10 Must Have Newborn Clothes

If you’re pregnant or have recently had a baby, you may be wondering what you really need for your newborn in the way of clothes. We’re here to help you narrow it down. Since newborns spend so much of their time eating and sleeping, you don’t have to buy much. If it’s your first, you’ll probably get most of the essentials at your baby shower. But for those new moms or moms-to-be who need some guidance, here are 10 must-have newborn clothes worth buying.

1. Onesies. Babies can live in onesies right from the start at least until they’re 18 months-2 years old. They cover the belly and prevent curious hands from picking apart diapers. So stock up. Make sure you have a good selection of sizes and both long- and short-sleeved ones.
2. Footie pajamas. Another thing you won’t be able to do without. They keep newborns nice and insulated and are easy to get on and off.
3. Socks. Their little tootsies get cold, especially in the first few months after they’re born when their circulation system is still developing. Make sure you have plenty of socks to keep those adorable baby feet warm.
4. Bibs. Newborns are notorious for spitting up — a lot. And when they’re not spitting up, they’re drooling. Protect all those cute clothes you bought and got as gifts (or hand-me-downs) by buying plenty of soft, cloth bibs for daytime use and those soft plastic bibs with a bucket for when baby starts eating solids.
5. Easy-to-pull-on pants. Your newborn will need something to wear with all those onesies, so make sure you have plenty of those teeny, tiny pull-on pants. Made of soft, cotton they’re like leggings, but less tight than mama’s. They’re versatile and comfy and you’ll get a lot of use out of them.
6. Little dresses for girls and pants suits for boys. You’ll want to have at least a few “dressier” outfits for your little bundle of joy for any special occasions or mid-day iPhone photo shoots. With such cute baby dresses and pants suits out there, you won’t have any problem finding ones you like.
7. Little cardigans or button-down long-sleeve tops. These are incredibly handy when you need something to put over the umpteenth short-sleeved onesie. Make sure you get a lot in different colors to go with the pants you have.
8. A hat. Whether your baby is born in the warm weather or cold, you’ll need a hat — a sun hat if it’s spring or summer and a soft, knit winter hat if it’s fall or winter. You don’t need to go crazy, but get at least one for each season that your newborn can wear.
9. A jacket or coat. No matter what season you give birth in, you’ll need a jacket or coat for your baby eventually. Just one really good, versatile one will do (until he grows out of it, of course).
10. Mittens. This may not seem like something you’ll need, but believe me, you will — either for when it gets chilly outside or for preventing your newborn from scratching herself with those sharp nails of hers. Get a couple of pairs at least — they’re easy to lose.