Choosing Clothes For Your Newborn: How Much To Spend

Having a baby is a life-changing experience, but it can be expensive. The cost of newborn baby clothes is part of the wider cost of having a baby, which can be significant. In the UK, the average cost of having a baby in the first year is over £11,500, with £500 spent in the first month alone. Newborn baby clothes are just one part of this, with new parents spending an average of £40 a month on new clothes. However, there are ways to reduce the cost, such as buying second-hand or accepting hand-me-downs from friends and family.

Baby clothes budgeting

The cost of newborn baby clothes can vary depending on the brand and quantity purchased. It is recommended to have 10 bodysuits and all-in-ones, along with a few vests and cardigans, which can be purchased for around £50-£60. It is also important to consider the cost of other baby essentials, such as nappies, which can cost around £12-£24 in the first month.

Creating a budget for baby clothes

When creating a budget for baby clothes, it is important to consider the rapid growth of newborns and the subsequent need for larger sizes. Buying clothes in larger sizes, such as 0-3 months, can help extend the wear time. Additionally, buying second-hand clothes or accepting hand-me-downs from friends and family can help reduce costs.

Tips for saving money on baby clothes

• Buy larger sizes: Buying clothes in 0-3 months or larger sizes can be more cost-effective, as newborns grow quickly and may not fit newborn sizes for long.
• Second-hand clothes: Charity shops, online marketplaces, and hand-me-downs from friends and family can be great sources for affordable baby clothes.
• Avoid impulse purchases: Give yourself time to consider purchases to avoid buying unnecessary items.
• Utilise baby showers: Let friends and family know about your baby clothing needs, as they may be willing to gift these items.
• Sell or donate outgrown clothes: Once your baby outgrows their clothes, you can sell them online or donate them to make room for new items.

Sample budget plan for baby clothes

| Category | Amount |

|---|---|

| Newborn clothes | £50 |

| 0-3 months clothes | £30 |

| Second-hand clothes | £20 |

| |

| Total | £100 |

Additional considerations

While budgeting for baby clothes is important, it is also crucial to consider the other costs associated with having a baby, such as furniture, toys, nappies, and childcare. Creating a comprehensive budget that includes all baby-related expenses will help you prepare for the financial impact of welcoming your new family member.

Second-hand baby clothes

The cost of newborn baby clothes depends on various factors, such as the number of clothes purchased, the brand, and the retailer. On average, parents spend around £50-£60 on baby clothes per month in the UK. This includes onesies, bed linen, muslins, and other essentials. It is recommended to buy a few items in newborn size and focus on 0-3-month sizes as babies grow quickly.

When it comes to second-hand baby clothes, there are several options to consider:

Online Marketplaces and Apps:

• Facebook Marketplace: A feature on Facebook where you can buy and sell new or used items from individuals or businesses in your area. It offers a wide range of baby clothes, toys, and gear.
• The Buy Nothing Project: A social movement that encourages people to buy less and share more. It is a platform where users can give away and receive free items, including baby clothes, gear, and even babysitting services.
• ThredUP: An online website and app that offers a wide selection of second-hand clothing for babies, children, and women. You can find discounted items from various brands, including mass-market and upscale labels.
• Mercari: An app and website connecting buyers and sellers. It offers a range of baby and children's clothing, toys, and gear.
• Poshmark: A large online marketplace for buying and selling second-hand designer fashion, including baby and children's clothing.
• EBay: A well-known second-hand e-commerce platform with a vast selection of items, including baby clothes, gear, and toys.
• OfferUp: An app that connects buyers to nearby sellers, similar to Craigslist. It offers baby and children's clothing, maternity wear, gear, and toys.
• GoodBuy Gear: An online resale marketplace for buying and selling open-box and gently used baby and kid gear. They offer quality-inspected items and provide free shipping on orders over $100.
• Toycycle: An online consignment shop for buying and selling used baby gear and toys. They physically clean and evaluate all items before reselling, ensuring no recalled items are on the site.

