CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Clothing Sizes You'll Need for a Newborn

Babies come in all shapes and sizes—so what size clothing should you get for your newborn? Here's the deal.
save article
profile picture of The Bump Editors
Updated April 26, 2017
Hero Image

Stock up on baby clothes in a range of sizes. But don’t cut off the tags of all the newborn clothes yet, says Ali Wing, founder and CEO of baby store Giggle. “Babies come into this world in all shapes and sizes, so don’t buy everything under the sun before you meet your own son or daughter,” says Wing.

While the size marked on the label make it seem like it’s based on baby’s age, it’s really based on size. For example, “preemie” § usually fits babies up to 17 inches long and five pounds. “Newborn” (NB) represents an average baby at birth up to 21.5 inches long and five to eight pounds. Yep, “newborn” fits a wide range of sizes, so chances are your baby will fit into it at birth.

“Parents should expect clothes to be a bit loose; no clothes are made to be grown out of in a week,” says Wing. “How fast baby grows into new sizes depends on how well he eats. Trust the market and follow the sizing charts until you learn more about baby.”

Wash a few of baby’s newborn clothes for her first days now, and then see just how they fit her at the time of birth to help you gauge how many you might need in the coming weeks. If she’s a big baby or hits an early growth spurt, you can exchange any extras for the next size up: 0 to 3 months, which usually fits babies anywhere between eight to 12.5 pounds.

Over time, you’ll figure out more about baby’s shape and your preferences, and will have a better idea of what will work best for him. “It has just as much to do with things like neck and head shape and whether you will prefer crew necks or kimono-style onesies,” says Wing. So definitely don’t buy a full wardrobe just yet.

Ready to register? Get started now.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

work-maternity-clothes-HERO
Must-Have Maternity Work Clothes for Business Casual Moms-to-Be
By Nina Bradley
keke palmer 2023 halloween costume
The Cutest Celebrity Kids & Family Halloween Costumes of 2023
By Wyndi Kappes
H&M and sophie the giraffe collaboration
Sophie La Girafe Partners With H&M on First-Ever Fashion Collection
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
toddler playing in the snow
10 Toddler Winter Coats to Keep Little Ones Warm and Toasty
By Danielle Halibey
Best Toddler Baby Snowsuits-hero
Cozy Baby and Toddler Snowsuits to Keep Little Ones Warm This Winter
By Kathleen Harris
baby wearing winter hat at home
The 10 Best Baby Winter Hats to Keep Little Ones Warm
By Danielle Halibey
Best Baby Snow Boots Hero
The Best Baby Snow Boots for Your Little One’s First Winter
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
best-toddler-snow-boots-HERO
The Best Toddler Snow Boots to Keep Tiny Toes Warm This Winter
By Korin Miller
halloween costume aisle in retail store
Spirit Halloween Shares 2023's Top Costume Trends for the Whole Family
By Wyndi Kappes
toddler-gloves-and-mittens-HERO
12 Best Toddler Gloves and Mittens for Cold Weather
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
mother putting winter mittens on baby
Best Baby Mittens to Keep Tiny Hands Warm
By Danielle Halibey
toddler making a snowman
Best Toddler Winter Hats to Keep Kids Warm
By Korin Miller
Happy baby wearing gender neutral clothes, a gray llama sweatshirt and yellow pants.
9 Too-Cool Gender Neutral Baby Clothes Brands
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
Cute Matching Sibling Outfits-hero
16 Cutest Matching Sibling Outfits
By Anna Lane
baby sleeping and wearing a white knit bonnet
19 Adorable Baby Bonnets for Your Little Love
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
Best Postpartum Clothes-hero
The Best Postpartum Clothes to See You Through Early Motherhood
By Korin Miller
First Birthday Outfits-hero
20 First Birthday Outfits Just as Special as Your Tot
By Megan Cahn
ADVERTISEMENT
Maternity Sweater Hero
18 Maternity Sweaters for the Comfiest Pregnancy Ever
By Korin Miller
hanna andersson bluey collection
Hanna Andersson Collabs With Bluey on Sensory-Friendly Kid’s Clothing
By Wyndi Kappes
tb-best-toddler-sleep-sack-styles-HERO
The Best Toddler Sleep Sacks for Comfy, Cozy Snoozes
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List