October 29, 2026
Newborn Clothes Checklist: What Your Baby Needs for the First 3 Months
Newborns grow fast, and most families end up with more tiny clothes than they ever use. This list covers what you actually need for the first three months, with room to adjust for the season and how often you do laundry. The numbers assume washing every two to three days.
Which sizes to buy
- Buy mostly 0–3M. Many babies skip newborn-only sizes within a couple of weeks.
- Add a few 3–6M pieces, so you're ready when the growth spurts hit.
- Go by height and weight, not age. Our size guide lists both for every size.
The everyday basics
| Item | How many | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bodysuits | 7–10 | The base layer for everything. Envelope necks and snaps make changes easier. |
| Sleepsuits or gowns | 5–7 | Knotted gowns make night-time nappy changes quick. |
| Soft pants or leggings | 4–6 | Pull-on, with a waistband that leaves room for the nappy. |
| Cardigans or light knits | 2–3 | Easy to add or take off as rooms warm up and cool down. |
| Socks or booties | 6–8 pairs | They go missing. Buy more than you think. |
| Hats or bonnets | 2 | One soft cotton bonnet, plus a warm hat in winter. |
| Scratch mittens | 2 pairs | For the first weeks, while nails are sharp. |
Sleep and feeding
| Item | How many | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Muslin swaddles | 3–4 | For swaddling, the stroller, nursing cover and tummy time. |
| Sleep sacks | 2 | A wearable blanket for once your baby has outgrown swaddling. |
| Crib sheets | 2–3 | One on, one in the wash, one spare for night-time leaks. |
| Burp cloths | 6–8 | Muslin is light, absorbent and dries fast. |
| Bibs | 3–4 | Handy for dribbly days, even before solids. |
For sleep, follow Health Canada's safe sleep advice: put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm, flat crib mattress, with no pillows, bumpers or loose blankets.
The coming home outfit
Keep it simple and soft: a cotton bodysuit, a sleepsuit or pants, a bonnet, socks and a swaddle to tuck around them once they're buckled in. Pack two sizes in case your baby arrives bigger or smaller than expected. See our Coming Home collection.
Seasonal extras for Canada
- Winter: a warm hat, mittens and a bunting bag or snowsuit for the stroller. For the car seat, Transport Canada advises against bulky snowsuits under the harness. Dress your baby in thin layers, buckle them in snugly, then put a blanket over the harness.
- Summer: breathable cotton mul and linen, a sun hat with a brim, and fewer layers. Keep young babies in the shade.
Before the first wear
- Wash everything once, in a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
- Remove any stickers and tags.
- Sort by size, so the next size up is ready when you need it.
Shop the basics
Start with our Cotton Mul Bodysuit, browse Newborn 0–2, or Sleep & Swaddle.