Local Options:

In addition to online options, you can explore local opportunities for second-hand baby clothes:

• Local parents' groups: Join online communities or groups in your area to connect with other parents who may be selling or giving away baby clothes and gear.
• Friends and family: If you have friends or family with older children, they may have a collection of baby clothes and items they no longer need. Don't hesitate to ask if they would be willing to pass them on to you.
• Consignment shops: Check out local consignment shops or thrift stores that specialize in baby and children's clothing. These stores often offer a curated selection of gently used items at affordable prices.
• Garage sales and flea markets: Keep an eye out for garage sales and flea markets in your neighborhood, as they can be excellent sources for second-hand baby clothes at bargain prices.

Baby clothes as gifts

Baby clothes are a wonderful gift idea for new parents. They are both beautiful and practical, and can be a perfect way to spoil a new mum. If you're thinking of gifting baby clothes, here are some things to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Size

When buying baby clothes as a gift, it's important to consider the size of the baby. Newborns grow very quickly, so instead of buying clothes in newborn size, opt for 0-3 months or even 3-6 months sizes. This way, the baby will be able to wear the clothes for a longer period of time.

Go for Comfortable and Cute Options

Baby clothes should be comfortable and made with soft, breathable fabrics. Look for items that are easy to put on and take off, with features like snap buttons or elastic waistbands. Opt for playful, practical, and tried-and-tested clothes that are designed with the baby's comfort and cuteness in mind.

Consider the Season

Make sure to choose seasonal items. For winter babies, go for cosy styles such as coats, jackets, and pramsuits. For summer, opt for lightweight outfits and hats to keep them cool.

Think About the Occasion

If you're gifting for a special occasion, such as a family event or the baby's first Christmas, go for something more festive or formal. For everyday wear, stick to staple items like t-shirts, onesies, and sleepsuits.

Personalisation

You can make the gift even more special by personalising it. Many online stores offer personalisation options for soft toys, books, bathrobes, and blankets. You can add the baby's name or a cute message to make it a memorable keepsake.

Create a Baby Bouquet

A unique way to gift baby clothes is by creating a baby bouquet. These bouquets are made from baby clothing crafted into flower buds, combined with silk flowers, and wrapped beautifully. They are a great alternative to sending flowers and are perfect for baby showers, maternity leave gifts, or welcoming the new baby.

Include Other Essentials

You can also include other baby essentials along with the clothes to make it a more comprehensive gift. Some ideas include soft toys, blankets, skincare products for mum and baby, changing tables, cots, or moses baskets.

Remember, baby clothes are a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of a new child and show your support to the new parents. They don't have to be expensive, and with a bit of creativity, you can put together a thoughtful and practical gift that will be cherished.

Seasonal baby clothes

The cost of newborn baby clothes varies depending on the specific items purchased, the season, and the retailer. On average, parents in the UK spend around £50-£60 on baby clothes during the first year. This includes a mix of essential items like onesies, bodysuits, sleepsuits, and seasonal pieces.

When it comes to seasonal baby clothes, the type of clothing and the number of layers depend on the time of year your baby is born. Here are some guidelines for dressing your baby according to the season:

Spring/Summer (April to August)

For babies born in the spring and summer months (April to August), it's essential to have lightweight and breathable clothing. Some key items to stock up on include:

• Short-sleeved or sleeveless bodysuits: These can be worn under sleepsuits or outfits and are essential for adding a layer of warmth.
• Long-sleeved sleepsuits in lightweight fabric: Look for organic jersey cotton or similar materials that are soft, breathable, and comfortable.
• Sun hat: Protect your baby's head and face from the sun while keeping them cool.
• Pramsuit: For cooler days and evenings, choose a lightweight option, like a jersey pramsuit.

