The Complete Beginner's Guide to Baby Clothing

Preparing for a new baby is one of the most exciting times in any parent's life, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to clothing. Walk into any baby store and you'll be confronted with racks upon racks of adorable outfits, each with different names, sizes, and features. What's the difference between a onesie and a bodysuit? How many sleepsuits do you actually need? And why do some clothes have envelope necklines?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about baby clothing, from understanding the basics to building a practical wardrobe that will see your little one through their first year.

Understanding Baby Clothing Terminology

Before you start shopping, it helps to understand what different baby clothing items are actually called. Australian terminology can sometimes differ from American or British terms, which can make online shopping confusing.

The Essential Pieces Explained

Bodysuits (also called onesies): These are the workhorses of any baby wardrobe. A bodysuit is a one-piece garment that covers your baby's torso and fastens at the crotch with snaps (also called poppers or press studs). They can have short sleeves, long sleeves, or no sleeves at all. The snap closure keeps the bodysuit from riding up and makes nappy changes easier.

Rompers: Think of these as bodysuits with legs. A romper covers your baby's torso and has short or long legs, usually with snap closures at the crotch and sometimes down the legs. They're perfect as a complete outfit in warmer weather.

Sleepsuits (also called coveralls or growsuits): These are one-piece garments that cover your baby from neck to toe, with long sleeves and often with built-in feet. They're the go-to choice for sleeping but many parents also use them as everyday wear, especially for younger babies.

Choosing the Right Fabrics

Baby skin is delicate and sensitive, so the fabric of their clothing matters more than you might think. Here's what to look for:

Cotton: The most popular choice for baby clothing, and for good reason. Cotton is breathable, soft, and easy to wash. Look for 100% cotton for items that will sit directly against your baby's skin. Organic cotton takes this a step further by being grown without pesticides, which some parents prefer for newborns.

Bamboo: Increasingly popular in Australia, bamboo fabric is incredibly soft and has natural temperature-regulating properties. It's also naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for babies with sensitive skin.

Merino wool: Don't dismiss wool for babies—fine merino wool is soft, breathable, and excellent at regulating temperature. It keeps babies warm in winter and cool in summer. Many Australian brands offer beautiful merino options.

Polyester blends: While not ideal for direct skin contact, polyester blends can be useful for outer layers as they're durable and quick-drying. Just ensure any base layer is still made from natural fibres.

Decoding Baby Sizes

Baby clothing sizes in Australia are typically based on age (0000, 000, 00, 0, 1) or height in centimetres. Here's a general guide:

• 0000 (Newborn): Fits babies up to 3kg or around 50cm
• 000 (0-3 months): Fits babies 3-6kg or 50-62cm
• 00 (3-6 months): Fits babies 6-8kg or 62-68cm
• 0 (6-12 months): Fits babies 8-10kg or 68-76cm
• 1 (12-18 months): Fits babies 10-12kg or 76-84cm

However, these are just guidelines. Babies grow at vastly different rates, and some brands run larger or smaller than others. A good rule of thumb is to buy based on your baby's current weight and length rather than their age.

Building a Practical Baby Wardrobe

When it comes to baby clothes, quality matters more than quantity. Here's a practical breakdown of what you actually need for a newborn:

The Essentials (0-3 Months)

• 6-8 bodysuits: A mix of short and long sleeve depending on the season
• 6-8 sleepsuits: These will be your baby's primary outfit day and night
• 2-3 cardigans or jackets: For layering when going out or when the temperature changes
• 3-4 pairs of pants or leggings: To pair with bodysuits
• 2-3 hats: Sun hats for summer, beanies for winter
• 3-4 pairs of socks or booties: Though these have a habit of disappearing!

This might seem like a small wardrobe, but remember—babies need changing frequently. Having fewer, better-quality items that you wash regularly is more practical than a wardrobe full of clothes that don't get worn before being outgrown.

Features That Make Life Easier

After dressing hundreds of babies (and our own children), we've learned that small design features can make a big difference in day-to-day practicality:

Envelope necklines: These wide, overlapping necklines on bodysuits allow you to pull the garment down over your baby's body rather than over their head—essential when dealing with a nappy explosion that you don't want anywhere near your baby's face.

Snap closures: Generally easier than buttons, especially when you're sleep-deprived. Colour-coded snaps at the crotch help you line them up correctly in the dark.

Built-in scratch mitts: Many newborn sleepsuits have fold-over cuffs that cover tiny hands and prevent scratching. These are brilliant for the first few weeks when you can't (and shouldn't) cut those tiny fingernails.

Two-way zippers: As mentioned earlier, these allow nappy access without fully undressing your baby—a feature you'll appreciate at 3 AM.

Final Tips for New Parents

Dressing a baby should be practical, not stressful. Here are our top pieces of advice:

• Wash all new clothes before your baby wears them to remove any chemical residues from manufacturing
• Accept hand-me-downs graciously—babies grow so fast that most second-hand clothes are barely worn
• Don't remove tags from clothes until you're sure they fit—sizing varies wildly between brands
• Keep a spare outfit in your nappy bag at all times (trust us on this one)
• Simple is best—that intricate outfit with 47 buttons will be worn exactly once

Remember, your baby doesn't care about designer labels or matching accessories. They care about being comfortable, warm (but not too warm), and close to you. Focus on practical, comfortable clothing that makes your life easier, and don't stress about the rest.