New parents are always flustered and concerned about the dos and don’t for babies. One of the concerns is how many clothes does a newborn need? Here is a fair idea of clothes a baby would need.
Remember that babies outgrow clothes very quickly, so it is advisable to have clothes for different age groups on hand. These would be 0-3 months, 3 to 6 months and so on. Labelling them in see-through boxes would make them easier to locate and use once the baby arrives.
Get prepared as much as you can before the baby arrives. Once the baby is born there is absolutely no time for anything. It is surprising how a tiny baby can overtake and overturn your entire routine and life in the blink of an eye.
While we cannot claim that these are the exact numbers to keep, we have shared what we have learnt from experience.
Stick to the basics
A newborn baby’s wardrobe must include a few basic items.
Bodysuits, pyjamas, tops, bibs, hats and swaddles are must-haves. Add a few pairs of socks, especially if it’s winter. Look for outfits that have stretchy material at the collar. It is advised to purchase both the Newborn and 0-3 month sizes as newborns go through growth spurts within 2-3 weeks of their birth.
Bodysuits
Bodysuits or onesies are an essential part of any newborn’s wardrobe. They have adjustable head and shoulder areas, allowing your baby to grow into them. They also have a detachable bottom, so you don’t have to take the entire thing off to change your baby’s diaper. It is good to have them in long as well as short sleeves. About 5 to 7 bodysuits are sufficient for your newborn.
Pyjamas and tops
You must ensure that your baby is comfortable while sleeping so that they do not keep you awake all night. It’s best if you get them pyjamas that keep them warm and make it easy for them to move around. Invest in pyjamas that cover your newborn’s feet. It’s good to have at least 5 of them.
Bibs
Your baby is at the stage where he or she is constantly drooling. It’s advised to invest in a bib. Just make sure it’s loose enough around their neck that they won’t choke when they move. At least have 4 or 5 bibs handy.
Hats
It can get cold for your newborn baby, especially since they are accustomed to the temperature inside the womb. You can get a couple of hats to wear inside the house. You will need another one with a wide brim to protect them from the wind when stepping outside with your newborn. Don’t forget to remove the hat while putting your baby to sleep.
Invest in a good Swaddles
When a baby is swaddled, he or she is tightly wrapped in a manner similar to the warm and cosy environment of the womb. A swaddle blanket will help your baby is transitioning from the womb to the outside world. It is especially useful during the first three months. Invest in good quality swaddles, you will need at least 3 of them.