BTDT- How much do I REALLY need?

Realistically, how many outfits do you need that are in the newborn size (0 to 3 months)? 10? 15? 20? 30?

How many outfits do they need in the 3 to 6 month range? Do they need more than onesies and outfits with feet? Or are those the essentials and good enough?

Also, how many swaddling blankets do I realistically need? What about comforter/quilt type blankets?

I just had my shower, and I am trying to figure out if I have too much and should return or if I don't have enough and should buy... organizing all of this stuff is making me feel overwhelmed and less prepared now as I realize I have no idea what the baby REALLY needs and I know I can deal with it as it comes but I'd really like to have a better idea of these things BEFORE that happens. Thanks in advance!!

Re: BTDT- How much do I REALLY need?

This is going to be one of those things that depends, IMO.

I didn't really need any newborn clothes b/c DS was over 8 lbs at birth.

For 0-3 we had about 15-20 outfits I think? This was way more than enough for us, b/c DS did not spit up every and we very rarely needed more than one outfit a day. I know some people end up using 2-3 outfits a day though it the baby spits up a lot (or has a diaper incident!).

I would keep the stuff you really like and then for the other stuff keep the tags on it and see how things go. That way you can take it back if you don't use it.

For 3-6 month range we probably had about the same, but there was more of a mix of stuff- onesies, plus shorts and t-shirts at that point. Then we had about 10 pairs of feetie pjs for nighttime.

Re: BTDT- How much do I REALLY need?

IMo it depends on your situation. Do you have a washing machine at your home or do you go to the laundromat?
It also depends on if your LO has accidents, spits up, etc.

From my personal experience, my DS was 8lbs even at birth, but came home 7lbs, 10z. He was in newborn for 2 weeks because 0-3 was HUGE. I only had maybe 3 newborn size outfits, and either washed constantly or just had him wear bigger clothes when I couldn't do a wash.

My advice is to wash a few things in 0-3 (maybe 6-8 sleep n plays, , 5 onesies, etc) and keep the tags on everything else, and wash as you go along. Leave tags on all newborn size clothes until you have a better idea of what your LO will weigh, maybe wait till afer your growth sono, of you didn't have it yet.
Don't forget, most stores will let you return for a store credit at any time. Good luck!

Re: BTDT- How much do I REALLY need?

Thank you for posting this question. I had my shower 2 weeks ago and went through all my clothes yesterday. I separated NB, 3 mos and 6 mos in piles. My 3 mos pile was enormous! I don't plan on washing any NB clothes until I give birth, then my mom will wash for me (I was over 8 lbs. and DH was over 10(!!) so there's a good chance I will have a nice sized baby). I got a lot of feetie sets and onsies in the 3 month range that I plan on keeping. I also got about 4 sleep sacks in different sizes, which I'm really excited about. They seem so comfy and I could just picture my little angel sleeping in it.

It was overwhelming going through it all, but once I made piles and visualized what I had going on and what I still need, I feel much more organized now.

I read your other post about your shower and it sounded lovely! Congratulations!

Re: BTDT- How much do I REALLY need?

My 2 week old lives in her sleepers. Hardly ever do I throw a onesie on her. She's currently 7.6 and still in newborn sleepers although they are getting a little short for her. I have about 6-8 newborn sleepers for her. I'd say she goes through about 2 changes a day. Sometimes more sometimes less.

As for swaddling blankets, my daughter doesn't like to be swaddled. She loves for her arms to be out and sleeps with them by her head (cutest thing ever btw ). But you will need enough blankets. We have them downstairs, upstairs, in the car, in the diaper bag, etc etc You will need multiples of bibs, burp clothes etc. I cannot tell you how annoying it is if thee isn't one within 5 ft of me or I have to go all the way upstairs to grab something.

So my advice is to not go crazy returning multiples of things like this. Even if it's the exact same design, it will not matter. You will be glad you have 10 of something after she's born instead of searching the house sleep deprived and aggravated bc you only have 1 of something.

Message edited 6/4/2012 12:52:00 PM.

Re: BTDT- How much do I REALLY need?

Posted by MaZz

She loves for her arms to be out and sleeps with them by her head (cutest thing ever btw ).