CONTENTS
Quick Answer: The Real Number
Preparing for a newborn is overwhelming. Everyone tells you something different, and before you know it, you’ve got 30 tiny outfits from the baby shower sitting in drawers that your baby outgrows in two weeks and not much of anything else. The truth? Most parents manage perfectly with 7 to 10 newborn onesies. That’s enough to get you through the spit-ups, leaks, and outfit changes that happen every single day without burying you in laundry.
Of course, there’s nuance. Babies are unpredictable. Some barely spit up, some go through four outfits before lunch. Some live in newborn size for a month, others skip it altogether and jump straight into 0–3 months. But the idea that you need mountains of clothing is more about marketing than reality.
If you’re building out your full layette, here’s a straightforward list of newborn clothing essentials.
What Actually Changes the Number
Laundry Habits (a.k.a. how often you want to see your washer)
If you run laundry daily, you’ll be fine with the lower end of the range. Seven onesies can keep you going, because you’re constantly cycling clean clothes back into the drawer. If you wash every 2–3 days, you’ll want closer to 10–12 to avoid that panicked “everything is dirty” moment at midnight. And if you somehow manage laundry once a week with a newborn, you’ll need an even bigger stash.
Season and Climate (sweaty summers vs. layered winters)
A summer baby might live in short-sleeved bodysuits, maybe with a swaddle over the top. A winter baby will need layering pieces, meaning you’ll rotate through more long-sleeved bodysuits. Parents in colder climates often keep extras on hand because layers = more laundry.
Baby Size and Growth Speed (spoiler: they grow fast)
This is where many parents get tripped up. Some babies never fit newborn size at all. Others wear it for two weeks and then blow right past it. That’s why it’s smart not to overstock newborn sizes. Buy a small starter set, but put most of your budget into 0–3 months, where babies spend much more time.
Spit-Ups and Leaks (the daily reality check)
The average newborn goes through two to four outfit changes per day. That’s not because you’re playing dress-up. It’s because babies are basically professional laundry generators. Diaper blowouts, milk dribbles, reflux, all of it means you’ll reach for another onesie, sometimes multiple times in a morning.
Lifestyle Factors (because life with a baby isn’t one-size-fits-all)
Do you have daycare lined up? You’ll need backup sets to send in the bag. Do you have twins or multiples? Double everything, obviously. Are grandparents or babysitters helping often? You may want duplicates so everyone always has clean backups. Your lifestyle matters as much as your laundry schedule.
The Breakdown
For Newborn Size (0–1 Month)
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7–10 onesies
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2–3 sleepers for nights
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1–2 “special occasion” outfits (translation: something cute for photos or grandparents)
For 0–3 Months
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10–12 onesies
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4–6 sleepers
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Extra layering pieces if it’s winter
Our organic cotton baby sleepers are designed to hold up to real life — multiple washes a week, gentle on skin, no scratchy seams.
Quick Reference Checklist
Newborn onesies: 7–10 (depends on laundry)
0–3 month onesies: 10–12 (babies grow fast)
Sleepers: 4–6 (for nighttime comfort)
Hats and socks: 2–3 each (more if you’re in a cold climate)
If you’re planning nighttime routines, here’s a practical guide on how to dress a baby for sleep.
Picking Onesies That Don’t Make You Regret Life
Fabric That Doesn’t Fight Their Skin
Skip polyester and harsh dyes. Newborn skin is delicate, and for babies with eczema or sensitivities, it can be the difference between a calm baby and constant rashes. Organic cotton is breathable, gentle, and safe. Our baby essentials are made from GOTS-certified cotton, meaning every step of production is audited for safety.
Comfort Over Cute Slogans
Babies don’t care what their clothes say. What matters is how it feels on their skin. Flat seams, no scratchy tags, and easy snaps make diaper changes bearable at 3 a.m.
Skin-Friendly Choices That Actually Matter
If your baby has eczema or sensory sensitivities, comfort isn’t optional. Hypoallergenic fabrics and thoughtful construction make a real difference. See our hypoallergenic baby clothes.
Built to Last More Than a Month
Newborn clothes will be washed constantly. Look for onesies that stay soft, don’t shrink three sizes in the wash, and actually last until your baby outgrows them. It’s a better value and better for the planet. Curious about the transition later? Here’s when babies stop wearing onesies.
Do You Really Need Newborn Size?
Here’s the truth most people don’t tell you: some babies skip newborn size completely. If your baby is bigger or grows quickly, you might never use those tiny onesies. Others will wear them for only a few weeks. That’s why the smart play is to buy a small number of newborn pieces and put most of your investment into 0–3 months. You’ll get much more use out of them.
Our Favorite Bodysuits for a Baby’s First Wardrobe
We designed our bodysuits because we were fed up with what was on the shelves. Flat seams that don’t rub. Covered snaps that don’t dig. Organic cotton that doesn’t set off sensitive skin. And tested by real kids — because the only comfort that matters is theirs.
