If you're expecting your first baby, one of the easiest things to overbuy is newborn clothing.
The short answer: you probably need less than you think. For most families, 5–7 everyday outfits is a practical starting point, alongside 5–7 bodysuits or singlets, 2–3 warm layers, 2–3 beanies, a few pairs of socks or booties and 3+ muslin wraps.
So how many newborn clothes do you actually need?
The short answer: you probably need less than you think.
As a practical starting point, we recommend having around 5–7 everyday outfits, 5–7 singlets or bodysuits, 2–3 warmer layers, a few pairs of socks or booties and 2–3 hats, then adjusting depending on the season, your baby's size and how frequently you plan to wash.
Australian parenting guidance also recommends buying only a small number of items in each size because babies can grow out of clothing very quickly.
How many newborn outfits do I need?
For most families, around 5–7 everyday outfits is a good starting point.
This gives you enough clothes to get through a couple of days without needing to do washing every single day, while still avoiding a wardrobe full of pieces your baby may only wear once or twice.
Remember that newborns can go through more than one outfit in a day. Nappy leaks, milk spills, spit-ups and unexpected messes are all part of those early weeks.
If you have a washing machine running regularly, you may be perfectly comfortable with fewer.
If you prefer doing washing every few days, having a few extra outfits can make life much easier.
A simple newborn wardrobe
Clothing
Bodysuits / singlets: 5–7
Everyday outfits / jumpsuits: 5–7
Pants / shorties: 2–4
Jumpers / cardigans: 2–3
Beanies: 2–3
Socks / booties: 2–4 pairs
Special outfit: 1-2 special outfits
Muslin wraps: 3+
These are starting points rather than rules. Your baby's wardrobe can be smaller or larger depending on your routine.
What clothes does a newborn actually need?
Bodysuits or singlets
Around 5–7 is a practical starting point.
These can be worn underneath other outfits or on their own in warmer weather, depending on the temperature and your baby's needs.
Look for soft, comfortable fabrics and designs that make changing your baby straightforward.
Everyday outfits
Aim for around 5–7 everyday outfits.
These are the pieces you'll reach for over and over again.
For some families, this might mean mostly growsuits and bodysuits. For others, it might include knitted rompers, pants, shorties and tops.
You don't need a completely different outfit for every day.
Think practical, comfortable and easy to wash.
A couple of warmer layers
If your baby is arriving during cooler weather, around 2–3 cardigans, jumpers or other layering pieces can be useful.
Layers allow you to adjust your baby's clothing as the temperature changes.
A lightweight knitted layer can also be lovely for heading out of the house or completing a special coming-home outfit.
Beanies
Around 2–3 beanies is plenty for most newborn wardrobes.
A beanie can be useful when you're out in cooler weather, but remember that babies should not wear hats or beanies while sleeping indoors, as overheating is a risk.
Socks and booties
A few pairs are plenty.
Newborn socks and booties have a remarkable ability to disappear, so having a couple of spare pairs never hurts.
Make sure socks and booties don't have loose threads or loops that could wrap around tiny fingers or toes.
Two or so special outfits
This is where you can have a little fun.
You might want:
- A newborn photography outfit
- A special outfit for meeting family
You don't need a huge collection of these.
Sometimes one special outfit that you absolutely love becomes the piece you remember forever.
Don't buy too much newborn size
This is probably our biggest piece of advice.
Babies grow quickly.
Some babies are born already fitting comfortably into 0–3 month clothing, while others will spend a little time in newborn sizing first. Australian sizing commonly includes 0000 for newborns and 000 for 0–3 months, although sizing can vary between brands and individual babies.
If you're unsure, buying a smaller number of newborn pieces and having some 0–3 month clothing ready can be a sensible approach.
It's also worth remembering that the number on the label isn't everything — different brands can fit differently.
What about 0–3 month clothing?
For many families, 0–3 months is a really useful size to have ready.
At Harper Clare, our knitwear is designed in a relaxed 0–3 month fit, giving little ones room to grow rather than being designed to be outgrown after only a few wears.
For our newborn knitwear, we love pieces that can become part of those first special moments — whether that's coming home from hospital, newborn photographs, visiting family or simply a cosy day at home.
How many clothes do you need for a summer newborn?
Summer babies generally need fewer layers.
A practical wardrobe might include:
- 5–7 lightweight bodysuits or outfits
- 2–4 pairs of shorties or lightweight bottoms
- 2–3 lightweight hats for when you're outside
- 2–3 muslin wraps
- 1–2 lightweight special outfits
On particularly hot days, babies need to be protected from overheating and direct sunlight. Follow Australian health guidance for dressing your baby in hot weather.
