9 Types of Newborn Baby Clothes Every New Parent Should Own
Searching for the best newborn baby clothes to add to your little one’s wardrobe? Whether you’re starting your registry, staring down a mountain of baby shower gifts or looking into the wide eyes of your days-old newborn (who, surprise, just spit up again!), chances are, you may have that nagging sense that you’re missing some infant-wear essentials. And you very well might be—with all the adorable stuff out there, it’s easy to miss the not-so-obvious but oh-so-necessary items.
From a coming home outfit to everyday basics, there are quite a few different types of baby clothes you need. The good news? We’ve made a short list of the must-have newborn clothes every parent should own, along with a few cute options from some of the best baby clothing brands. Plus, snag some handy tips on how to dress a newborn.
In this article:
Where to buy the best newborn clothes
Newborn baby bodysuits
Newborn baby kimonos
Newborn baby beanies
Newborn baby rompers
Newborn baby leggings
Newborn baby sleepers
Newborn baby bloomers
Newborn baby socks
Newborn layette sets
Overwhelmed by too many choices? Here are four top online destinations to shop for cute newborn baby clothes. These stores stock all types of baby clothes, so you can tick everything off your list at once. Whether you’re looking for affordable baby bodysuits to buy in bulk or you want to invest in some high-quality infant wear, you’re sure to find something to suit your style and budget.
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Carter’s: Carter’s is the place to shop for budget-friendly newborn outfits. You’ll find everything from practical baby bodysuits to cute rompers. Be sure to check out Little Planet by Carter’s—each piece is sustainably made using organic fabric. Newborn clothes that are affordable, eco-friendly and cute? Yes, please!
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Kissy Kissy: Kissy Kissy is a firm favorite with The Bump editors. Why? This brand uses the finest Peruvian Pima cotton to create premium newborn baby clothes that are soft and durable. We adore the brand’s signature baby sleepers and hats. Pieces are on the pricey side, but these heirloom-quality baby clothes are worth the investment; styles can be passed onto new siblings down the line. Plus, Kissy Kissy’s baby clothes sets make fantastic baby shower gifts.
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Monica and Andy: This mom-founded brand is a real winner. Monica and Andy uses only the softest GOTS-certified organic cotton and offer fun, mix-and-match designs that parents adore. Browse a range of bodysuits, pants and hats—plus, all-in-one sets. Bonus: For an additional fee Monica and Andy offers a personalization service.
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Spearmint Love If you like to shop around, Spearmint Love carries a fantastic range of infant clothes. The site features top brands such as Burt’s Bees Baby and Finn & Emma. Whether you’re looking for complete newborn outfits or separates, this online store has it all.
First up on our list of the best newborn clothes? The classic baby bodysuit. It’s a shirt. It’s a complete outfit. It’s whatever you want it to be. Baby bodysuits—aka onesies—form the corner-stone of your newborn’s wardrobe. They’re a go-to shower gift, but it’s a good idea to have varying sizes on hand, so you can keep pace with your quickly growing baby. Plus, with infants going through as many as four or five clean ones in a day (hello, spit-up and blowouts), you can practically never have enough. Luckily, many brands sell baby bodysuits in affordable multi-packs.
It’s nice to have a selection of solid color bodysuits as well as prints to easily mix and match—but regardless of the pattern, look for baby bodysuits with envelope-style necks. What’s that, you ask? Those cute little flaps on the shoulders actually serve a vital purpose: After a major diaper leak, they let you pull the bodysuit down over baby’s torso and legs instead of up over the head for a more sanitary outfit change.
Bodysuits to try
Buy it: Little Planet Baby 3-Pack Organic Cotton Rib Bodysuits, $16, Carters.com
Buy it: Gerber 6-Pack Baby Neutral Animals Long Sleeve Onesies Bodysuits, $32, GerberChildrenswear.com
Buy it: Boden Striped 5 Pack Bodysuits, $64, BodenUSA.com
Kimono-style baby tops are also must-haves. Besides being super cute, these loose T-shirts with side snaps or ties have minimal contact with a newborn’s still-sensitive umbilical cord stump. Plus, while you and baby are still getting used to dressing, having shirts that don’t have to be pulled over your infant’s face can be a real lifesaver. This newborn baby clothing staple comes in short- and long-sleeve styles and can be worn as a top or a thin cover-up over a bodysuit.
Kimonos to try
Buy it: Monica + Andy Hello Baby Top, $13, MonicaandAndy.com
Buy it: Kissy Kissy White Pointelle Long Sleeve Cross Tee, $25, KissyKissy.com
Buy it: Joy Street Kids Chicago Baby Layette Set, $44, Maisonette.com
Believe it or not, the humble baby hat is an essential piece of newborn baby clothing. Think you don’t need a hat for your summer baby? Think again. There’s a reason the hospital nurses popped a hat on your brand-new baby’s head, even before a diaper: Since newborns get cold easily, a hat is a great way to help them regulate their body temperature. Not to mention that baby beanies are super adorable! Throw a baby beanie hat in your diaper bag and pull it out in a chilly restaurant, car or store to keep your little one comfy, regardless of what the weather is like. Some styles have a tip that you tie into a knot, letting you easily adjust the size as baby grows.
