Onesies, Rompers & Footies Oh My! How Many Do I Need?
A newborn layette typically has 6 to 8 onesies, 4 to 6 footies, and 2 to 3 rompers to get through the first month comfortably between laundry loads. We’re assuming you’re washing baby’s clothes every couple days, so if laundry is less frequent (e.g. you have to go to a laundromat!) or your baby runs high on spit up or diaper blow outs (we’ve been there!), add 2 to 3 pieces to each category.
Keep in mind, exact right count also depends on what sizes you’re buying, and newborn sized clothing is particularly short lived (only 2-4 weeks).
TLDR
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Buy 6 to 8 onesies, 4 to 6 footies, 2 to 3 rompers. Add more if laundry is infrequent or baby runs high on spit up or blowouts.
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Adjust down on newborn size if you’re dressing baby in 0-3 months early.
For the sizing decision itself, see Newborn vs O-3 month: Which Size Should You Actually Register For?
Table of Contents
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What’s the Difference?
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The Quantity Breakdown
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The Variable that Changes Your Numbers
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Small Apartment Angle
What’s the Difference?
Consider onesies your base layer that can either be the main event or an underlayer depending on the temperature. They can be short or long sleeve and they typically snap at the crotch for easy diaper access. Footies are one-piece, foot-covered outfits that babies normally wear for sleep, whereas rompers are like footies but stop at the ankle. A romper is the go-to for a sleep deprived parent who doesn’t want to play stylist and needs an easy one-and-donw. For a fuller breakdown of each wardrobe staple, see What is a Layette?
The Quantity Breakdown
|
Item |
Recommended Quantity |
Notes |
|
Onesies |
6-8 |
Highest turnover, as onesies are worn constantly and are the first to need to be changed after a blowout |
|
Footies |
4-6 |
Fewer needed if layered under a swaddle or sleep sack |
|
Rompers |
2-3 |
Lowest priority at the newborn stage. Best option to under-buy as you wait for a size-swap |
Onesies
These get washed and worn more than anything else in the layette, which is why they sit at the top of the range. We love the envelope neck styles as they’re super easy and nothing has to go over baby’s head during a 3 am diaper change.
Footies
Footies also see heavy use since newborns sleep in short stretches all day long. If you’re using a swaddle or sleep sack layered over the footie, you can get away with the lower end of the range. See Swaddle vs. Sleep Sack if that decision isn’t made yet.
Rompers
Rompers are basically baby’s daywear. (You can also choose shirts and pants and dresses as well!) This daywear category is the easiest category to skimp on for the newborn size. Certainly, it matters a bit less in those first bleary-eyed weeks than base layers do. A couple is good to start. Fill in as you go!
The Variable that Changes Your Numbers
The main thing that changes these numbers is how frequently you do laundry. For those of you who have in-apartment laundry, it’s no biggie, but if you’re in a building with laundry in the basement or you have to (gulp) find a laundromat, you may be on the more “infrequent” side and might need more garments to manage.
Of course it’s also a matter of how many times a day your baby soils a garment and needs to change. If they’re a spit up queen or blowout king, well, you’ll need more.
These factors play into the size question as well. Each of the styles will be purchased in a combination of NB and 0-3 sizes so that you get through the first months without having to go shopping (but, keep in mind, we’re always here to help!)
Small Apartment Angle
Fewer high rotation pieces is the play in NYC, as a large newborn haul doesn’t comport with city closet and dresser space. Save the fashion shopping for when baby’s size stabilizes for a little longer. For now, prioritize versatile basics like onesies and footies that layer well. (This being said, indulging in a couple of cute “going out” outfits is always a thumbs up!)
For storage solutions sized for small NYC nurseries, see Best Space-Saving Layette Storage & Capsule Wardrobe Essentials.
Dress for Success with Babesta
Babesta is always stocked with adorable onesies, footies and rompers from our favorite brands like Rylee and Cru, Quincy Mae, Noomie Baby, Kyte Baby, and Pehr, to name a few. We choose styles made in natural, breathable materials like Pima cotton, organic cotton and bamboo, all sized and styled for easy on-off during those sleepless first weeks. Babesta’s got your back whether you’re filling out a registry or restocking mid-way through the newborn stage.
Ready to pick your layette? Check our Complete Layette Checklist.
