There are a lot of decisions that new parents need to make when they are anticipating the arrival of their first baby. You’ll need a safe car seat that is compatible with your preferred stroller - there are a lot of strollers out there to choose from! A carrier is another must-have item for those moments when your infant just wants to be close to you. You’ll also need to decide which of the different styles of carriers out there are right for you. Then there are bassinets, bouncers, and swings to select. Furniture, color scheme and decor for the nursery are other fun things to ponder. With some thought, research and advice from friends and family, your registry will begin to come together.
With our Ultimate Baby Clothes Checklist, we aim to take the guesswork away from one area of preparing for your baby’s arrival. Assembling a wardrobe for your baby does not have to be overwhelming. It all comes down to a couple of things: keeping your little bundle comfortable and making life easier for you, the new parent. If you focus on the right pieces, you really don’t need to buy too much. Your newborn might just live in onesies and footies for the first couple of months, and that’s okay. Also when buying, keep in mind that babies can grow fast. With this checklist you will easily be able to put together a wardrobe that is functional yet cute.
1. Bodysuits
Bodysuits will be a clothing staple for your little one. Worn both day and night, bodysuits, or onesies, are an essential layering piece, no matter what the season. Be sure to have a mix of short sleeve and long sleeve onesies on hand in a few different sizes. Bear in mind that many babies skip right over the newborn size so some parents only buy a couple of those so as not to waste them.
Solid Cream/Blue Short Sleeve Onesie - The Red Wagon
Made of 100% pima cotton, this basic onesie is soft and comfortable and can be worn under sweaters, footies or with pants. Babies can often have sensitive skin and this cotton fabric will feel like a dream.
Pink Striped Short Sleeve Onesie - The Red Wagon
Pink stripes add a sweet pop of color to this buttery cotton onesie for your baby girl. Expandable shoulders make slipping this over your baby’s head a breeze for easy changes.
Carters Just One You Baby 4 Pack Short-Sleeve Body Suit - White - Target
This versatile soft cotton bodysuit is a classic staple that can be layered under anything. It is also available in 3 pack with long sleeves.
2. Sleepers and Pajamas
Aren’t we all at our comfiest in PJs? Your baby will happily wear pajamas day and night while in the newborn stage. Whether it’s the middle of the night or almost feeding time, footies that have a two-way zipper or magnets can make diaper changes super-quick. You’ll want a mix of cotton pajamas and warmer fleece ones, depending on what season it is.
Chubby Bees Two Way Zipper Footie - The Red Wagon
You’ll see what all of the buzz is about when you feel how soft this bamboo cotton fabric is. The feet are fleece-lined for extra warmth, and the cuffs fold over to protect little ones from sharp fingernails (cuffs fold on newborn through 6-9 month sizes).
Blush Pink Magnetic Footie - The Red Wagon
Diaper changes have never been faster or easier than they are with this magnetic footie. Cozy and stylish, your baby girl will be wearing this on repeat.
HALO Innovations Sleepsack Wearable Blanket Microfleece - Target
In cool weather, this wearable blanket keeps your little one warm all night without the danger of having a blanket in the bassinet or crib. Available in many colors and prints, there is something cute for every baby.
3. Hoodies, Sweaters and Other Outer Layers
Layering is key to ensuring that your tiny one is never too hot or too cold, but always just right. It’s handy to always have another layer in your diaper bag, stroller or car in case weather conditions change, or if you’re moving from indoors to outdoors.
Light Blue Firetruck Roll Neck Sweater - The Red Wagon
What little boy is not born with a love for trucks? This 100% Peruvian cotton hand-loomed sweater will keep him warm on chilly days when out for a stroll exploring.
Pink Duck Duck Goose Roll Neck Sweater - The Red Wagon
This delightful baby girl sweater is so sweet you will not only use it to keep warm now, but will keep it and hand it down for years to come.
A-Bee-C Organic Cotton Reversible Jacket - Heather Grey - Burt's Bees Baby
Made of 100% organic cotton, this neutral is the perfect layering piece for any outfit. This features a full-zip front opening so it’s easy to throw on and take off, and has a hood to keep little ears warm.
Baby Girls’ Diamond Quilted Denim Jacket - Cat & Jack Light Blue - Target
This quilted jacket is as adorable as it is functional. Stylish, with front snaps for easy dressing, this will pair well with any item in your baby’s closet.
4. Hats
A hat will become an important part of your baby’s wardrobe. They won’t be wearing hats all the time, but there are definite times when you are going to want to have one on hand.
Lobster Knotted Baby Beanie - The Red Wagon
A form-fitting organic cotton beanie like this one will keep your precious new baby’s head warm in those first few days and weeks home from the hospital. You will want a couple as they will be worn at home as well as on the go.
Chambray Blue Sailboat Baseball Cap - The Red Wagon
Once you’re out of the newborn stage, your little guy or girl will appreciate something to keep the sun off of their face when you’re at the park or out for a walk. Create a customized fit with these adjustable baseball caps. They are available in a rainbow of colors and in many different fun needlepoint designs.
Navy Blue Sun Hat - The Red Wagon 
Whether you’re at the beach, the pool or the splash pad, you’ll want a sun hat with SPF 50+ to keep those summer rays off of your baby’s head, face and ears. This one is adjustable, made of 100% nylon and dries quickly.
5. Socks and Booties
You will want to make sure those tiny toes are warm and toasty at all times. You may want to stock up on several pairs, especially if you have a fall or winter baby. These teeny socks have been known to get lost in the wash!
Tan Baby Socks - The Red Wagon
A neutral baby sock can be worn with any outfit. These socks come in a few other solid colors and several prints.
Hudson Baby Baby and Toddler Cozy Fleece and Sherpa Booties, Gray and White Plaid - Target
Not only are these soft fleece booties comfortable and warm, but they also feature a velcro closure so that your babe cannot easily kick them off of their feet.
6. Leggings and Pants
Leggings pair well with any outfit and are so easy - just throw on and go!
Babies’ Nautical Stripe Leggings - The Red Wagon
These leggings pair perfectly with a onesie, sweater or dress for a very cute outfit. Made of Viscose from Bamboo and Spandex, they are light-weight and breathable. As an added bonus, they are rated UPF 50+ for sun protection.
Children’s Pink Pin Dot Leggings - The Red Wagon
These 100% cotton washable leggings are the perfect weight to transition seamlessly from season to season. The Pink Pin Dot pairs well with our girls’ roll neck sweaters, but we also carry many other solids and prints in this legging.
Light Blue Basic Pant - The Red Wagon
These basic pants pair a comfy elastic waist with 100% pima cotton fabric for the coziest pants your babe will own. Also available in navy.
We hope that we have narrowed down your choices and you have some good ideas about what you will need to have on hand for the arrival of your new baby. There is a LOT out there, and it can seem overwhelming, but it really doesn’t need to be. Keep it simple, soft and comfortable and you and your baby will adjust just fine.