How many outfits and onesies does a newborn need?

mjledwith · April 2012

I am a FTM with no good friends with children. Needless to say DH and I are a little overwhelmed. How many clothes, onesies, etc do you really need for a newborn? Our neighbors had a baby two years ago and I remember seeing their nursery and closet and it was jammed packed with clothes! Feeling like a bad mom that we haven't bought a lot of clothes,

Also, we live in NC and it is soooo hot in the summer with LO being born in June will he wear/need that much? Thanks ladies!

topaz7777 · April 2012

I haven't bought any clothes yet either, don't feel too bad.

FutureNichols · April 2012

I know about NC summers. DH's is from Merry Hill and we took DS down there to visit the grandparents. HOT is an understatement. My doc said rule of thumb is, if you're hot, most likely they are too. No need for layers in NC summer. However with accidents etc, I'd say buy those packs of onesies. You may see a cute one or too, but for that first month I doubt you'll be going out much. Get like 4 of those 3 packs (Gerber or Carters makes them). We rarely changed DS out his onesie unless a spit up or poopy accident. Get enough for two weeks worth as it is doubtful you will want to do laundry. I'm sure you'll have more in gifts etc.

FemShep · April 2012

Do you have AC? If so, dress baby in "normal" summer outfits (a one piece sleeper, onesie and pants or dress for the day), and if not, plan on baby just wearing a onesie most of the time.

Also plan on 3-5 changes of clothes per day (sleeping outfit, day outfit, and changes because of poop or spit up). Now think about how often you want to do laundry. There's your shopping list!

lpope9608 · April 2012

I have about 4 or 5 newborn outfits and maybe 15 outfits in 0-3 months, plus maybe 5-10 extra simply onesies in 0-3 months.

DD was born 8lbs 11oz and only fit in newborn size for about 2 weeks...I was able to fit her in the 0-3 months right away as well, so I didn't want to buy too many newborn clothes.

The hard part is knowing how big your baby will be or how fast they will grow. Also, DD didn't spit up a whole lot, so if this one turns out to be a puker, I figure I can always go out and buy more outfits because I'd obviously be changing him more often.

You might also want to figure in how often you do your laundry. I only really do mine once a week, but if you do yours more often, then you might not need as many outfits.

Sawyerplus1 · April 2012

Don't worry about it! You're certainly not a bad mom for not buying too many clothes. You'll probably receive clothing gifts once LO arrives, plus you can always send DH out to buy some if you find yourself lacking. I kind of feel though that I'd rather have less and get by, then too many and end up not using some.

lpope9608 · April 2012

Sawyerplus1:
I kind of feel though that I'd rather have less and get by, then too many and end up not using some.

This is true, too. You can always go out and buy more if you need them, but once you wash them, you can't return them if you don't end up using them.

ldbryan · April 2012

We live in TX, so I hear ya about keeping baby cool. Our DD was born last March, and it was already hot by then. She wore NB size for about 3 weeks. We got a TON of clothes as gifts, many that still have the tags on them. She didn't spit up much, and we went through probably 3 outfits/onesies per day. You'll be washing clothes fairly frequently bc spit up stinks! I'd say less is more. HTH!

cchill01 · April 2012

Sawyerplus1:
Don't worry about it! You're certainly not a bad mom for not buying too many clothes. You'll probably receive clothing gifts once LO arrives, plus you can always send DH out to buy some if you find yourself lacking. I kind of feel though that I'd rather have less and get by, then too many and end up not using some.

Maybe I'm a bad Mom, but I didn't change DD's outfits even close to 4-5 times per day. I'd say she averaged 3 outfits. If her outfit was still clean at bedtime, she just slept in that. I think if you have 10-15 comfy onsies/sleepers, then you should be good. I didn't like getting her all dolled up anyway. I think tiny babies look ridiculous when they're swimming in adult style clothing.

Also, I'm not buying anything until I know if this is a girl or boy. I figure we'll get lots of gifts.

alisonann15 · April 2012

I have 6-7 sleep n plays in the newborn size and 6-7 onesies and a few pairs of pants. Plus I have 3-4 dresses/outfits that I got at my shower. I figure that I won't take her out much and with our air conditioner kicking she will wear the sleep n plays most of the time.

geauxfrogs · April 2012

I didn't change DD's onesies very much during the day. We did go through a bunch of bibs though. I found it easier to change bibs multiple times a day b/c of spit up than an outfit.

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