Skip to content

Checklist for Newborns

What does your baby need?

Waiting for your little one’s arrival? There’s a lot to prepare, and knowing what newborn clothes and essentials you’ll need isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve created a simple checklist to help you get ready for those precious first weeks. Take a deep breath, we’ll guide you through the basics so you can focus on enjoying every moment.

Baby clothing and accessories in white tones with a soft toy bear comforter held by a hand.

Checklist - Need to have vs nice to have:

Need to have

  • Bodysuits

    4-8 bodysuits with short and long sleeves. Wrap-style openings make diaper changes easier.

  • Pants/leggings

    4-8 soft pants or leggings. Choose with foldable cuffs to let the garment grow with the baby.

  • Bibs

    Keep a handful of soft bibs handy at home and in the diaper bag. They’ll save your baby’s clothes (and skin) from getting damp.

  • Pajamas

    3 cozy pajamas/sleepsuits. Look for ones with two-way zippers to make nighttime diaper changes faster and easier. Bonus: footed pajamas keep those tiny toes warm.

  • Hats

    A lightweight hat for indoors or warm weather, plus a thicker one that covers ears for chilly days.

  • Sweaters/Cardigans

    1-2 soft cardigans or sweaters with front openings - perfect for layering on cool days.

  • Socks

    4 pairs of snuggly socks to keep little feet cozy.

  • Blankets

    A cozy blanket to keep the baby warm and a muslin blanket is for warmer days.

Nice to have

Extra cardigans, several muslin blankets, additional bibs, spare outfits for the changing bag.

How many newborn clothes do you really need?

During the first few weeks, most babies only need a small wardrobe. The right number of clothes depends on how often you do laundry, the season your baby is born in, and how quickly they grow. A good starting point is 4-8 bodysuits, 4-8 pairs of leggings or soft trousers, and 3 sleepsuits. Babies often need several outfit changes a day due to milk spills, spit-up and nappy leaks. If you wash frequently, fewer garments may be enough.

Families who prefer washing less often often choose the higher end of the range. Babies born during warmer months usually need lighter layers and fewer knitted pieces. Winter babies often benefit from extra cardigans, hats and warm layers that can easily be removed indoors.

Baby in grey ribbed long-sleeved bodysuit lying on a light blue bedsheet.
Close-up of a grey ribbed baby bodysuit with adjustable press studs at the crotch held by hands.

The magic of easy changes

Wrap-style bodysuits are a gentle and easy way to dress your baby — no need to pull anything over their delicate head. For those middle-of-the-night diaper changes, a onesie with a two-way zipper can make things so much smoother (and maybe help everyone get a little more rest).

Garments that grow with your baby

Babies grow so quickly, but their clothes can keep up! Many of our baby pieces are designed with adjustable features, giving them a longer life. It’s a thoughtful choice for both your budget and the planet.

Baby in beige ribbed two-piece set holding a soft bunny toy while lying on a white muslin blanket.

How to choose the right newborn clothing size

Newborn babies grow quickly during their first weeks. While size 50/56 suits most newborns, smaller babies may feel more comfortable in size 44. Choosing a few garments in different sizes can help you prepare without buying more clothes than you need.

Size Age (Months) Chest Width Waist Seat
44   0 33.5 32.5 32.5
50 50/56 0-1 36.5 36 35.5
56 1-2 39.5 39.5 39.5
62 62/68 2-4 42.5 41.5 43
68 4-6 45.5 44.5 46
74 74/80 6-9 47 46 48
80 9-12 49 48 50
86 86/92 12-18 51 50 52.5
92 18-24 53 52 55