I published a layette guide shortly after Olive was born, but I really forgot just how fast babies grow the first couple of months, even if they’re born a month early! Now that Olive is almost 4 months old, I know what we really used and needed, so I’ve revised our layette guide below.

Some people suggest not buying any clothes because you’ll get so many as gifts, but I still think that you need a few basics. I would get some clothes in newborn sizes so that you have cute, well-fitting clothes for pictures and going out, but your baby will probably only be able to fit into them for the first month. But generally when it comes to clothes for the first 3 months of your baby’s life, I would stick to comfy basics because  you’ll probably stay home a lot, and you’ll receive lots of fun clothes as gifts!

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1) 4-6 footed sleepers – Newborns sleep around the clock, so there really is no difference between sleepwear and playwear.  Footed sleepers are great because they’re one piece, so you don’t have to worry about matching tops and bottoms, and tops riding up on wiggly babies’ bodies.  Olive lived in these during her newborn days after her umbilical cord fell off, and still wears one to bed every night. I like the ones with the zippers or magnets over snaps because they’re much easier to get on and off for diaper changes. Babies grow so quickly their first couple of months though, I would stick to affordable brands like Carters, Old Navy and Gap (when they’re having one of their many sales).

To give you an idea of how fast babies grow, Olive was almost 5 lbs when she was born, and she’s 12 lbs now at almost 4 months of age. She wore preemie sizes the first 3 weeks. Newborn sizes through her first month. 0-3 month sizes through her second month. Baby Gap’s 3-6 month onesies and Carter’s 6 month footed sleepers fit her perfectly right now. Now at almost four months of age (3 months adjusted), I bought some 6-12 month onesies from Gap and Old Navy, and though they’re a little big on her, she’ll fit into them in no time.

2) 3-4 pants – You won’t need very many pants in the early months since your baby will probably be in footed rompers or swaddled most of the time.

3) 1-2 buntings – If your baby is born in the winter, buntings are great for keeping your baby warm. Olive usually wears this one from the Gap when she goes out in her stroller or in a carrier.

4) 1-2 sweaters – Since Olive is usually toasty in her stroller or carrier, I’ve never needed a jacket for her, even in the New York winter. If she’s not wearing her bunting, she’s usually wearing an undershirt, shirt + pants, and a Gap hoodie (easier to get on and off than a regular sweater).

5) 4-6 short sleeve onesies – Short sleeve onesies can be worn as shirts in the summer, or as undershirts in the winter.

6) 4-6 long sleeve onesies – Olive’s daily outfit consists of a long sleeve onesie, pants and socks.

7) 3-4 side snap onesies or shirts – Before your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, you’re going to want to dress them in regular shirts or side snap onesies like these from Gerber (they run small so I would go with 0-3 month size instead of newborn). The Gerber onesies have the added benefit of mitten cuffs so babies can’t scratch their face. Side snap or kimono style onesies are also much easier to put on newborns, since you don’ t have to pull them over weak, bobbly heads. It’s something you might not think about, but dressing your tiny newborn can actually be a little scary at first!

8) 2-3 swaddlers – Swaddlers like the Miracle Blanket, Kiddopottamus SwaddleMe or the Halo Sleepsack Swaddle help you get a much tighter swaddle than you could with a regular swaddle blanket, and swaddled newborns  sleep much better. The Miracle Blanket is the most popular, but I would try a couple of different ones to see which one you like best (ask mom friends to borrow them if you can!). You can check out our guide to the best swaddle blankets here. At night Olive sleeps in a footed sleeper, wrapped in a Kiddopottamus or Halo swaddler, then wrapped in an Aden and Anais muslin wrap.

9) 4-6 receiving/swaddle blankets –  Aden and Anais muslin wraps are available in 4 packs, and are must have swaddle blankets for every mom.  They’re big, breathable, have a million uses, and get softer with each wash.  I don’t think receiving blankets are an absolute necessity — some moms use them a lot, and some never use them at all. We did use them a lot the first three months of Olive’s life, mostly to drape over people holding her, and as an extra layer of warmth.

10) foot muff – A footmuff like the JJ Cole Infant Bundleme is a must for cold weather babies.  No need to bundle your baby up in a super thick outerwear — just use the bundle me in your stroller. (It should be noted that foot muffs and thick jackets shouldn’t be used in car seats as they can affect the effectiveness of the car seat.)

11) 2 hats – Hats are my weakness when it comes to baby purchases. They make boys and girls look so cute!  Zutano has super comfy, stretchy, fleece hats that are great for winter and last a long time. Another thinner cotton hat is good to have on hand indoor use and warmer temperatures.

12) 5 pairs of socks – Get thick socks like these from the Gap in the smallest size available, or they’ll be slipping off your baby’s tiny feet. Socks can also double as mittens because babies accidentally scratch their faces with their uncontrollable jerky arm movements. And though they’re definitely not necessary, I can’t resist these Trumpette socks that come in a bunch of different fun patterns for girls and boys. Olive’s Mary Jane style Trumpette socks make her look like she’s wearing shoes.

I had way more clothes than what I’ve listed above because I had a lot of Charlie’s baby clothes, my mom bought all of Olive’s clothes, and then I bought a bunch of preemie and newborn sized clothes when Olive came early. I’ve already given away a big shopping bag of clothes that she’s outgrown!

Mamas of older babies please weigh in — how much clothes did you find you needed for the first 3 months of your baby’s life?