ParentlistBaby Clothing Essentials
The few clothes babies actually live in, plus weather gear
Clothing covers what your baby wears day to day and the gear for weather. The newborn wardrobe is simpler than it looks: bodysuits and footed sleepers do most of the work, plus a hat and scratch mittens for the first weeks and a going-home outfit if you want one. Babies grow quickly, so it's common to keep only a few newborn-size pieces and more in the next size up.
Gift clothing tends to arrive in small sizes, so wait a little before buying a lot. Once babies crawl and cruise, non-slip socks and soft home shoes help on smooth floors. A sun hat is useful at every age, and your climate decides the rest: a snowsuit or bunting for cold winters, and a rain and puddle suit for wet seasons and the toddler who wants to jump in everything.
By age
- Newborn essentials
- 3 Month Old essentials
- 6 Month Old essentials
- 9 Month Old essentials
- 1 Year Old essentials
- 18 Month Old essentials
- 2 Year Old essentials
- 3-5 Year Old essentials
All clothing items
Bodysuits (Onesies)
Snap-crotch bodysuits for layering and quick outfit changes.
Footed Sleepers
Zip-up sleepers that keep babies cozy overnight.
Sun Hat
Wide-brim hat with a chin strap.
Non-Slip Socks
Grippy socks for crawlers and cruisers on hard floors.
Going-Home Outfit
Easy first outfit for leaving the hospital.
Newborn Hats
Soft cotton beanies for the first days.
Scratch Mittens
Soft mitts that stop newborns scratching their faces.
Snowsuit or Bunting
Warm outer layer for cold-weather walks.
Soft Home Shoes
Flexible, soft-soled house shoes that let feet move naturally.
Rain & Puddle Suit
Waterproof one-piece for rainy walks and muddy play.
Momblet
Something calm for kids and parents, from the people behind Parentlist. Join the waitlist and we'll tell you when it's ready.
Questions parents ask
- How many bodysuits does a newborn need?
- It depends on how often you do laundry. Many families keep enough for a few changes a day plus spares for blowouts. Since babies grow fast, a mix of newborn and 0-3 month sizes works well.
- Do babies need shoes before walking?
- Not really. Babies learning to stand and walk often do well barefoot or in non-slip socks indoors. Soft-soled home shoes help on cold or slippery floors, and sturdier shoes come in once your child walks outside.
- How should I dress my baby for sleep?
- A sleeper or a sleep sack instead of loose blankets is the usual approach, with layers matched to the room temperature. Hats usually come off for sleep. Ask your pediatrician if you're unsure how warm to dress your baby.
- Do I need a snowsuit for my baby?
- Only if you have cold winters and plan to be outside. A bunting or snowsuit keeps a baby warm on walks. In the car, bulky snowsuits shouldn't go under car seat straps, so buckle your baby in normal clothes and add a blanket over the harness.