Welcoming a newborn into your family is an exciting yet challenging time. One of the biggest concerns for new parents is ensuring they have all the necessary clothing for their baby. Onesies are a staple in any newborn’s wardrobe, but how many do you actually need? You don’t want to be overwhelmed with too many outfits, nor do you want to run out of clean onesies when you need them most. Striking the right balance is essential.
This guide will help you determine the ideal number of onesies for your baby, considering factors such as laundry frequency, season, and your little one’s specific needs.
How Many Onesies Should You Buy for a Newborn?
A newborn goes through multiple outfit changes a day due to diaper leaks, spit-ups, and general messes. While every baby is different, a good starting point is:
| Type of Onesie | Recommended Quantity |
| Short-Sleeve Onesies | 5–7 |
| Long-Sleeve Onesies | 5–7 |
| Sleeper Onesies (Footed) | 5–7 |
| Special Occasion Onesies | 2–3 |
This brings the total to 15–24 onesies, depending on how frequently you plan to do laundry.
If you prefer doing laundry every two to three days, you may need fewer onesies. However, if you want to avoid frequent washing, having extra onesies on hand is a great idea.
Choosing the Right Onesies for Your Baby
1. Consider the Fabric
A baby’s skin is delicate, so choosing soft, breathable fabrics is essential. Organic cotton and bamboo onesies are great choices since they are gentle and hypoallergenic.
When shopping for onesies, look for soft, breathable fabrics like organic cotton. Brands like Jenni Kidz offer adorable and high-quality baby onesies perfect for delicate newborn skin.
2. Think About the Weather
The season plays a major role in determining the type of onesies you need:
- Summer: Lightweight, short-sleeve onesies to keep your baby cool.
- Winter: Long-sleeve, thicker onesies or layered onesies with bodysuits underneath.
- Transitional Seasons: A mix of both long and short-sleeve onesies.
3. Ease of Dressing & Diaper Changes
Newborns require frequent diaper changes, so opt for snap closures or zipper onesies that make dressing and changing easier. Avoid overly complicated outfits that require pulling over your baby’s head constantly.
Why You Need Extra Onesies for Your Newborn
Babies are known for unexpected messes, which is why having extra onesies on hand is always a good idea. Spit-ups and drooling are common, especially after feedings, making multiple changes necessary throughout the day. Diaper leaks, despite using high-quality diapers, still happen, resulting in the need for frequent clothing changes. Temperature changes can also require outfit swaps to ensure your baby remains comfortable. Additionally, feeding sessions, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, can get messy, leading to inevitable spills and stains.
To stay prepared, having a stash of onesies means you won’t be scrambling for a clean outfit when needed.
How to Extend the Life of Your Baby’s Onesies
Since newborns outgrow their clothes quickly, maximizing the use of onesies can help parents save money. Buying slightly larger sizes can ensure that onesies last longer, as newborns grow rapidly.
Purchasing zero to three-month sizes instead of newborn sizes can provide extended wear. Using stain removers can keep onesies looking fresh, as baby stains are inevitable. Pre-treating stains before washing helps maintain the fabric’s quality.
Rotating onesies rather than overusing the same few can prevent excessive wear and tear, ensuring that all onesies get equal use. Washing with baby-friendly detergents is essential since harsh chemicals can weaken fabric over time. Choosing gentle detergents ensures the fabric remains soft and durable for extended use.
Final Thoughts
The ideal number of onesies for a newborn depends on your laundry schedule, lifestyle, and baby’s needs. If you prefer fewer laundry loads, stocking up on at least fifteen to twenty onesies will keep you prepared. However, if you’re comfortable washing clothes every few days, ten to fifteen onesies should be sufficient. Having a variety of short-sleeve, long-sleeve, and sleeper onesies ensures your baby is comfortable regardless of the weather.
No matter how many onesies you decide to buy, choosing comfortable, high-quality babywear will ensure your newborn stays happy and cozy. Preparing ahead of time by selecting the right number of onesies, considering factors like fabric, ease of changing, and climate, and planning for unexpected messes will make the transition to parenthood much smoother. Looking for more newborn essentials? Visit All Kids Can Fly for expert baby care tips and must-have gear recommendations.