How many clothes do you need for a winter newborn?
Winter babies will generally need more layers rather than necessarily needing a much bigger wardrobe.
A practical wardrobe might include:
- 5–7 everyday outfits
- 5–7 bodysuits or singlets
- 2–3 warm jumpers or cardigans
- 2–3 beanies for outdoor use
- socks or booties
- muslin wraps
- a suitable baby sleeping bag or other safe sleepwear
Layering allows you to add or remove clothing as temperatures change.
It's particularly important not to overheat your baby, especially while they're sleeping.
How often should you wash newborn clothes?
This is one of the biggest factors in deciding how many clothes you actually need.
If you wash every day or every second day, you can comfortably get away with a smaller wardrobe.
If you'd rather do one or two larger loads each week, you'll probably want more outfits.
There is no perfect number.
Your laundry routine matters just as much as the number of outfits.
What about clothes for sleeping?
Sleepwear deserves a little extra thought.
For sleep, choose clothing appropriate for the room temperature and use a safe infant sleeping bag or other sleepwear recommended by Australian safe-sleep guidance.
Avoid overdressing your baby and keep their head uncovered during sleep.
Some baby clothing, particularly nightwear, is also subject to Australian mandatory safety standards and fire-hazard labelling requirements, so check the labels when purchasing.
Children's nightwear guide | ACCC Product Safety
Dressing your baby in the right clothes for bed
Safe sleep for your baby | Raising Children Network
What newborn clothes can you skip?
You really don't need everything.
You can probably hold off on buying:
- Too many newborn-size outfits
- Lots of formal or occasion outfits
- Shoes
- Huge numbers of socks
- More clothes than you can realistically wash
- Multiple versions of the same type of outfit
Babies don't need a huge wardrobe.
They need comfortable clothes, easy changes and enough clean outfits to get you through the day.
Our simple newborn wardrobe
If you want to keep things simple, we'd start with:
5–7 everyday outfits
5–7 bodysuits or singlets
2–3 warm layers
2–3 beanies
2–4 pairs of socks or booties
3+ muslin wraps
1–2 special outfits
Then see what you actually use.
You can always buy more later.
And honestly, that's one of the best pieces of advice we can give new parents:
Don't feel like you need to have everything perfectly organised before your baby arrives.
You'll quickly discover which clothes you reach for again and again.
A little Harper Clare tip
If you're building your baby's first wardrobe, we'd choose a few practical everyday basics first, then add a couple of special pieces that make you smile.
Because while those tiny everyday outfits are incredibly useful, there is something extra special about having the outfit you remember bringing your baby home in.
Those first clothes can become little keepsakes long after they've been outgrown.
Frequently asked questions
How many newborn outfits should I buy?
Around 5–7 everyday outfits is a practical starting point for many families. You may need more if you prefer to do laundry less often or your baby goes through several outfit changes each day.
How many newborn clothes do I need if I do laundry every day?
If you’re washing clothes daily, you can get away with a smaller newborn wardrobe. Around 4–5 everyday outfits, along with a few basic layers, can be a reasonable starting point.
Is 0–3 months the same as newborn size?
Not usually. In Australia, newborn sizing is commonly labelled 0000, while 0–3 months is commonly labelled 000. Sizing can vary between brands, and some larger newborns may comfortably fit 000 from birth. Always check the individual brand’s measurements and size guide.
Should I buy lots of newborn-size clothes?
Probably not. Newborns can grow quickly, and some babies move through newborn sizing very quickly or skip it altogether. Buying a smaller selection of newborn pieces and having some 0–3 month clothing ready can help you avoid overbuying.
What should a newborn wear in summer?
Choose lightweight, breathable clothing appropriate for the temperature and keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Avoid overdressing or overheating, and follow current Australian safe-sleep and hot-weather guidance.
What should a newborn wear in winter?
Layers are useful because you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes. Choose soft, comfortable layers and take care not to overheat your baby, particularly during sleep. Always follow current safe-sleep guidance for your baby’s sleeping environment.
What are the most important newborn clothes to buy?
Start with comfortable everyday basics such as bodysuits or singlets, several easy-to-change outfits, warm layers appropriate for the season, socks or booties and hats for outdoor use. You don’t need a huge newborn wardrobe, a small selection of practical, comfortable pieces is often enough to get started.
More from the Harper Clare Journal
What Should a Newborn Wear Home From Hospital?
Hospital Bag Checklist Australia: What to Pack for Mum & Baby