Baby Registry Clothing Checklist

Creating a baby registry can be lots of fun, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to your baby’s clothes. How many items does a baby really need? Are some more essential than others? That’s why we created this baby registry clothing checklist.

First-time parents in particular can feel intimidated. You want to be sure you don’t overlook anything and that you include enough of everything. Most things are easier with a checklist, so use the one below as your guide, and you’ll finish your registry quickly and with confidence.

What this article covers:

• The ultimate baby registry clothing checklist
• How many clothes do I actually need for my registry?
• Shop the checklist

The Ultimate Baby Registry Clothing Checklist

General Clothing

Bodysuits and Rompers

These are the centerpiece of any baby clothing checklist, since your newborn will spend most of their time in them. Our newborn rompers are practical for everyday wear and coordinate with our hand-knit toys, and the NYC Embroidered Baby Gift Set is a great place to start: three bodysuits, four rattles and a board book.

Because your baby will spend so much time in bodysuits, choose soft, gentle fabrics like our organic cotton baby bodysuits.

Long-Sleeved Bodysuits

Long-sleeved baby bodysuits will be in constant use in the first few months, especially for cooler seasons. Soft cotton keeps your baby comfortable all day.

A babywear staple for generations, the knit baby outfit has come a long way. Today’s knits are soft, practical and stylish, in sports themes, stripes and fun animal motifs.

Pants and Leggings

Don’t forget pants or leggings. They’re ideal for layering over bodysuits when you need extra warmth. Look for soft, stretchy fabric and a comfortable waistband.

Headwear

Beanie-Style Soft Hats

Soft hats are among the baby registry must-haves. Like booties, they add warmth on walks outside. Choose soft fabrics that won’t irritate delicate skin.

Footwear

Socks

Your newborn won’t be walking yet, but little feet still need warmth. Soft cotton socks are an easy essential.

Booties

Knit booties add warmth outdoors and look adorable on outings. Browse our hand-knit booties with adjustable ties, sized for 3–6 months.

Other Essential Items

Swaddles and Baby Blankets

Many parents like to have a few swaddles for the newborn weeks, plus a couple of lightweight blankets for cuddles and stroller rides. How many depends on the season. For sleep, follow safe-sleep guidance: no loose blankets in the crib for the first 12 months, and a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead. See our baby blanket size guide.

A lovey (a small comfort blanket) is a sweet addition for awake time and outings. Our lovey blankets coordinate with our clothes and toys, in colorful designs babies and parents love.

Bibs

Bibs keep clothes clean at feeding time. Our cotton baby bibs come in a kerchief style with fun prints that coordinate with our clothes.

Special Items

Coming Home Outfit

Most parents love the idea of a special coming-home outfit. Even with a minimalist baby registry, a few special pieces for the arrival are worth including. A coordinated newborn set with a matching hat is ideal; add a pretty receiving blanket or swaddle for the photos.

Outfits for Visiting Friends and Family

Themed gift sets combine clothes and toys, so your baby looks adorable and has something to play with on visits. The NYC Embroidered Baby Gift Set includes three bodysuits, four hand-knit rattles and a board book, all coordinated.

Sets for Special Occasions

For holidays and photos, add one or two themed gift sets to your list. These usually include a romper or bodysuit with coordinating pieces, and our sets pair organic cotton clothing with toys hand-knit in Peru. Each product page lists its materials.

How Many Clothes Do I Actually Need for My Registry?

How many baby clothes do you need? Here’s a basic guideline for your list.

General Clothing Checklist

7 Short-Sleeved Bodysuits or Rompers (0–3 Months)

List the styles, colors and prints you love, unless you’re happy to be surprised. Browse our organic baby bodysuits for animal and city prints.

4 Long-Sleeved Bodysuits or Rompers (0–3 Months)

As above, note your preferred fabrics, colors and prints. Our NYC Print Baby Romper is a favorite for little New Yorkers, with taxis, pretzels, apples and pizza head to toe.

Or browse our knit baby outfits, gender-neutral and perfect for outings.

3 Pants or Leggings (0–3 Months)

Match these to your bodysuits for a coordinated look. Depending on your climate, you may not need them right away. For more ideas, see unique baby registry items.

5 Pairs of Cotton Socks

Socks are a popular, easy baby shower gift. Name a color preference if you have one, or let booties stand in for some pairs.

2 Beanie-Style Soft Cotton Hats

Give details if you have a favorite color or print. Our baby hats go with almost any outfit and come in sizes up to 18 months.

3–4 Bibs

Be specific about the bibs you want: snaps or ties, matching or mixed prints, waterproof or not. Because a bib isn’t clothing exactly, it’s one of the most forgotten baby registry items, so add a few here.

3–4 Swaddles

Three or four swaddles means one in use and spares for the laundry. Consider our NYC Print Baby Swaddle Blanket, a landscape of iconic New York landmarks on soft muslin.

For Summer Babies

Will your baby be born in summer, or do you live somewhere warm? Your baby will need to stay cool and be protected from the sun outdoors. If you’re creating a summer baby registry, add:

• 2 soft, brimmed sun hats
• 2–3 sleeveless rompers (or tees and stretchy shorts)
• 1–2 baby dresses, if you like

For Winter Babies

Will your baby be born in winter, or do you live somewhere cold? Extra warm layers will be needed. For a winter baby registry, add:

• 3 additional long-sleeved bodysuits
• 2 additional pairs of pants or leggings
• 2 sweaters, cardigans or jackets
• 2 extra knit beanies
• 2 additional pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of knit booties
• 2 pairs of mittens

Shop the Checklist

Estella is a family-owned New York brand making baby gifts since 2003. Our clothing is organic cotton, and our toys are hand-knit by artisans in Peru. You can also create an Estella baby registry.

NYC Embroidered Baby Gift Set

Three embroidered organic cotton bodysuits, four hand-knit rattles and an NYC ABCs board book, in a gift box. Our bestseller.

NYC Print Baby Romper

New York’s icons, head to toe, in soft organic cotton.

Whale Baby Gift Set

A knit romper or gown with a matching hat and a hand-knit rattle: a sweet coming-home outfit, ready to give.

NYC Little Explorers Baby Gift Set

Two organic cotton bodysuits, a matching NYC bib, hand-knit taxi and Big Apple rattles and a New York board book.

NYC Print Baby Swaddle Blanket

A breathable muslin swaddle printed with New York’s landmarks and icons.

Conclusion

The best baby clothing registry follows a simple order: start with the basics, adjust for the season, and include items at a range of price points so every guest can contribute. Now you know what to include and how many of each. Above all, be true to your own taste, so you love every single thing you receive.

Keep reading:

• How Many Items to Put on a Baby Registry
• What Size Clothes to Put on Your Baby Registry
• Baby Registry Must-Haves
• Second Baby Registry