Baby clothes are the easiest thing to over-buy — they're small, sweet, and gifted in bulk. A few simple rules keep the drawer useful.
Sizes run by age, fit by weight
Labels like 0–3 months are a rough guide. Check the weight and height range on the tag instead. Many babies wear 0–3 months for only a few weeks, so put gifts in larger sizes aside for later.
Choose the easy closures
- Zippers beat snaps for night changes — especially two-way zippers that open from the bottom.
- Envelope necklines on bodysuits let you pull the garment down, not over the head, after a blowout.
- Skip anything with many buttons, stiff collars or small decorations that could come loose.
Fabrics that work
Soft, breathable knits — cotton, organic cotton, or bamboo-based fabrics — are comfortable and wash well. Pre-wash everything in a gentle detergent before first wear.
A simple count per size
- 7–10 bodysuits
- 4–6 sleepers or zip-up footies
- 2–3 pairs of pants and a couple of warmer layers
- Socks or booties, and a soft hat for newborns