The birth of a baby is one of those things that completely change the trajectory of your life. When you become a parent, you start a new phase of your life that will redefine who you are as a person. The truth is, every new parent just wings it while learning on the job. No matter what they say, no one knows what they are doing, and they are all scared out of their wits that they might do something that will irreversibly mess things up with their little one.

One of the things a lot of parents worry about is whether or not they picked out the right outfits for their little bundle of joy. Newborns can be quite unpredictable. You can never accurately tell how big they’ll be when they are born. They also grow surprisingly fast. This means there is always the risk of buying too much and not needing any of it, or buying too little and not having enough when you need it.

The good news, though, is that newborns don’t need a huge wardrobe. If you know what to look for, it is very easy to get exactly what you need and how much to get. Remember to always go for comfort over everything. You can mix things up a bit with versatility and style, though.

Here is a list of 7 baby clothes every new mom should own, and how many of each you should invest in:

1.    Onesies

Onesies are an absolute gift to motherhood. They are some of the most convenient outfits you can buy. They are better than shirts because they close at the crotch, meaning they’ll never lift like shirts do, exposing your baby’s tummy to the cold.

Onesies also make diaper changes really easy. All you have to do is open them up at the crotch and you are good to go.

As you buy your onesies, get both long-sleeved ones for the cold and short-sleeved ones for warm weather. Also, consider getting footed ones as they combine shirts, pants, socks, shoes, and mitts in one outfit. It doesn’t get more convenient than that!

How many onesies do you need?

• At least 6 pieces

2.    Pants

Pants go with almost anything. You can pull them under shorts or dresses, or layer them over onesies. Go for the soft, stretchy kind because these are the most comfortable for your baby. You can also buy a few footed leggings along with the pants as these are really great for when the weather turns cool or when you just want to go for a walk outside with your little one.

How many pants/leggings do you need?

• At least 3 pants
• At least 2 pairs of leggings

3.    Rompers

Rompers, or one-pieces, are tops and bottoms combined into one with a snap at the crotch. Having a few of these outfits will mean a smaller laundry load when you eventually get around to washing your baby’s clothes. Plus, they look really cute and are great for warm weather! 

How many rompers do you need?

• At least 3 pieces

4.    Footwear

While they obviously still can’t walk yet, newborns still need footwear for extra warmth. There are special shoes designed for those little feet that you should absolutely consider getting. Socks are also great for when you just want to quickly pull something over their toes. Stocking upon footwear will not only keep your little one warm and toasty, but it will also perfectly complete all their adorable outfits!

How many socks/shoes do you need?

• 6 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of booties

5.    Outerwear

It is always a good idea to invest in a few warm outerwear, whether you live in a cold area or in a place with moderate weather. Newborns need all the help they can get to regulate their body temperatures, and baby jackets or heavier coats play this role really well. Always dress your baby warmly even if you are only stepping out for a few short minutes.

How many jackets/coats do you need?

• At least 2jackets/coats

6.    Hats

Ever wondered why nurses always put hats on baby’s heads right after they are born? Babies get cold really easily. They lose a lot of their body heat through their little exposed heads. Having a hat on is important because it helps regulate their body temperature.

That said, you should try to use your own judgement to determine whether your baby needs a hat on or not. Wearing a hat for too long can lead to overheating. If you notice your baby’s face turning red, or if you see them fussing more than usual, take the hat off.

How many hats do you need?

• At least 2 hats

7.    Bibs and burp cloths

You want to invest in several bibs and burp clothes. Newborns can be really messy, especially when they are still learning how to nurse properly. Having enough bibs and burp clothes will help you reduce these feeding-related messes. They come in lots of different designs and colors, so you have a lot of options to choose from.

How many bibs/burp cloths do you need?

• At least 4 bibs
• At least 6 burp cloths

Final Thoughts

There you have it. These are the 7 most important outfits that every new mom should own. With these, you should be able to dress your baby well and keep them warm throughout. Also, keep in mind that the numbers shown here assume that you have easy access to laundry and you can wash at least every other day. If you intend to have fewer laundry days, consider doubling these numbers.