Did you know that parents spend between $21,000 and $51,000 during the first year of their child’s life?
Much of this money goes towards medical expenses, supplies, and strollers. However, clothes also play a large factor.
If you are wanting to watch your spending, you must learn about different clothing sizes so that you don’t overbuy.
Continue reading to discover the newborn baby clothing stages so that you can keep your little one comfortable!
Preemie
If you deliver your baby weeks before your due date, you will want to get preemie newborn baby clothing.
Preemie sizes are made for babies that are under 5 pounds and up to 17 inches long. This is the smallest size of clothing that you can get for babies and the options might be limited. You shouldn’t have to stock up on too many varieties of this size, however, because your baby will quickly catch up in size.
When looking at baby clothing size guides, always make sure that your child hasn’t grown. It is recommended that you get onesies, sleepers, and pants in preemie size if your baby is small enough.
Newborn
The most common starting place for baby clothes is the newborn size.
Newborn baby clothes are meant for babies that are 5 to 8 pounds and between 17 and 21 inches long. If you deliver your child close to their due date, or between 37 and 40 weeks, you should stock up on these sizes. Although your child might come out weighing more than 8 pounds, it is good to have this size in the drawers.
Many people get newborn clothing at baby showers and while preparing for the baby to arrive. You shouldn’t have to stock up on too many options in this size, however, because the baby will quickly grow out of them.
0 to 3 Months
Some people assume that newborn and 0 to 3-month size clothing are the same. However, they are separate from one another.
The 0 to 3-month size is meant for babies that are between 8 and 12 pounds. The typical length of this size clothing is meant for babies that are between 21 and 24 inches long. If you have a baby that falls within the newborn size by weight, but they are extra long, you should consider putting them in the 0 to 3-month size.
It is not uncommon for babies to be born weighing more than 8 pounds. When you go to pack your hospital bags for labor, be sure to include a couple of outfits in this size. Some babies weigh between 8 to 10 pounds, which won’t fit in the newborn options.
3 to 6 Months
The 3 to 6-month size is ideal for babies that weigh between 12 and 16 pounds.
These baby clothing sizes can be bought in more variety because your child should have more time to wear them. Babies can fit in this size when they are between 24 and 26 inches long. If they are a little shy of this weight and length, however, they should still be able to fit comfortably with extra room.
During the winter, many people will layer up their babies who are wearing 0 to 3-month sizes in 3 to 6-month clothing. This allows them extra room to move in and won’t make their underlying layers too tight.
6 to 9 Months
Learning how to get clothes for a baby is crucial when they are under 1 year of age.
Your baby will need to wear the 6 to 9-month clothing size when they weigh between 16 and 20 pounds. At this point, your little one is likely moving around and their growth has slightly slowed down. You can stock up on this size of clothing, as they will be in it for a while.
When your baby is wearing 6 to 9 months size, they should be between 26 and 28 inches. This means that your child is more than 2 feet long!
12 Months
If you are looking for baby clothes for your 20 to 24-pound baby, 12-month size is the way to go.
Even if your child isn’t quite a year old, they might be able to fit in this size. Especially if they fall between 28 and 30 inches long. Although you don’t need to have 12-month sizes stocked up before the baby is born, it is still a good idea to buy things in this size while they are growing.
Since babies grow out of each size so quickly, having some 12-month options in the closet will give you peace of mind. The 12-month size can still be found within the baby clothing section, but soon enough they will be in the kid’s department!
18 Months
The last size that you will need to buy from the baby section at the store is for 18 months.
18-month baby sizes are meant for children who are 24 to 28 pounds. They fit babies that are between 30 and 32 inches. Most kids who wear this size are between 1 year of age or 1 and a half years of age. You must prioritize the length and weight of the baby over their age when determining what sizes to get.
24 Months
Although 24 months, AKA 2T, is no longer in the baby section, it is still important to prepare for.
The 2T size is meant for toddlers that are 28 to 32 pounds. They also must be between 32 and 34 inches long. At this point, your little one will be running around and crawling. You should stock up on plenty of clothing options in this size as things might get damaged.
After your baby starts outgrowing the 24-month size, you will need to look in the toddler section for 3T and beyond.
Know When To Buy Newborn Baby Clothing
When it comes to newborn baby clothing, you must think about the different sizes and designs.
Depending on the age and size of your baby, you might be ahead of the game and have your baby in larger-sized clothing. By utilizing this guide, you can get the right measurements and weights for each clothing size. This information will be particularly important if you have a newborn or 2 year old.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match clothing to save on money. Babies will quickly outgrow their clothing, and some outfits might even go unused.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about how to buy baby clothes and prepare for your little one’s arrival!
Disclosure: collaborative post
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