Baby Clothes Checklist: Essential Clothing for the First Year

One of the biggest mistakes a soon-to-be parent makes is falling for the charms of adorable baby clothes while preparing and waiting for their newborn to come. Without doing research and without having a thoughtfully planned out schedule for buying baby clothes, parents can end up with stuff that is not usable or just plain impractical.

Shopping for baby clothing is the most fun activity for a new or soon-to-be parent. Remember that no matter what you decide to buy, it must be comfortable and safe for the baby, and easy for you to maintain. All baby clothes should be made from natural fibers and should be machine washable also. With that in mind, we compiled the ultimate baby clothes checklist for the whole first year. On the list, you will find essential items that every parent should have on hand.

Why Is A Checklist Needed?

Once the baby comes, everything will become hectic and you will not have time to think if you want this bodysuit in baby blue or ocean blue. It is best to sort out the majority of the baby’s clothing for the first year – before it arrives. That means you should buy some stuff in advance and prepare to buy some stuff along the way.

There is one golden rule that you should always have in mind while shopping for baby clothes before the baby actually arrives; you don’t know the size of the baby or the rate of its growth. And no, you can’t accurately predict it. 

With a checklist, you’ll put your mind at ease and approach the process of getting everything ready for the baby with peace and serenity. It will definitely help you reduce the stress that every parent feels before the arrival of their baby and keep you from buying things you will never use.

The Checklist

Although there are things that require seeing the baby, before purchasing them, there are also things you absolutely should purchase before the delivery. Here are the must-have clothing items for a newborn, for the first year.

Bodysuits

Bodysuits in all sizes are the first thing that should be on your checklist. We recommend that you purchase one before the baby comes and put it through the washer-drier a couple of times. If you like the material, design, and quality – purchase at least 4 bodysuits in every size up to a one-year size. You shouldn’t worry about not using them all, or some of them being too small for your baby because they are made out of a stretchy material, and trust us, you will definitely need them all. Bodysuits are the clothing item that your baby will always have on, thus the clothing item that gets dirty the easiest.

Sleepers

Or otherwise known as baby girl pajamas are also an essential clothing item. You can repeat the process of buying one to see how the quality will hold up, the same as for the bodysuit. You will need a minimum of two sleepers per size for the full year.

Leggings And Pants

Just as bodysuits will keep your baby’s hands warm, leggings will keep their feet warm. You can use them to double down on layers in the colder months, by putting them under the pants. You can also use them underneath the sleepers if needed. You will probably need 3 pairs of leggings in every size.

You can prepare by buying pants in the 3 months to 6 months size. If your baby arrives a little bit bigger you can use them immediately, if not you will use those later and purchase suitable ones once the baby has arrived. 

Socks

Buy as many socks as you possibly can, buy them cheap, and buy them in bulk if possible. Buy at least 10 pairs of socks for every size. Don’t spend too much money, though, or attention while buying socks. If you want a more fashionable approach you can match the socks with the items you’ll buy as outer layers for the baby.

Hats

To keep your baby’s head warm and protected from the sun, you will have to buy hats for every season. Buy stretchy hats before the baby arrives so they’ll fit no matter the size. Once the baby is here, you can opt to buy different styles of hats.

Dress-Up Outfits

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead for a special occasion where your baby should be a little dressed up. You won’t have to purchase special outfits in every size, obviously. But if you want to take photos or the holidays are coming up it’s a good idea to be prepared. The amount of special dress-up outfits is entirely up to you. Don’t overspend on pretty and fashionable clothes that will be of no use and will just take up space. If you are not sure as to how many outfits and what kind of outfits, you can always wait until the baby is born.