The Ultimate Guide to Buying Baby Clothes

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Baby Clothes: Sizes, Quantities, and Shopping Tips

Bringing a newborn baby into the world is an exciting and joyous experience. As parents you want to make sure your little one is comfortable, cozy, and well dressed from the very beginning. One of the first things you’ll need to tackle is buying baby clothes. But with so many options and sizes available, it can be overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the process by providing you with valuable information on baby clothing sizes, how many pieces to buy in each size, and some general shopping tips

Understanding Baby Clothing Sizes

Baby clothing sizes are not always as straightforward as you might think. Unlike adult clothing, which is typically labeled numerical sizes (e.g. 10, 12, 14), baby clothes are usually marked with age or weight ranges. Here’s a breakdown of the most common baby clothing sizes:

1. Newborn (NB): Newborn size is often designed for babies who weigh up to 7 pounds and are 17-21 inches long (43-53 cm). This size is meant for babies born under the 50th percentile for birth weight. This size is perfect for the first few weeks of your baby’s life when they are tiny and delicate.
2. 0-3 Months: This size typically fits babies from birth to about 3 months old. It is suitable for babies that weigh between 7-12 pounds and measure around 21-24 inches (53-60 cm) in length. 
3. 3-6 Months: These clothes are designed for babies aged 3-6 months, weighing between 12-16 pounds and measuring around 24-27 inches (60-68 cm) in length.
4. 6-9 Months: Suitable for babies aged 6-9 months, weighing between 16-20 pounds, and measuring around 27-29 inches (68-74 cm) in length.
5. 9-12 Months: Designed for babies aged 9-12 months, weighing between 20-24 pounds, and measuring 29-31 inches (74-78 cm) in length.
6. 12-18 Months: Designed for babies aged 12-18 months, weighing between 24-28 pounds, and measuring around 31-33 inches (78-84 cm) in length.

It's important to remember that every baby grows at their own pace, so these ranges are approximate. Some babies may outgrow a size before reaching the upper limit for that size range, while others might stay in that size for a longer period.

How many pieces of each size to buy

Now that you understand the different baby clothing sizes, you may wonder how many pieces of each size to buy for your newborn. Here's a general guideline to help you:

Newborn size:

• Rompers: 5-7 pieces
• Onesies: 5-7 pieces
• Hats: 2-3 pieces
• Socks: 4-6 pairs
• Swaddle blankets: 2-3 pieces
• Bibs: 3-4 pieces

Newborns tend to go through a lot of clothes due to frequent diaper changes and spit-up incidents. Having enough in this size will ensure you're not constantly doing laundry during those first few weeks. But don't go overboard! Newborns grow fast and will likely outgrow this size in as little as one month.

0-3 Months:

• Rompers: 5-7 pieces
• Onesies: 7-10 pieces
• Pants: 5-7 pieces
• Hats: 2-3 pieces
• Socks: 3-4 pairs
• Swaddle blankets: 2-3 pieces
• Bath towels: 2-3 pieces
• Bibs: 5-8 pieces

3-6 Months:

• Rompers: 5-7 pieces
• Onesies: 7-10 pieces
• Pants: 5-7 pieces
• Hats: 2-3 pieces
• Socks: 2-3 pairs

6-9 Months and beyond:

You can follow a pattern similar to 3-6 months, adjusting the quantity based on your baby’s specific needs and how frequently you would like to do laundry.

General Tips for Shopping for Babies Clothes

1. Buy a mix of sizes: While it's important to have enough clothes in the newborn and 0-3 months sizes, don't forget to pick up a few pieces in larger sizes for when your baby inevitably grows. Babies grow quickly, and you don't want to be caught without the next size when you need it.
2. Opt for easy-to-use designs: Look for baby clothes with snaps, zippers, or stretchy necklines, for easy dressing and diaper changes. Babies can be wiggly, and fuss-free clothing will make your life easier.
3. Choose soft, breathable fabrics: Babies have sensitive skin, so opt for clothes made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid clothing with scratchy tags or rough seams. Our clothing here at The Baby Room, is made using 100% Organic Cotton, which is made with pesticides or other chemicals, we also use a heat transferred clothing tag so your baby does not experience any itching.
4. Consider the season: Keep the weather in mind when shopping for baby clothes. In general, always dress your baby with an extra layer for every layer that adults wear, that means two layers in the summer, and at least three to four in the fall and winter.
5. Think about practicality: Baby clothes can be adorable, but practicality is key. Look for clothing that is easy to clean and maintain. Avoid items that require complicated care instructions.
6. Check for safety: Ensure that all clothing items meet safety standards, especially when it comes to buttons, snaps, and other small parts that could cause a choking hazard.
7. Don't overbuy: While it’s tempting to stock up on cute outfits, remember that babies outgrow clothes quickly. Buy essentials first, and add to your collection as needed.
8. Have fun with it: Shopping for baby clothes is an exciting part of preparing for your baby’s arrival. Enjoy the process, and choose outfits that make you smile. 

In conclusion, shopping for baby clothes can be a delightful experience when armed with the right information. Understanding baby clothes sizes, knowing how many pieces to buy in each size, and following these general shopping tips will help you make informed choices and ensure your baby is both comfortable and stylish from day one. Happy shopping and congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy!

Checkout our adorable baby rompers @ The Baby Room by clicking the image above.