Preparing for a new baby is a thrilling adventure – one filled with excitement, anticipation, and, understandably, a bit (okay, a lot) of overwhelm! As you prepare for a new addition, you might be wondering where to start when it comes to buying newborn clothes. After all, the old adage is that babies grow out of clothes faster than you blink, which is why I’m keen on embracing a thoughtful and thorough newborn capsule wardrobe.
If you find yourself asking “how many newborn clothes do I actually need?!” I’m here to help — so you can focus on what truly matters: snuggling, loving, and enjoying every moment with your little bundle of joy.
Little Sleepies recently launched the Newborn Capsule, taking years of customer feedback and research and incorporating it all into a new assortment of comfy bamboo essentials! From bodysuits to gowns and booties and beyond, in this blog, I’ll break down the must-haves for your newborn baby’s wardrobe, providing you with practical tips and advice to help you build a functional and precious wardrobe. Let’s get started!
The Foundation: Newborn Sleep Must-Haves
Here’s something you’ll learn quickly about newborns: they sleep a lot, which is why you need a stash of pieces that keep your baby snoozing comfortably. Here are some things to consider when sourcing newborn sleep clothing essentials!
Quantity & Quality
It’s easy to add a ton of items to your cart and find you’ve bought way more than you needed to. Stick with six to eight sleep essentials to get you started. Of course, you’ll want to invest in high-quality pieces that can handle heavy wash and wear. Items like double-zipper bamboo Zippies are great newborn wardrobe basics; they're not only sweet, but also incredibly practical.
Save Sanity With Smart Pieces
Newborn clothing has come a long way! What was once a mess of snaps and buttons that required undressing your baby for simple diaper changes has evolved into cleverly designed zip rompers and sleepers with double-zippers that make life much easier. Whether you need to change a diaper or switch out an outfit, these genius designs save you time and sanity.
Little Sleepies’ newly launched Newborn Capsule features Zippies and Ruffle Zippies that make those midnight diaper changes a breeze. They even launched a lap shoulder Crescent Zippy that features a clever u-shaped zipper that will have you changing a diaper in record time!
Hello ZZZs
Swaddling is an effective technique that helps babies get more sleep, reduces startle reflexes, and provides an extra sense of womb-like comfort. If swaddling isn’t your jam, go ahead and grab one or two Infant Gowns to use instead.
If you do want to try swaddling, check out a helpful tutorial here to become a swaddling expert.
Everyday Basics: Mix & Match Baby Essentials
Stuck on newborn outfit ideas? For those waking hours when your baby is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you’ll want a collection of pieces they can lounge around in comfortably and still look adorable for those photo snaps and snuggle sessions.
Wardrobe VIPs
If you’ve shopped for newborn clothing before, chances are you’ve seen countless bodysuits with cute sayings and quirky designs. While there’s nothing wrong with getting playful, capsule-centric clothing is where you’ll find the most value in wears and dollars. We suggest sticking with two central categories for everyday wear: bodysuits and leggings.
These are clothing VIPs that are easy to mix and match to create an array of cute outfits for your little one! Stick with around 4-6 bodysuits and 3-4 leggings to curate a solid core collection, but of course, add or subtract pieces depending on need, laundry demand, and personal preference.
Design That Matters
Not all baby clothing is made equal! When you’re shopping for newborn clothes, pay attention to the whole design – specifically how the garment feels on your baby’s extra-sensitive skin and how efficient it’ll be to slip on and off your baby's tiny body.
Look for features like tag-free, soft, gentle fabrics; wide necklines; extra zippers for effortless diaper changes; foldover cuffs on the hands and feet to keep your baby warm and protected from nail scratches; and other elevated elements that put your baby’s comfort at the forefront.
You’ll be thrilled to find a number of pieces from Little Sleepies’ Newborn Capsule do just that, including the Henley Bodysuit, Flutter Bodysuit, Fold-Over Legging, and lap shouldered Crescent Zippy.
Layers for Newborns: Comfort & Warmth
Layers aren’t just for chilly days outside or snuggling up for a quick snooze. When it comes to dressing your newborn, layers are key in keeping them warm and cozy. Let's dive into some of the must-have layers for your baby's wardrobe!
Layer With Love
Babies struggle to regulate their internal temperature much more than adults, which is why they easily get cold whenever everyone else feels pampered and peachy. Whether it’s chilly outside, you have the A/C cranked up, or you’re putting baby down for a nap, you’ll want to have layering essentials at the ready to keep baby calm, collected, cozy, and cute, of course!
The rule of thumb is for every layer you’re wearing, your baby will need one additional layer, so always keep that in mind.
Layering Essentials
Swaddles are a great start for building a layering collection, but also consider things like hats, blankets, and booties that add extra warmth beyond the basics. Blankets are great, too, in that they’re easy for taking outside the house and investing in milestone tummy-time adventures.
In Little Sleepies’ Newborn Capsule, you’ll find plenty of layering go-tos that come in handy all year long, including an ultra-soft, bamboo sherpa-lined Mini Cloud Blanket® and a ridiculously cute Swaddle & Luxe Bow Headband Set. So snag some versatile layers to keep your little one warm, snug, and happy, no matter the situation!
Adorable Baby Accessories
The sweetest details make all the difference! Newborn accessories add a touch of personality to your baby's outfits, while also serving a practical purpose. From cute hats to tiny booties, the right accessories can make dressing your baby a joy. Let's explore some fun and functional newborn accessories!
Cute & Useful Picks
When you’re shopping, it might seem silly to splurge on things that don’t directly impact on your baby’s development or daily care, but trust me, the right accessories make a big difference. Instead of buying newborn baby shoes (hello, they can’t even walk) or Texas-sized bows, go for functional accessories that are just as cute as they are useful, such as hats, booties, and wrap bows that keep their ears warm during chillier seasons!
Accessories You’ll Love
Instead of bland and boring tiny white socks, plain gray hats, or basic beige mittens, reach for picks that bring the awws. These photo-worthy items could include things like animal ear hats, such as the new Bear Bonnet, easy-on-and-off character booties, like the matching Bear Booties, and even two-in-one sets like the newly launched Swaddle & Infant Beanie Set.
Not only are you getting a healthy dose of cuteness overload, but you're also getting practical, everyday pieces that make life with baby smoother!
What Not to Buy (Save Your Money)
Now that we’ve covered what categories to invest in, let’s discuss some baby items that might not be worth your money or energy.
Outfits With Complicated Fasteners
Sure that outfit might be cute on the hanger, but how hard is it to put on and take off your kiddo? Avoid bodysuits with tiny buttons or intricate snaps that can be frustrating to deal with during late-night diaper changes or diaper blowouts on the road. Once you’ve embraced ease, it’s unlikely you’ll want to deal with frustration, no matter how cute the outfit is!
Delicate or Special-Care Items
If the tag says “hand-wash only,” pass on the purchase. Even if it’s hard to resist, you have enough on your plate taking care of a baby without having to take extra special care of clothing.
One-Occasion Wears
We’ve all swooned over a fancy special-occasion dress, but let’s face it: buying outfits for a single event isn’t practical when building a solid Newborn Capsule for baby. Instead of single-use outfits, consider timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create looks for every day of the week.
Comfy & Cute Style, From Day One
Whether your baby is here, on the way, or in the works, planning ahead of time for their clothes is a surefire way to cherish those precious moments as they come. With a thoughtful approach to building your baby’s wardrobe, you'll be ready for whatever adventures await, with plenty of photos and memories to share with loved ones. Happy dressing!
Share your favorite newborn essentials with us in the comments! Each month, we choose one lucky commenter to win a $50 Little Sleepies gift card.
