Clothing
You’ll need a set of each of these in each size (newborn, 0-3 mos, 3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6 mos, 6-9 mos, 9 mos, and so on). This will be variable according to the season, though it’s a good place to start. Also, used is great with babies, since usually it wasn’t used all that much the first time since they grow so fast! Baby does NOT have to have all new stuff. Also, there is a lot of brand variation in sizing, some brands run larger, some smaller.
- 3-4 Footed Sleepers, of various weights/warmths
- Sleep sack – For newborns try the kind that come with a swaddle that velcros, you probably won’t need one at all in the summertime, unless you keep it very cold with air conditioning.
- Onesies/Bodysuits/T-shirts, around 5 – can be long or short sleeved
- Bottoms - Pants, shorts, or skirts, 2-3 pairs, I like the pants that have feet attached.
- 2 Sweaters
- Around 5 cute outfits, warm or cool weather, depending on season
- 2 warm hats or sun hats, depending on the season
- About 5 pairs of socks, a few pairs of tights if you have a girl.
- Soft-soled baby shoes. Most of the time baby does NOT need shoes. If your (prewalking) baby is wearing shoes it’s probably because you like the way they look or because someone has told you “you forgot to put the baby’s shoes on!” Yes, they’re cute, no, they’re not necessary. Now, once baby starts walking, maybe, but again, just soft-soled type. Baby can’t tell you if they’re pinching toes, but with the soft soles, you can easily feel where baby's feet are in the shoe.
- Swim suit – many of these have a built-in swim diaper, or get the fabric kind - No need to use a disposable swim diaper. Swim diapers hold in solid waste only, urine goes right through! Plus, usually you get to know your baby’s “poop schedule” and can plan swimming outings around this.
- Cuddle Wrap – these are perfect for using in a stroller on chilly days with newborns. http://www.cuddlewrap.citymax.com/home.html Sometimes the person who makes them can get sports designs or whatever you want; if you can find the fleece fabric, she will make them!
- Baby bunting – we tried not to take our daughter outside if it was below freezing, but cold weather requires a warm bunting, a hat, and lots of blankets piled up on top of baby in the stroller. For more active babies, try a snowsuit and jacket, hat, boots or adult size mittens on the legs. Try to dress baby warmer than you are dressed when going out in cold weather, since they won't be as active.
- Get creative when it comes to cold weather baby wearing. I’m working on sewing up a windbreaker jacket to wear that has a place for baby’s head to peek through, to keep both of us warm. There is a company that makes a vest designed for baby wearing (Peekaru), but that won’t help keep your arms warm, will it? You can wear baby in a front carry and just not zip your coat up all the way.
So there you have it - a basic list of the clothing your baby will need. Many babies have way more clothes than this, but I have found that this list will get you plenty of clothes so that you aren't finding yourself waiting on the washer to finish before you can dress your child!
