From Onesies to Rompers: A Guide to Stocking Your Baby’s Wardrobe Without Overbuying

Now that you’ve got your pregnancy and postpartum wardrobe sorted, you’re probably focused on the fun and exciting task of building your baby’s wardrobe. Seriously, why do they make outfits for newborn babies so cute?! 

As you prepare to welcome your little one into the world, one thing you’re sure to do is start shopping for adorable baby outfits. But before you pull out your credit card, let's talk about smart ways to stock your baby's wardrobe without overbuying these super cute baby essentials.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about building a practical and adorable baby wardrobe. From understanding those confusing baby sizes to knowing how many items you actually need, we've got you covered! So let's dive into the wonderful world of sweet and super cute baby clothes!

• Preemie: For babies weighing under 5 pounds
• Newborn (NB): Generally fits babies 5-8 pounds
• 0-3 months: For babies 8-12 pounds
• 3-6 months: Fits babies 12-16 pounds
• 6-9 months: For babies 16-20 pounds
• 9-12 months: Fits babies 20-24 pounds
• 12-18 months: Fits babies 24-38 pounds

Just like adults, babies come in all shapes and sizes! Several factors can influence what size your little one will wear:

Birth Weight: If you're expecting a larger baby (over 8 pounds), you might want to skip newborn sizes altogether.

Length: Some babies are long and lean, while others are short and chunky. This can affect how clothes fit.

Growth Rate: Some babies grow quickly and might only be in a size for a few weeks, while others might wear the same size for months.

Brand Variations: Just like adult clothing, baby sizes can vary between brands. Don't be surprised if your little one wears different sizes in different brands.

While you can't predict exactly what size your baby will be, here are some tips to help you make educated guesses:

1. Consider Family History: Were you or your partner big babies? There's a chance your little one might follow suit!
2. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: They can give you an estimate of your baby's size based on ultrasounds and measurements.
3. Prepare a Range: Instead of buying everything in newborn size, get a mix of newborn and 0-3 months for those early days.
4. Don't Remove Tags Right Away: Keep tags on clothes until you're sure they fit, so you can exchange sizes if needed.

And don’t forget to pack an outfit for your newborn baby’s ride home from the hospital!

Remember, mama, even if you don't get the sizing exactly right, it's not the end of the world. Babies grow quickly, and they'll be fitting into those slightly-too-big clothes before you know it!

Now that we've got a handle on sizes, let's talk about the must-have items for your little one's wardrobe. While it's tempting to buy every outfit you see (we can’t blame you when there are so many adorable options to choose from!), focusing on these essentials will keep you prepared without overbuying.

We love a simple onesie! These one-piece baby fashion must-haves are perfect for layering or wearing on their own. They're easy to put on and take off, which is a lifesaver during those middle-of-the-night dirty diaper changes.

Look for onesies with envelope-style necks. These allow you to pull the onesie down over your baby's body in case of a diaper blowout, saving you from pulling a messy onesie over your little one's head!

When it comes to nighttime and naps, sleepers and footies keep your baby warm and comfortable. Since loose blankets aren’t safe for sleeping babies, these cozy all-in-one outfits have been a go-to for mamas for decades.

As a bonus, many sleepers come with built-in mittens. Babies don’t have strong motor skills, so covering your baby’s hands prevents your little one from inadvertently scratching during sleep.

While onesies are great, they might not be perfect for every occasion. Plus, sometimes you need a little extra coverage and warmth. Pants and leggings are versatile bottoms you can mix and match with tops and onesies for countless outfit options.

Look for soft, stretchy fabrics that won't restrict your baby's movement. And don't forget to consider diaper access! Make sure you have a few snap-crotch styles in your baby’s closet—they’re an adorable mix of cute and functional!

Tiny toes and fingers need protection too! Socks keep your baby’s little feet warm, while mittens keep their hands happy and prevent accidental face scratches.

Remember: If you're having a summer baby, you might not need as many newborn-sized socks. Those sweet little bare feet might be all you need in warmer weather! And by the time winter rolls around, your baby’s feet will be quite a bit bigger than they were when you first welcomed them into the world.

Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads, so hats are crucial for temperature regulation. Plus, is there anything better than a baby in a tiny beanie?

For newborns, soft, close-fitting caps are best. As your baby grows, you can branch out into more stylish options. Just make sure any hat you choose is comfortable and doesn't have any parts that could feel scratchy or pose a choking hazard.

When it comes to dressing your little one, their birth season plays a big role. Either way, remember that your baby has sensitive skin, and you’ll want to look for soft fabrics that make your baby feel safe and cozy. Let's break down what you need to know for each season to keep your baby comfortable year-round.

If you're expecting a summer baby, there are some truly adorable sundresses, onesies, and tiny shorts in your future. Here's what to keep in mind:

Lightweight Fabrics: Look for breathable materials like cotton to prevent overheating.

Sun Protection: Invest in a few wide-brimmed sun hats and light, breathable, long-sleeved onesies for outdoor time. Remember, you don’t want your baby’s delicate skin to burn in the sun!

Skip the Socks: In warm weather, those cute little toes can go bare!

Layering is Key: Even (especially!) in summer, air conditioning can be chilly. What works for your baby outside might not be enough once you transition indoors. It’s a good idea to have a light sweater or jacket on hand for indoor spaces.

