organic Long Sleeve Crew
You’ll need: 3-4

A super-cute neutral in five colors, this warm, soft long sleeve tee is perfect for layering your tot. Pop one over a vest and you’re done!

Hart + Land Organic Solid Crew Tee
You’ll need: 3-4

A fun, lightweight basic you can take anywhere in case of spills, this short sleeve tee can be layered with a jacket on cooler days, or worn solo when it’s warm out.

HART + LAND Solid Pants
You’ll need: at least 2

With room enough for a diaper, these leggings are super-soft, comfortable and available in three colors.

HART + LAND Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
You’ll need: 2-3

A cool onesie for the summer months, these simply designed but beautiful outfits make diaper changes quick and easy.

HART + LAND Newborn Hat
You’ll need: 1-2

Made of soft, hypoallergenic pima cotton, this snug cap will keep your baby warm on cooler days. Essential for days out in the pram!

Bonpoint Merino Wool Set – Pale Lavender
You’ll need: 1-2

Bonpoint Alpaca Wool Set – Jacquard Knit

Not strictly necessary, but lovely to have on those cool-weather special occasions when you’d like your newborn to be a little fancier than normal.

Loulou Lollipop Bibs
You’ll need 2-4

Always have a bib or two on hand for those messy moments. Backed with super absorbent and soft terry cloth, these bibs are gentle on the skin and keep your drooling and teething baby dry from all dribbles and spit ups.