What Size Clothes Should You Buy for a Newborn?
Choosing your baby’s first clothes is an important step for expectant parents. Among the many questions that come up before the birth, one is asked time and time again: what size clothes should you buy for a newborn?
Between newborn size, 0–1 month and sometimes even 3 months, it can be difficult to know what to pack in your hospital bag.
What size is newborn clothing?
Newborn size is generally designed for babies measuring up to around 50 cm (19.7 in) and weighing up to approximately 3 kg (6.6 lb).
It is particularly suited to smaller newborns. However, babies grow very quickly during their first few weeks, so newborn clothing can soon become too small.
As a general guide:
| Baby size | Approximate height | Approximate weight |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Up to 50 cm / 19.7 in | Up to 3 kg / 6.6 lb |
| 1 month | 50–54 cm / 19.7–21.3 in | 3–4 kg / 6.6–8.8 lb |
| 3 months | 54–60 cm / 21.3–23.6 in | 4–6 kg / 8.8–13.2 lb |
These measurements are only approximate, as every baby is different.
What size should you choose for a newborn?
The easiest way to choose the right size is to consider your baby’s estimated weight and height during pregnancy.
Baby is expected to weigh less than 3 kg / 6.6 lb
If your baby is expected to be on the smaller side, a few items in newborn size can be useful.
For example, pack a few newborn bodysuits and sleepsuits, without buying the entire wardrobe in this size.
Baby is expected to weigh around 3–3.5 kg / 6.6–7.7 lb
In this case, 1-month clothing is often the most practical choice.
Baby is expected to weigh more than 3.5–4 kg / 7.7–8.8 lb
It may be better to focus on 1-month clothing, and perhaps pack a few pieces in 3-month size as well.
When preparing your hospital bag, it is a good idea to have several options available so you can adapt your baby’s clothes to their actual size and build after birth.
Do you need to buy lots of newborn clothes?
No. It is generally unnecessary to buy a large quantity of newborn-size clothing.
Babies quickly outgrow their first clothes, so you can gradually add to their wardrobe as they grow.
How many newborn clothes do you need?
For the first few days, just a few essential baby clothes should be enough.
You could pack:
- 2–4 bodysuits
- 2–4 sleepsuits
- 2 cardigans or knitted jackets
- 1 outfit for leaving the hospital
- 1 newborn hat
If you are unsure between two sizes, ideally prepare one complete outfit in each size for the journey home.
Newborn or 1 month: which size should you choose?
If you are unsure which size to buy, here is a simple rule:
When in doubt, choose 1-month clothing and pack a few newborn-size pieces as well.
The 1-month size is generally more versatile and gives your baby a little more room to grow.
It is also better for a garment to be slightly too big than too small. Clothing that is too tight can restrict your baby’s movements and make them uncomfortable.
What size should you choose for your baby's going-home outfit?
A going-home outfit is often prepared several weeks before the birth. At that point, however, it is impossible to know your baby’s exact size with certainty.
A good solution is to prepare one outfit in newborn size and another in 1-month size.
That way, you will have the right option ready depending on your baby’s actual size at birth.
Can you buy 3-month clothing straight away?
Yes, but it is still a good idea to have a few smaller pieces for the first days.
3-month clothing can be useful if your baby is expected to be particularly tall or if you want to get ahead of their growth. However, clothing that is much too large can be impractical for a newborn.
For those first precious days, choose clothes that fit your baby’s size and shape, then gradually move up to larger sizes as they grow.
FAQ: Newborn Clothing Sizes
What size clothes should a 3 kg / 6.6 lb baby wear?
For a 3 kg / 6.6 lb baby, either newborn or 1-month clothing may be suitable, depending on their length and build. If you are unsure, it is best to have both sizes ready.
What size clothes should a 3.5 kg / 7.7 lb baby wear?
For a 3.5 kg / 7.7 lb baby, 1-month clothing is generally a safer choice than newborn size. It provides a little more room and can be worn for longer.
How long do babies wear newborn size?
It varies from baby to baby. A small newborn may wear newborn size for several weeks, while a larger baby may move straight into 1-month clothing.
What size should you pack in your hospital bag?
Pack mainly 1-month clothing, along with a few newborn-size pieces if your baby is estimated to weigh less than around 3 kg / 6.6 lb. If you are unsure, bring one outfit in each size.
What size should you buy as a newborn gift?
If you do not know the baby’s size, 3-month or 6-month clothing is often a good choice. Choosing a slightly larger size means the parents can enjoy the clothes for longer.
To avoid buying clothes that your baby may only wear for a very short time, the simplest approach is to avoid buying too many newborn-size pieces and build a wardrobe with a range of sizes.