Closing out your pregnancy in the summer or beginning of fall? Check out our blog on surviving a summer pregnancy to prep yourself and your baby for those hotter months. 

Welcoming a winter baby? You'll need to master the art of keeping your little one cute and warm without overheating. Here's how:

Think Layers: Start with a onesie, add pants and a long-sleeved shirt, then bundle baby up with a sweater or jacket.

Cozy Sleepwear: Fleece sleepers can be perfect for cold nights.

Outerwear Baby Essentials: Invest in a warm, weatherproof bunting or snowsuit for outdoor adventures.

Don't Forget Extremities: Warm socks, mittens, and a snug hat are must-haves for winter babies.

Now for the million-dollar question: Exactly how many of each clothing item do you need? While every baby (and parent) is different, here's a general guide to help you stock up without going overboard.

Remember, babies grow fast! Here's a suggested breakdown for how many items to buy in each size range:

Newborn Clothes (0-2 months):

• 6-8 onesies or bodysuits
• 6-8 sleepers or footie pajamas
• 2-3 hats
• 4-5 pairs of socks

Baby Clothes for 0-3 Months:

• 8-10 onesies or bodysuits
• 6-8 sleepers or footie pajamas
• 2-4 pairs of pants
• 2-3 hats
• 5-7 pairs of socks

Baby Clothes for 3-6 Months:

• 6-8 onesies or bodysuits
• 4-6 sleepers or footie pajamas
• 4-6 pairs of pants
• 1-2 hats
• 5-7 pairs of socks

And for each stage, be sure to get a special occasion outfit. Why? Because sometimes you just need to dress up that bundle of joy! Speaking of…

While everyday wear is important, sometimes you need a special outfit. Your baby doesn't need a wardrobe full of fancy outfits, but a few special pieces can be nice. Invest in one or two "nice" outfits per size range, and look for versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. Don't forget comfort—even formal wear should be soft and non-restrictive for baby.

When you're on the go, preparation is key. Pack more outfits than you think you'll need because, let's face it, diaper blowouts wait for no one! Bring layers for unpredictable temperatures, and don't forget a wet bag like Motif’s Wet-Dry bag. (Hint for support partners: These make for a perfect gift idea!) It’s great for waterproof storage of dirty clothes, used breast pump parts, and more! You can also hold dry items like fresh clothes and diapers in the front mesh pocket. 

Always consider easy-to-change outfits (even if they’re fancy!) for on-the-go diaper changes. This way, you'll be ready for anything, from a quick trip to the grocery store to a day out with the grandparents.

Remember, mama, the goal is to keep you stress-free and your baby comfortable. With a little planning and these smart shopping tips, you'll be ready for everything from daily life to special occasions—without overcrowding your nursery or emptying your wallet.

When deciding on quantities, keep your lifestyle in mind! For example, do you live in a warm or cool climate? Would you describe yourself as “outdoorsy” because you prefer to spend time outside?

And if you plan to do laundry every day, you can probably get away with fewer baby clothes. On the other hand, some babies spit up more frequently than others, requiring more outfit changes. 

Of course, that brings us back to the dreaded diaper blowouts—they happen! And when they do, you’ll want to change your baby right away to avoid diaper rash (and the general unhappiness of your baby and everyone around you). So, having extra outfits on hand can be a lifesaver.

Alright, mama, now that we know what we need, let's talk about how to shop smart. After all, saving money on clothes means more to spend on other baby essentials—or maybe a well-deserved spa day or splurging on one of your favorite pregnant celeb’s must-haves!

When it comes to buying sizes, remember how quickly babies grow. Don't go overboard on newborn sizes, no matter how tempting those cute outfits are! And keep in mind that some babies skip this size entirely. Instead, buy a few items in the next size up. Your little one might grow faster than you expect. Also, consider seasonality when buying larger sizes. That adorable winter coat might not fit when winter actually rolls around.

And here’s a lifehack many first-time moms aren’t aware of: There's no shame in the secondhand game! It's eco-friendly and budget-friendly. The thing is, babies outgrow clothes so quickly that many secondhand items are barely used. So, check out local consignment shops, online marketplaces, and even social network shopping like Facebook Marketplace. You could also connect with other mamas to organize clothing swaps! (And don’t forget to ask friends with older children for hand-me-downs.)

Your baby shower is also a perfect opportunity to stock up. Remember: Your baby registry isn’t just for newborn essentials like baby toys, diaper bags, disposable diapers (or cloth diapers, if you prefer), bottles, and other baby products! Baby clothes make perfect baby shower gifts! Add clothing items in different sizes to your baby registry, including basics like onesies and sleepers in larger sizes. Don't forget to register for seasonal items for later in the year, and be sure to request a few items to help support your breastfeeding and postpartum journey! Add breast pumps and accessories, pregnancy support and postpartum recovery pieces, compression socks, nursing bras and hands-free pumping bras, a pelvic floor trainer, nursing pillows, and other breastfeeding essential items to your wishlist.

Lastly, look for adaptable clothing that can save you money in the long run. Keep an eye out for sleepers with fold-over mittens and footies, pants with adjustable waistbands, and jackets with removable layers for year-round use. These versatile pieces will grow with your baby and stretch your money a little farther.