Newborn
When it comes to clothing, the early days are all about comfort. Not onlydo you want soft baby onesies and gowns that won’t irritate baby’s umbilical cord stump, but they should provide easy access for frequent diaper changes. If your little one is arriving inthe winter, add weather appropriate outerwear to the list, too.
Newborns have very sensitive skinso it’s best to make the switch to a fragrance-free baby detergent. You’ll also want an all-naturaloxygen booster for stains and spills.
Newborn Clothing Checklist
2 ComingHome Outfits
5 to 10 Onesies or Bodysuits
3 to 5 Side Snap Undershirts
6 to 8Footed OnesiePajamas
2 to 4Sleeper Gowns
4 to 6 Short and Long Sleeve Shirts
4 to 6 Pants or Leggings
1 to 2Outfitsfor Photos
6 to 8Pairs of Socks
3 to 4 Pairs of Baby Mittens
2 Weather Appropriate Jackets
2 to 3 Soft Hats
What to Consider
Material
Look for breathable, stretchable fabric that’s machine washable.
Style
Kimono-style onesies and shirts are convenient to take on and off.
Function
Side snap undershirts and sleeper gowns make constant changing easier.
Features
Some shirts and onesies have built-in mittens to prevent scratching.
0 to 3 Months
Many babies skip the newborn size and fit straight into 0 to 3 month clothing. As you establish a feeding and sleeping routine, your little one will start to grow quickly. Continue to look for baby clothes that are easy to put on and remove, as well as pieces that have plenty of room for growth. With spit up and blowouts happening frequently, you can never have enough!
0 to 3 Month Clothing Checklist
7 to 10 Onesies or Bodysuits
8 to 10Footed OnesiePajamas
4 to 6 Short and Long Sleeve Shirts
4 to 6 Pants or Leggings
1 to 2 Special Occasion Outfits
6 to 8Pairs of Socks
1 Pair of Booties
2 Weather Appropriate Jackets
2 to 3 Weather Appropriate Hats
What to Consider
Function
Flexible fabric and zippers make dressing baby less of a struggle.
Style
Get a mix of short and long sleeves for different temperatures.
Safety
Avoid clothing with bows, buttons, strings, and other hazards.
3 to 6 Months
Set up a comfortable area where you can feed baby with a glider, breastfeeding pillow, plenty of burp cloths, and bibs.
Don’t forget snacks and a water bottle! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a nursing mother drink about 16 cups of water per day.
3 to 6 Month Clothing Checklist
7 to 10 Onesies or Bodysuits
8 to 10Footed OnesiePajamas
6 to 8Short and Long Sleeve Shirts
6 to 8Pants or Leggings
2 to 4Top and Bottom Sets
2 to 4 Sweatersand Sweatshirts
1 to 2 SpecialOccasionOutfits
6 to 8Pairs ofSocks
1 Pair of Booties
2 Weather Appropriate Jackets
2 to 3 Weather Appropriate Hats
What to Consider
Function
Layers are especially helpful for acclimating to new environments.
Style
Look for sets with colors and patterns you can mix and match.
Material
Find baby socks that grip to their feet and have non-slip padding.
6 to 9 Months
You’ll need fewer onesies as your baby enters their exploration era. Between trips to baby music class and starting solids, they’ll need clothes that can keep up with an active—and messy—lifestyle.
Depending on the climate you’re in, you may also need to invest in cold-weather gear like a warm jacket, mittens, and knitted beanies. A stroller footmuff for baby and hand muffs for you are also essential.
If you’re in a warm, sunny area, get a bottle of sunscreen and upgrade any sunhats they’ve outgrown. Make sure you have a few backups, too—smaller items like socks and hats will inevitably get lost.
6 to 9 Month Clothing Checklist
4 to 6Onesies or Bodysuits
8 to 10Footed OnesiePajamas
6 to 8Short and Long Sleeve Shirts
6 to 8Pants orLeggings
6 to 8Top and Bottom Sets
2 to 4 Sweatersand Sweatshirts
1 to 2SpecialOccasionOutfits
6 to 8Pairs ofSocks
2 Pairs of Booties
2 Weather Appropriate Jackets
2 to 3 Weather Appropriate Hats
What to Consider
Material
Choose durable, washer-friendly fabrics that can hold up to constant laundering.
Function
A broad, wide-brim hat with built-in UPF offers ample sun protection.
Safety
Avoid clothing with excess material, which can snag as baby moves around.
9 to 12 Months
Your baby is now at an age when they’re in constant motion. With all the scooting, crawling, and pulling up, you’ll start to notice more wear and tear on their pants and leggings, so get a few extra pairs.
It’s also a good time to start thinking about shoes. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends walking barefoot as much as possible, but you’ll want some lightweight baby shoes for outdoor adventures.
9 to 12 Month Clothing Checklist
2 to 4Onesies or Bodysuits
8 to 10Footed OnesiePajamas
8 to 10Short and Long Sleeve Shirts
8 to 10Pants or Leggings
6 to 8Top and Bottom Sets
2 to 4 Sweatersand Sweatshirts
1 to 2 SpecialOccasionOutfits
6 to 8Pairs ofSocks
2 Pairs ofFirst Walker Shoes
2 Weather Appropriate Jackets
2 to 3 Weather Appropriate Hats
What to Consider
Features
Adjustable waistbands and cuffs that unroll can extend the fit for longer use.
Function
The best shoes for new walkers have flexible soles, a wide toe box, and velcro straps.
Size
At this age, your little one may be aging out of infant clothing and into toddler sizing.
