Choosing the right number of onesies for your newborn can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about stocking up on this baby essential.
Onesies are a staple for every newborn closet. The popular one-piece garments make diaper changing a breeze and keep babies cozy day and night. But exactly how many onesies should you have on hand?
The number varies based on your baby’s needs and your own preferences. To decide, factor in a few key points:
How Often You Want to Do Laundry
Onesies tend to get soiled frequently from spit up, diaper leaks, and drool. Having more onesies means less frequent laundry. If you don’t mind extra loads, a smaller stash is fine. But for minimal washing, have at least 10-14 onesies ready to go.
Your Baby’s Spit Up and Diaper Blowout Frequency
Frequent spitters and blowouts may require multiple onesie changes each day. A higher onesie count helps ensure you always have a clean one when needed. Keep an eye on how often your baby goes through outfits and size your stash accordingly.
Desired Frequency of Outfit Changes
Babies average 1-2 outfit changes per day, sometimes more when dealing with messy situations. If you prefer changing your baby’s look multiple times a day, stock up on extra onesies. Minimal outfit swappers can get away with fewer options.
Climate and Weather
Colder temperatures call for more layers, meaning onesies paired under sleepers, sweaters, etc. You’ll go through more onesies faster in winter than summer. Stock up accordingly based on your climate.
Travel Plans
Frequent travelers may need extra onesies. Airplanes, car rides, and being out and about can all lead to surprise blowouts, spit up, and other onesie-ruining messes when on the go. Pack additional pieces when planning trips.
Cloth Diaper Usage
Cloth diapers may require more frequent onesie changes due to increased bulk and laundry needs. Having spare onesies helps make cloth diapering simpler.
Outfit Coordination Plans
Mixing and matching pieces requires more options. If you plan to pair onesies under dresses, pants, shirts or layers, have a variety of colors/patterns to work with. Minimal coordinators can stock up less.
Future Children Plans
Gender-neutral onesies can be reused for future kids, helping maximize your investment. Opt for patterns or colors versatile enough for either boy or girls if planning on more children.
Now that you know what impacts onesie quantities, here are some ballpark recommendations:
Newborn Stage
- Essential minimum: 7 bodysuits, 4 onesies, 3 pants
- Bare basics: 10-12 onesies
- Average recommendation: 14-20 onesies
0-3 Months
- Essential minimum: 7-10 onesies
- Average recommendation: 15-20 onesies
3-12 Months
- Essential minimum: 10-12 onesies
- Average recommendation: 20-25 onesies
Of course, every baby and parent is different. Use these suggestions as a starting point and adjust as needed. Read on for more onesie wisdom to help inform your stash size.
Onesie Fabric Considerations
Fabric plays a role in onesie selection. Certain materials have distinct advantages:
- Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and gentle on skin
- Merino wool is temperature regulating and resists odors
- Bamboo is exceptionally lightweight and silky
When starting your stash, include a mix of fabrics to suit various needs. Have merino and cotton pieces for layering in winter. Bamboo onesies work well for warmer weather. See what materials both you and baby prefer.
Sleepers vs. Onesies: What’s the Difference?
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are different garments:
- Sleepers are footed pajamas with long sleeves and legs.
- Onesies are short or long sleeved bodysuits without feet.
For newborns, focus on sleepers for the everyday layer. The foot coverage helps keeps little toes toasty. Start with 7-10 sleepers and just a few onesies for warm days.
Transition to more onesies around 3-6 months when sleepers become constricting. Have both available, using onesies for day and sleepers nightly.
Sizing and Fit Considerations
Onesie sizing varies by brand and babies grow rapidly. When selecting your stash:
- Buy multiple sizes ahead so you’re prepared as baby grows
- Prioritize snug but comfy fits over roomy ones with extra space
- Consider weight guidelines like “fits up to 12 pounds”
Err on the larger size if between stages. It’s easier to roll up baggy sleeves than run out of onesies too quickly from small sizes.
Getting the right fit helps ensure safety and maximize how long onesies last before your baby outgrows them.
Special Onesie Features and Styles
Beyond the basic bodysuit design, onesies come with added features and stylistic variations:
- Lap shoulder for easier dressing
- Mitten cuffs to prevent scratching
- Double layered chest for added warmth
- Tagless to prevent skin irritation
- Snap crotch for diaper changes
- High/turtleneck neckline for warmth
- Back snaps to prevent removal
- Zip closure for faster changes
- Fold-over hands/feet to keep covered
- Breathable fabrics for temperature regulation
- Gender-specific prints to showcase your boy or girl
- Two-way zipper for reversible wear
Consider which aspects are priorities for you when stocking your onesie collection.
Maintaining Your Onesie Stash
To get the most mileage from your onesies, be sure to:
- Wash new onesies before first wear to maximize comfort
- Use laundry bags for small items that may get lost
- Air dry to prevent shrinkage
- Inspect for stains and treat promptly after washing
- Avoid fabric softener as it can be irritating for sensitive skin
- Check for damage like pulled stitches or tears before reusing
Proper onesie care ensures each stays in rotation longer.
Signs It’s Time to Size Up Your Onesies
As babies rapidly grow in early months, existing onesies eventually become too snug. Watch for these indicators that it’s time to transition to larger sizes:
- Tight neck holes become a struggle to pull over baby’s head
- Onesies ride up, leaving baby’s belly exposed
- Fabric strains too much over chubby arms and legs
- Diaper area fits too snugly, affecting comfort and fit
- Cuffs start to seem too tight and constricting
- Zips and snaps won’t close completely, leaving gaps
- Legs can’t bend freely due to limited stretch
Err on the side of sizing up early. Trying to squeeze extra use from onesies that are obviously too small can be uncomfortable for baby.
Purchasing Onesies on a Budget
You don’t have to break the bank to score cute onesies. Try these budget-friendly tips:
- Buy secondhand from consignment sales, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
- Search clearance sections of retailers for discounted onesies
- Look for sales events like holidays, Black Friday, etc for deals
- Buy multipacks rather than individual onesies to maximize value
- ** Register for onesies** so you can get them as shower gifts
- Choose affordable retailers like Old Navy, Carter’s, Target, etc.
- Get neutral colors/designs usable for future children of either gender
- Swap with other parents so you can both get “new” looks
Key Takeaways
- Stock up on 10-14 onesies for newborns, increasing to 15-20 by 0-3 months. Have at least 20-25 on hand by 3-12 months.
- Get a mix of fabrics like cotton, merino, and bamboo. Each has different benefits.
- Focus on footed sleepers at first. Transition to more onesies around 3-6 months.
- Buy a variety of sizes. Bigger is better for maximum comfort and use.
- Consider special features like zippers, mitten cuffs, snaps, etc that suit your needs.
- Wash all new onesies before first wear and continue careful laundering.
- Size up promptly once your baby outgrows their current onesies.
- Use budget tips like sales and secondhand to save on cost.
With the right onesie stash, you can keep your baby comfy, clean, and stylish while minimizing the headache of laundry. Use this guide to decide how many will work for your family!