Preparing for a baby's arrival is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when it comes to clothing. Retailers will have you believe you need an extensive wardrobe before baby arrives, but the reality is far simpler. Newborns need far fewer clothes than marketing suggests, and buying too much before birth often means money wasted on items that never get worn.

This practical checklist covers exactly what clothing you actually need for a newborn, with realistic quantities based on how often you'll do laundry and how quickly babies grow. We've also included budget tips and guidance on what you can safely skip.

The Reality of Newborn Wardrobes

Before we get to the checklist, some important context:

Babies grow fast. Many babies outgrow newborn size (0000) within days or skip it entirely. Size 000 (0-3 months) often only lasts 6-8 weeks. The adorable newborn outfit you buy might be worn once—or never.

You'll do a lot of laundry. Between spit-ups, nappy leaks, and milk dribbles, you'll likely wash baby clothes every 1-2 days anyway. You don't need dozens of outfits.

People give baby clothes as gifts. You'll likely receive clothes at baby showers and after the birth. Buy less initially and fill gaps later.

Season matters. A summer baby needs different clothes than a winter baby. Think about what season your baby will actually be a newborn.

🔑 Key Takeaway

Start with the minimum and add as needed. It's easy to buy more later but impossible to return worn clothes that no longer fit.

The Essential Newborn Clothing Checklist

This list assumes you'll wash every 2-3 days. Adjust quantities if you plan to wash more or less frequently.

Bodysuits (Onesies)

  • Quantity: 6-8 total across sizes 0000 and 000
  • Split: 2-3 in size 0000, 4-5 in size 000
  • Type: Mix of short and long sleeve depending on season
  • Features to look for: Envelope necklines, snap crotch, soft fabric

Bodysuits are the most versatile newborn item. They work as a base layer, as a standalone outfit in summer, and under sleepsuits in winter. You'll use these every single day.

Sleepsuits (Growsuits/Coveralls)

  • Quantity: 6-8 total
  • Split: 2 in size 0000, 4-6 in size 000
  • Features to look for: Zip closures (easier than snaps), built-in feet, fold-over scratch mitts on newborn sizes

Sleepsuits are your day-and-night workhorse for the first few months. Many parents use them 24/7 in the early weeks because they're practical and comfortable.

💡 Pro Tip

Look for sleepsuits with two-way zippers that open from the bottom. They allow nappy changes without fully undressing baby—a lifesaver at 3 AM.

Sleep Sack or Swaddle

  • Quantity: 2-3 (allows for washing and having a spare)
  • Type: Swaddle wraps for newborns, transitional swaddles for 2-4 months, sleep sacks from 4+ months or when baby starts rolling
  • TOG rating: Choose based on season (see our Safe Sleep Guide)

Safe sleep guidelines recommend sleep sacks instead of blankets. This is a true essential, not an optional extra.

Cardigans or Jackets

  • Quantity: 2-3
  • Type: Lightweight for summer baby, warmer knit or fleece for winter baby
  • Features: Front opening (easier than pullovers), easy closures

Even in summer, babies may need an extra layer in air-conditioned spaces. Winter babies need warm outer layers for trips outside.

Hats

  • Quantity: 2-3
  • Summer: Wide-brim sun hat with chin strap
  • Winter: Soft knit beanie
  • Hospital: The hospital usually provides initial hats, so don't stress about having one ready for birth
⚠️ Important

Never put a hat on a sleeping baby as it can cause overheating. Hats are for outdoor use only.

Socks or Booties

  • Quantity: 4-6 pairs
  • Features: Soft, stretchy cuffs that stay on, no loose threads
  • Alternative: Sleepsuits with built-in feet reduce the need for socks

Baby socks are notorious for disappearing. Buy more than you think you need, accept that you'll lose some, and consider tights for girls as they stay on better.