Beanies to try
Buy it: Gerber 5-Pack Baby Neutral Safari Caps, $18 for a set of 5, Gerber.com
Buy it: Monica & Andy Top Knot Cap, $12, MonicaandAndy.com
Buy it: Loulou Lollipop Top Knot Beanie in Tencel, $14, LoulouLollipop.com
Baby rompers are cute and practical, earning them a well-deserved spot on our list of the best newborn clothes. Also sometimes called a one-piece or bubble, a baby romper is a top and bottom all in one, usually with snaps at the crotch for easy diaper changes. Not only do rompers mean fewer pieces of clothing to put on a squirmy baby, but they also usually come in fun, fashion-forward prints and patterns, making them an ideal option for playdates, family gatherings or photo shoots. A newborn romper can be worn over a bodysuit or on its own for a cute warm-weather look.
Rompers to try
Buy it: Hudson Baby 3-Pack Pizza Rompers, $20, buybuyBABY.com
Buy it: Spearmint Love Romper in Canyon Rainbow, $38, SpearmintLove.com
Buy it: Tea Collection Layered Sleeve Baby Romper, $42, TeaCollection.com
Leggings make a great addition to any newborn baby outfit. Soft, stretchy baby leggings are endlessly versatile. They’re great for quick walks in the baby carrier, when the weather turns cool and when baby begins to crawl. And there are endless ways to style them: pulled up over a baby bodysuit, paired with a baby kimono top or worn under dresses or shorts. Look for baby leggings in comfortable fabrics like cotton that won’t irritate or chafe baby’s sensitive skin.
Leggings to try
Buy it: H&M 2-pack Leggings, $18 for a pack of 2, HM.com
Buy it: Primary Signature Baby Classic Legging, $12, Primary.com
Buy it: Baby Mori Everyday Leggings 3 Pack, $59 for a pack of 3, BabyMori.com
A baby sleeper is yet another essential part of your infant’s wardrobe. Can’t tell your bodysuits from your sleepers? No worries—we’re here to help. A sleeper is an all-in-one outfit, often made from cotton or fleece, that keeps newborns warm and cozy as they snooze. But these handy newborn ensembles aren’t just for bedtime; baby sleepers can be worn at home during tummy time or even on outings. More often than not, sleepers have long sleeves and cover baby’s feet—perfect for keeping your little one as snug as a bug anytime, anywhere. In addition, many styles have zip-up or snap-front fastenings, making diaper changes a breeze. Stock up on a few of these versatile newborn baby outfits, as you’ll probably use at least one a day. Sleepers, pajamas, footies—whatever you call them, you definitely need this type of infant apparel.
Sleepers to try
Buy it: Hanna Andersson Disney Winnie the Pooh Layette Sleeper, $45, HannaAndersson.com
Buy it: Gap Baby First Favorite Print Footed One-Piece, $30, Gap.com
Buy it: Little Sleepies Luna Neutral Zippy, $32, LittleSleepies.com
Next on our list of the best newborn clothing: baby bloomers. Sure, you could get away with not having bloomers—but why would you want to? Bloomers, aka diaper covers, are adorable. Put them under a dress or layered on top of a bodysuit, leggings or tights. If you’re planning a newborn photo shoot, bloomers are also super cute when worn on their own. Many styles are decorated with cute prints and adorable ruffles, but you can also find plain pairs if you prefer a cleaner silhouette. Remember that bloomers don’t need to perfectly match the rest of baby’s outfit; mix solid colors for a cool look.
Bloomers to try
Buy it: RuffleButt Wave Bloomers, $18, Rufflebutts.com
Buy it: Louelle Bloomer in Grey Gingham, $29, Maisonette.com
Buy it: Old Navy Ruffled Slub-Knit Bloomer Shorts for Baby, $4, OldNavy.com
The next essential on our list of the best newborn clothes is small but mighty: a pair of socks. Think of baby socks as teeny climate controllers. Regardless of what month your baby was born, having plenty of socks makes it simple to make sure those itty-bitty feet stay warm, whether it’s cold outside or arctic inside thanks to blasting AC. Plus, baby socks can create an outfit out of anything, even if baby is sporting just a bodysuit. (Think of what a statement your own footwear can make!) Of course, babies are notorious for kicking their socks off, so look for options with sturdy elastic tops. Another shopping tip: Buy several packs of the same color or pattern, so it won’t be an emergency if one goes missing. After all, those tiny socks are hard to keep track of.
Socks to try
Buy it: Little Planet 4-Pack No-Slip Socks, $10, Carters.com
Buy it: Burt’s Bees Baby Solid Baby Ankle Socks Made with Organic Cotton in White & Grey 6 Pack, $14 for a pack of 6, BurtsBeesBaby.com
Buy it: Luvable Friends Newborn 8-Pack Athletic Socks in Blue, $12, buybuyBABY.com
Let’s round off our list of the best newborn baby clothes with a couple of layette sets. A layette is a collection of essential items you’ll need after baby’s arrival. Rather than purchasing everything piecemeal, you can pick up a curated collection of clothing at many stores—or add a layette set to your registry.
Layette sets to try
Buy it: CozyChic Lite Heirloom Cardigan, Pants, Socks, Beanie & Suitcase Set, $149, Nordstrom.com
Buy it: Baby Mori Baby Starter Set, $358, BabyMori.com
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