Checklist: Outfitting Your Baby's Wardrobe - Checklists - Guiding Your Child Through The Infant Year

Checklist: Outfitting Your Newborn's Wardrobe

Not quite sure what you'll need for your infant? Use our printable checklist to help you get all the items necessary for your child's wardrobe.

	Cotton Undershirts Cotton undershirts add an extra layer of warmth and protect the skin from itchy outer garments. Choose from standard pullover shirts, one-piece snap-crotch pullovers ("onesies"), which stay tucked in and keep baby's stomach covered, or shirts that snap or tie in the front or on the sides, which are the easiest to put on.
	One-Piece Outfits ("Rompers") One-piece outfits are usually made with soft, comfortable fabrics, such as stretch terrycloth or cotton. The winter versions have long sleeves and attached feet to keep the baby warm. Those with a snap-crotch are easiest for diaper changes. Choose clothes with loose-fitting ankles and leg cuffs, as well as a large collar opening for easier dressing and undressing. Denim overalls are durable and great for a crawling baby.
	One-Piece Pajamas Or Nightgowns One-piece pajamas or nightgowns should be soft, lightweight and comfortable for your baby. These usually provide a better fit for newborns, who aren't big enough for sleepers sized 0 to 3 months (see below). Nightgowns with drawstring bottoms make middle-of-the-night diaper changes easier. All sleepwear must be flame retardant!
	Blanket Sleepers Or Sleep Bags Blanket sleepers or sleep bags are heavier versions of the rompers described above. Sleep bags look like long nightgowns with a closed bottom and long sleeves. Both styles zip up from toes to neck and will keep your baby warm on cooler nights or when he is older and moving around in the crib.
	A Sweater Or Jacket A sweater or jacket is good for keeping your baby warm in a drafty house, an air-conditioned room or on an outing in cool weather. Choose outer garments that zip up or button down the front and make sure they are big enough to allow the baby to move easily.
	A Fleecewear Suit Or Snowsuit A fleecewear suit or snowsuit is necessary for a cold climate baby and should be a one-piece outfit that also covers the hands and feet. Fleecewear is soft and comes in many styles; snowsuits are generally warmer, but more expensive and may not be necessary until your child is old enough to play outside in the snow.
	Socks And Booties Socks and booties help to keep your baby's feet warm, but they usually are not necessary unless your house or floors are particularly cold. Do not buy booties with plastic bottoms, which can trap moisture and keep air from circulating. Babies do not need shoes until they are standing or walking outdoors.
	Hats A baby can lose a lot of heat through his head, so it is important to keep his head covered when outside during cold weather. Choose a warm knit or fleece hat; look for one with earflaps if you live in an area that has severe winters. A lightweight, wide-brimmed hat helps to minimize sun exposure during sunny days, especially in the summer. A tie under the chin helps to keep the hat in place.
	Bibs You may want to use bibs right away, to protect clothes from spit-up and drool; you will definitely need them by 4 to 6 months, when your baby starts to eat solid foods. Look for absorbent materials, such as terrycloth, that will withstand countless wash cycles. bb

Last updated May 29, 2011

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