How Many Clothes Do I Need for Newborn?

The First Flutter: Christmas Lights and That Newborn Question

I’m due on Christmas Day, but people keep asking even in July, “Are you ready?”

While I’m brimming with excitement for what’s to come, I also keep asking myself: How many clothes do I need for newborn? And when I should start to shop for newborn clothes and essentials? So, to keep my anxiety from getting the best of me, I’ve decided to set out to find the answer, without drowning in pastel-coloured clutter!

How Many Clothes Do I Need for Newborn? Essential Counts for Baby Grows, Sleepsuits, Vests & Socks

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s a Liverpool new mum-tested starter kit for a baby born in winter:

Baby grows (onesies): 8 – Expect at least two changes per day in those early weeks.
Sleepsuits: 6 – Warm, all-in-one outfits for overnight comfort.
Vests (short & long sleeve): 6 each – Perfect for layering under grows or sleepsuits.
Socks/booties: 6 pairs – Tiny toes get chilly quickly, especially in drafty old stone houses.
Hats & scratch mitts: 2 each – To keep little heads warm and prevent accidental scratches.

This selection strikes a balance between having enough for constant nappy changes and avoiding a mountain of items that will soon be outgrown.

Why Quality Over Quantity Matters: Investing in SnuzPouch and Organic Cotton Blankets

I’ve learned from a lot of my Liverpool mum friends, that a few high-quality pieces will serve you far better than a mountain of bargain buys. So resist the urge to go mad when ti comes to shopping for newborn items, and instead invest in quality pieces that are designed t comfort your baby and will be kind to their newborn sensitive skin.

Two items have become my nursery heroes:

SnuzPouch Sleeping Bag (Sand Cloud): No more wrestling with loose blankets in the bassinet—this sleepsack cocoon keeps baby snug and safe all night long.
Organic Knitted Cellular Blanket (Juniper) by The Little Green Sheep: Breathable yet warm, it’s perfect for Liverpool’s damp winter evenings.

These pieces may cost a little more upfront, but they last through washes and are worth every penny when they keep baby comfortable.

When to Start Shopping: Second Trimester Pinterest Planning

I kicked off my shopping pretty early on in the second trimester, when morning sickness had finally eased and I felt more myself. One sunny weekend in June, I curled up with a cuppa and created a Pinterest board titled “Baby Basics.” I pinned clothing, feeding gear, sleep essentials, and travel must-haves. It felt empowering to see everything organised visually, and it saved me from impulse buys later on. This has got to be one of my favourite weekend activities whilst pregnant as it really helps you to plan and prepare whilst enjoying the gorgeous baby Inso Pinterest has to offer.

Building Your Registry: Babylist, MyRegistry & Local Facebook Groups

To spread the cost and avoid duplicates, I set up:

Babylist (UK): Combine wishlists from multiple retailers into one registry.
MyRegistry: Track what’s been gifted and what’s still pending.
Liverpool Mums Facebook Group: Hunt for gently used bundles—one mum’s hand-me-downs became my jackpot of winter babygrows.

These platforms mean friends and family can chip in whatever they like, and I never end up with three identical sleepsuits.

Budget-Friendly Strategies: Spreading Costs and Finding Second-Hand Gems

Preparing for a Christmas Day baby needn’t break the bank. Whilst it’s so tempting to shop for all those adorable festive first-Christmas items, I’ve tried to contain myself and only buy the essentials for now. Here are some tips I’ll be sticking to, so I can save a little cash too!

Stagger purchases across months—your wallet will thank you.
Wait for sales around Black Friday or January clearance.
Scout local preloved markets and online buy-sell groups for barely worn baby grows at a fraction of the price.

Preparing for Christmas Morning: Festive Outfits and First Baby Moments

Of course I couldn’t resist at least one Christmas-themed baby grow—perfect for those first family photos. When Christmas morning arrives and my baby is finally here, we’ll unwrap more than presents: the first feed, the first yawn, that first sleepy stretch against my chest. Capturing these moments in festive pj photos will become our new yearly tradition.

Labour Fears and Antenatal Prep: Trusting Your Body

As the weeks tick down, I’m honest about my worries:

Will contractions come all at once?

Can I remember my breathing exercises?

I’ve joined antenatal classes, practised positions in the living room, and filled a small journal with mantras—“Trust your body,” “Every push brings you closer,” “You are not alone.” Each kick reminds me I’m not just preparing for Christmas, but for the greatest gift of all.

Future Traditions: Celebrating Christmas and Birthday Milestones Together

In years to come, we’ll weave together Christmas cheer and birthday celebrations. Some years we’ll switch between tinsel and streamers, sometimes hosting big family dinners, other times enjoying quiet cake-smashing afternoons at home. No matter how we do it, I know these traditions will shine even brighter now that Christmas Day is forever intertwined with our little one’s first—and sweetest—birthday.