As a new mom, you may be wondering how long your baby will wear newborn clothes. Or perhaps you’re buying a baby shower gift and are wondering how long babies fit in newborn clothes so that you can shop accordingly.
The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, including the size and weight of your baby at birth and how quickly they grow.
But in this article, I will use a combination of research and personal experience to answer the question, “How long do babies wear newborn clothes?” and provide you with some helpful tips to make sure you are buying the right sizes for your little one.
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How Long Do Babies Stay in Newborn Clothes?
According to Stanford Medicine, baby boys and girls gain about 1.5 to 2 pounds per month on average from ages 1-3 months.
Yes, babies grow rather quickly and it’s important for you to have the proper-sized clothing and diapers on hand to keep up with these rapid changes.
When looking at a chart for baby clothes sizes, you will notice that the Newborn (NB) size is for 5 to 8 pounds.
Well, my babies were between 6.5-7.5 pounds at birth and I immediately started breastfeeding them. They gained weight VERY quickly. Long story short, they were both only in newborn clothes for a few WEEKS.
But as our pediatrician pointed out to us at that time, this timeline is actually the norm.
On average, babies will wear newborn clothes for the first two to three weeks of life. (I know, wild right? It typically is that brief).
However, some babies may only fit into newborn clothes for a few days (or not at all), while others may wear them for a month or more.
It’s really important to keep in mind that every baby is different, and there is no set timeline for when your baby will outgrow their newborn clothes.
Things to Consider
One thing to consider is the weight and size of your baby at birth. If your baby is born on the smaller side, they may fit into newborn clothes for longer. If your baby is on the larger side, they may outgrow newborn clothes more quickly.
Another factor to consider is how quickly your baby is growing. If your baby is growing rapidly, they may outgrow their newborn clothes in just a few weeks as was the case with my own children.
On the other hand, if your baby is growing more slowly, they may be able to wear newborn clothes for a longer period of time.
Tips for Buying Baby Clothes
Now that you know how long babies typically wear newborn clothes, it’s essential to know how to buy the correct sizes and clothing for your little one.
Here are some tips to help you out:
Buy a mix of sizes
As mentioned earlier, every baby is different, and some babies may outgrow newborn clothes faster or slower than others. It’s a good idea to buy a mix of sizes, including newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and all the way up to 12 months if you like so you have clothes that fit your baby as they grow.
Look for stretchy fabrics
Babies grow quickly, and their clothes need to be able to keep up. Look for clothes made from stretchy fabrics like cotton, which will be more comfortable for your baby and last longer.
Consider the season
When buying baby clothes, it’s important to consider the season. For example, if your baby is due in the winter, you’ll need warm clothes like snowsuits and sweaters in the appropriate sizes. If your baby is due in the summer, you’ll need lighter clothes like onesies and shorts in the appropriate sizes. If it is close to a season change, make sure you consider that as well as you shop.
Check the sizing chart
Different brands of baby clothes are not consistently sized the same way (I learned this the hard way), so it’s essential to check the sizing chart before you buy.
Make sure you measure your baby’s length and weight and compare it to the sizing chart to ensure you’re buying the right size.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, how long babies wear newborn clothes varies from baby to baby. Parents with multiple children will agree, this timeline can even vary greatly from one child to the next.
And in my personal experience, this is definitely the case.
In general, it’s a good idea to have a mix of newborn and 0-3 month sizes on hand before your baby is born. If you’re preparing a baby registry, maybe include very few newborn sizes, a good mix of larger sizes so that your child will have plenty of options as they grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
When shopping for baby clothes, it is important to look for clothes that are made with soft, breathable materials that won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. You’ll also want to look for clothes that are easy to take on and off for diaper changes (like onesies), and that are durable enough to withstand frequent washing.
The best way to determine what size to buy for your baby is to check the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. You should also take into account your baby’s weight and height to help you determine the best size.
When shopping for baby diapers, you’ll want to look for diapers that are made with soft, absorbent materials that won’t irritate your baby’s skin. Diapers made with organic cotton or bamboo are good choices, as they are both soft and breathable.
The number of diapers you’ll need for your baby will depend on how often you plan to change your baby and how quickly your baby grows. As a general rule, newborns will need about 10-12 diapers per day, while older babies may need fewer. If you are planning to have a baby shower, I recommend asking for as many diapers in various sizes as possible. You likely won’t need many newborn diapers depending on your baby’s size at birth.
It is generally best to wash baby clothes and diapers separately, especially during the first few months when your baby’s skin is especially sensitive. This will help to keep your baby’s clothes and diapers free from germs and bacteria, and will help to prevent any irritation or rashes.