Autumn/Winter (September to March)

For babies born in the colder months (September to March), focus on warmer fabrics and layers. Here are some key items:

• Long-sleeved sleepsuits: Stock up on these for both day and night.
• Short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuits: Layer under sleepsuits for extra warmth.
• Knitted hat, mittens, and booties: Keep your baby's head and hands warm with these winter essentials.
• Pramsuit: Choose a quilted or faux fur option to keep your baby toasty outdoors.
• Scratch mittens: Prevent your baby from scratching themselves with these soft mittens.

Additionally, you can find seasonal outfits for various holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and St. Patrick's Day. These outfits often feature festive themes and colours, adding a touch of fun to your baby's wardrobe.

Remember, regardless of the season, it's important to dress your newborn in one additional layer compared to what you're wearing. This could be in the form of a bodysuit or vest under their sleepsuit.

Baby clothes by size

Baby clothing sizes can be confusing. They are typically based on averages, but since babies grow at different rates, it's not always easy to know which size will fit your baby best. Here are some tips for buying baby clothes by size:

Newborn Baby Clothes

"Newborn" clothes typically fit babies up to 8 pounds, but many babies outgrow this size quickly or are born larger than this. It's often smarter to size up and buy clothes in the 0-3 months size range, which should fit babies up to 12 pounds. You can always roll up sleeves and pant legs for a few weeks while your baby grows.

Baby Clothes by Weight

Most U.S. clothing brands base their sizing on average baby weight at a given age. Here's a general guide:

• Preemie: Up to 5 pounds
• Newborn: 5 to 8 pounds
• 3 months: 8 to 12 pounds
• 6 months: 12 to 16 pounds
• 9 months: 16 to 20 pounds
• 12 months: 20 to 24 pounds
• 18 months: 24 to 28 pounds
• 24 months: 28 to 30 pounds

As a starting point, a layette or set of clothing essentials for newborns might include:

• 7 one-piece footed pajamas
• 3 to 6 one-piece rompers
• 2 to 4 two-piece outfits (shirt and shorts/pants combinations)
• 1 to 3 seasonal dress-up outfits
• 4 to 8 pairs of socks or booties
• 1 to 2 sweaters (for cold weather)
• 1 snowsuit or bunting (for winter)
• 1 to 3 hats (knit hats for winter, sun hats for summer)
• 1 to 2 swimsuits (for summer)

You may need more or fewer clothes depending on the weather and how often you plan to do laundry.

Baby Clothes by Brand

Different brands of baby clothes vary in their sizing, so it's important to check each brand's website for its specific size chart. For example, Baby Gap's 3-6-month size range fits babies 12-17 pounds and 23-27 inches, while Carter's 3-month clothing fits babies 9-12.5 pounds and 21.5-24 inches.

European Baby Clothes Sizes

European baby clothing sizes are labelled based on maximum height in centimeters, but there is also variation between brands. Here's a general guide:

• Size 60: Equivalent to U.S. size 3-6 months, fits babies 12-16 pounds or 22-26 inches long
• Size 70: Similar to U.S. size 6-12 months, fits babies 16-20 pounds or 26-28 inches long
• Size 80: Equivalent to U.S. size 12-24 months, fits babies 20-27 pounds or 28-32 inches long
• Size 90: Ranges from U.S. size 2T to 3T, fits toddlers 26-33 pounds or up to 36 inches tall
• Size 100: About U.S. size 3T to 4T, fits toddlers 31-38 pounds or up to 40 inches tall

Tips for Buying Baby Clothes

• Do your research: Check brand-specific size charts before buying.
• Know what the labels mean: The size on the label is often the maximum size. For example, size 3 months often means it fits babies up to 3 months old.
• Consider fabric type: Go for comfortable fabrics like cotton, but keep in mind they may shrink, so it's wise to size up.
• Shop in person: This will help you check whether the outfit will fit your baby, regardless of the tag size.
• Don't be afraid of trial and error: Try different clothing brands to see which ones fit your baby's body best.
• Size up: Babies grow quickly, so it's better to buy clothing they can grow into.
• Refer to a size chart: When in doubt, refer to a brand's size chart since there is always variation.

Frequently asked questions