Newborn clothes: how many you need and which size to buy

Tiny clothes are hard to resist — and many parents end up with drawers full of outfits their baby wears only once. Newborns grow fast and spend most of their time sleeping, feeding and being cuddled. A small, practical wardrobe is easier to wash, store and use.

Short answer: around 6 sleepsuits, 4–6 bodysuits, 2 cardigans, socks and a hat for outdoors — mostly in size 56, a few in 50 and some in 62.

Which size? A quick guide

European baby sizes are based on your baby’s height in centimetres. Brands differ, so going by length is more reliable than going by age.

Size	Baby length	Roughly
50	up to 50 cm	first days (smaller babies)
56	51–56 cm	0–2 months
62	57–62 cm	2–4 months
68	63–68 cm	4–6 months

In the UK and US you will see “Newborn”, “Up to 1 month” or “0–3 months” instead. Check the height or weight range on the label.

Tip: Leave the labels on a few items until your baby has arrived — then you can exchange sizes that don’t fit.

How many pieces do you really need?

This depends on how often you wash. With a wash every two to three days, this is usually enough:

• 6 sleepsuits or rompers
• 4–6 bodysuits (short- or long-sleeved, depending on the season)
• 2 cardigans or light jackets
• 3–4 pairs of socks
• 1 soft hat for outdoors
• A warm pram suit or snowsuit if your baby is born in winter
• 1–2 baby sleeping bags for sleep

Add a few muslin cloths — milk spills and nappy leaks are part of life with a newborn.

Easy to put on, easy to take off

Newborns don’t love having things pulled over their heads. Look for:

• Wrap-over bodysuits that open at the front
• Zips or poppers along the legs for quick nappy changes
• Stretchy, soft necklines if a top does go over the head
• No cords, long ribbons or loose decorations that could get caught or come off

Fabrics and washing

Soft, breathable natural fabrics such as cotton are gentle on sensitive skin. Look for flat seams and labels that don’t scratch (or cut them off).

Wash new clothes once before use with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. If your baby’s skin seems irritated, talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor.

Dressing for the temperature

Keeping your baby comfortable — not too hot and not too cold — is the main goal. A common rule of thumb is one more layer than you are wearing yourself in the same room, but check your baby rather than following a rule blindly.

• A room temperature of about 16–20 °C is comfortable for sleep, according to The Lullaby Trust.
• Check the chest or the back of the neck. Damp or sweaty skin means your baby is too warm. Cool hands and feet are normal.
• No hats indoors during sleep — babies lose heat through their heads.
• For sleep, use a sleeping bag or a thin blanket, not both, and no duvets or pillows.
• In the car seat, take off thick jackets so the straps sit close to the body; put a blanket over the buckled straps instead.

What you can skip

Jeans, stiff collars, lots of shoes (babies don’t need shoes until they walk outdoors) and outfits for special occasions. If you get clothes as gifts, ask for the next sizes up — 68 and 74 are always useful.

Next step

If you are still preparing, our baby essentials checklist covers everything else you need before the birth, from sleep to the car seat.