Newborn vs 0-3 Month: Which Size Should You Actually Register For?
Register primarily for 0-3 months, with only a small amount of the newborn size because most babies outgrow the newborn size in 2 to 4 weeks. Some even skip it altogether. Of course if your baby is premature or smaller, they'll likely be wearing newborn sizes a bit longer.
TLDR
- Lean into 0-3 month for the bulk of your registry. (And if you're a lucky New Yorker where space isn't an issue, you can go for some 3-6 and 6-12 as well but don't expect to see them for a bit!)
- As for the newborn size, just do a couple onesies and of course your going home outfit. the only exception is if your baby is smaller or premature, in which case, more NB sized items is suggested.
For the item-by-item quantities, see Onesies, Footies, and Rompers: How Many of Each Do You Need?
Table of Contents
- Why This Decision Trips People Up
- The Case for Newborn Size (When You Need It)
- The Case for Leaning Into 0-3 Month
- How to Split Your Registry
- NYC Apartment Angle
- What If You Don't Know Baby's Birth Weight Yet?
Why This Decision Trips People Up
Newborn size feels like the obvious choice when you're registering for a baby who doesn't exist yet: It's literally labeled for newborns. But most babies move through it in a blink, and registries that include lots of this size often end up with a drawer full of unworn, tags on clothes. We're not saying to avoid NB size altogether. Just don't make it the mainstay.
The Case for Newborn Size (When You Need It)
Newborn size still earns a spot on your registry for:
- Babies under 7-7.5 lbs at birth. Not surprisingly if baby starts small, they'll wear the NB size for longer.
- Premature or early-term babies: Again, makes sense. They have some catching up to do size-wise.
- The hospital stay and going-home outfit: This is a biggie! You'll have some keeper photos of you and baby in the hospital and going home. This is prime time for your newborn picks.
The Case for Leaning Into 0-3 Month
For average birth weight babies (7.5 lbs and up), 0-3 month sizing takes over within days to weeks, which makes it smart to weight your registry in this size. This saves cost, reduces waste and ensures you'll have fewer panicked scrambles to a local store or between feedings and catnap online shopping seshes.
How To Split Your Registry
A useful rule of thumb: Keep newborn size options light, and put the bulk of your registry in 0-3 month. Any overage, opt for a smattering of the bigger sizes, 3-6 and 6-12 months, if you have the room! But for the littles, here's how it breaks down:
| Item | Newborn Size | 0-3 months | Total | Notes |
| Onesies | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6-8 | If you want to register for more, opt for 3-6 months and 6-12 months. Just be mindful of the season. |
| Footies | 1-2 | 3-4 | 4-6 | This is the mainstay sleepwear. With so many naps if you overdo it a smidge, do it in the bigger size. |
| Rompers/ Daywear | 0-1 | 2-3 | 2-3 | You can also amp this one up a little bit if you'd like a few 'occasion' outfits. Forgiving silhouettes are always great - like a dress can become a tunic worn with leggings as baby grows. |
If you're expecting a smaller or premature baby, shift these ratios toward the newborn size instead. The totals can stay roughly the same but more of each category should sit in that first size.
NYC Apartment Angle
Less storage space means less appetite for a large newborn-only haul that's obsolete within weeks. This is one more reason to lean into 0-3 months from the start. For how to organize whichever sizes you do buy, see Best Space-Saving Layette Storage & Capsule Wardrobe Essentials.
What If You Don't Know Baby's Birth Weight Yet?
Most parents register before baby's born so this is the norm. You have no idea if your baby will be big or small. The idea is to register for your layette assuming the average birth weight split above as your default. Treat the newborn size as an "easy to gift-card" or last-minute order if baby is smaller than expected. It's a fast top-up rather than a full registry rebuild.
Dress For Success With Babesta
Whether it's NB or 0-3, Babesta has the best brands in layette, with natural materials, easy zips and snaps, all hand chosen to make it easier for you all during those first few months. Choose from beloved brands like Rylee and Cru, Quincy Mae, Kyte Baby, Pehr, Mini Rodini, Bobo Chose, Molo and more.
Don't lose your cool shopping for your layette (use our Layette Checklist). Babesta's got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do babies actually wear newborn size clothes?
Yes, but only briefly, as most babies wear newborn size for two to four weeks, and some larger babies skip it almost entirely.
How long does a baby wear newborn size before outgrowing it?
Typically two to four weeks for average birth weight babies, though premature or smaller babies may wear it for longer.
Should I register for newborn size at all?
Yes, but in a small amount. A handful of onesies and a going home outfit is usually enough, with the bulk of your registry weighted toward 0-3 month clothing.
What if my baby is born bigger or smaller than expected?
If baby is bigger, you can often skip newborn size and move straight into what you already have in 0-3 months. If baby is smaller or premature, you may need a bit more newborn size than planned. We try to make it an easy top-off at Babesta, (we'll deliver or ship right out) rather than a panic!