Mittens (Scratch Mitts)

  • Quantity: 2-3 pairs for newborns
  • Purpose: Prevents newborns from scratching their face with sharp nails
  • Alternative: Sleepsuits with fold-over cuffs

You'll only need these for the first few weeks until you're comfortable trimming baby's nails. Many parents skip them entirely if their sleepsuits have built-in mitt options.

Season-Specific Additions

Summer Baby Additions

  • 2-3 short-sleeve rompers (single layer outfits)
  • 1 UPF rashie for beach or pool
  • Wide-brim sun hat with UPF rating
  • Lightweight muslin wrap for pram shade

Winter Baby Additions

  • 1-2 warm outer layers (puffer jacket, bunting suit, or warm coat)
  • 2-3 warm beanies
  • 2 pairs of mittens (for outdoors, not sleep)
  • Warm booties that stay on
  • Pram footmuff or blanket for outdoor walks

What You Can Skip (For Now)

These items are often bought before baby arrives but rarely needed in the newborn stage:

Jeans and Structured Pants

Uncomfortable for babies who spend most of their time lying down. Soft leggings or pants are much more practical.

Shoes

Newborns don't need shoes. Even soft booties are more about keeping feet warm than anything else. Real shoes aren't needed until baby is walking.

Elaborate Outfits with Many Pieces

That adorable outfit with the collared shirt, vest, pants, and bow tie? You'll dress baby in it once, take photos, then put them back in a sleepsuit. It's not worth the hassle for daily wear.

Too Many "Newborn" Size Items

Average-sized babies often skip size 0000 entirely or wear it for just days. Don't overbuy in this size.

Themed or Character Clothing

Save these for when baby is older and might appreciate (or you might enjoy) specific characters or themes. Newborns just need comfortable basics.

📋 The Minimum Viable Wardrobe

If budget is tight or you prefer to start very minimal, here's the absolute minimum:

  • 5 bodysuits (size 000)
  • 5 sleepsuits (size 000)
  • 2 sleep sacks or swaddles
  • 2 cardigans
  • 3 pairs socks
  • 1-2 hats (season appropriate)

This is enough to dress a baby while doing laundry every other day.

Budget Tips

Accept Hand-Me-Downs

Babies outgrow clothes so fast that second-hand items are often barely worn. Accept every offer of hand-me-downs—you can always pass on what you don't need.

Buy Multi-Packs

Basic bodysuits and sleepsuits are cheaper in multi-packs than bought individually. Focus on basics in packs, special items individually.

Shop Sales Ahead

If you're pregnant, watch for end-of-season sales. A winter baby due in July might benefit from summer clothes bought on sale in February for when they're 6 months old.

Wait for Gifts

Register for baby clothes if having a shower, or simply wait. People love buying baby clothes, and you'll likely receive plenty.

Buy Quality Basics

A few well-made items that last through multiple washes and potentially multiple babies are better value than many cheap items that fall apart.

Before Baby Arrives: Final Checklist

Use this summary checklist for your baby preparation:

  • ☐ 6-8 bodysuits (mostly size 000, a few 0000)
  • ☐ 6-8 sleepsuits (mostly size 000, a few 0000)
  • ☐ 2-3 sleep sacks or swaddles
  • ☐ 2-3 cardigans or light jackets
  • ☐ 2-3 hats (appropriate for season)
  • ☐ 4-6 pairs of socks or booties
  • ☐ 2-3 pairs scratch mitts (or sleepsuits with fold-over cuffs)
  • ☐ Season-specific additions as needed

Wash everything before baby arrives in a fragrance-free detergent, organise by size, and you're ready. Remember—if you realise you need something else, you can order online or send someone to the shops. Don't stress about having every possible item before baby arrives.

👩

Sarah Mitchell

Founder & Lead Editor

Sarah is a Sydney-based mum of two who made all the common first-time parent mistakes with her first baby's wardrobe (too many newborn sizes, too many fancy outfits). She's on a mission to help other parents shop smarter.