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How many newborn clothes do I need for my city and due date?

In shortFor a baby born in New York City on March 15, 2027, the balanced list has 70 items, 61 of them clothes, and 1,432 diapers for the first 6 months. Your city and due month change the count: the clothes follow the typical weather of the months when your baby wears each size, from NOAA climate normals, and the sizes follow the WHO growth curves.

71 items on the list for the birth and the first 6 months, with 1,432 diapers, for the weather in New York City.

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The first 6 months in New York City

  1. Feb36°F2.2 °CcoldNB
  2. Mar43°F6.0 °CcoldNB and 3M
  3. Apr54°F12.1 °Ccold3M
  4. May63°F17.3 °Ccold3M and 6M
  5. Jun72°F22.2 °Cmild6M
  6. Jul78°F25.3 °Chot6M
  7. Aug76°F24.5 °Chot6M and 9M

The first and last months count only the days that fall within the first 6 months. Typical weather: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals (1991-2020), station NEW YORK CNTRL PK TWR, NY US, 5 mi (8 km) away.

Tap a phase to see the items, the amounts and the reason behind each number. The amounts are a Cotokim proposal.

Phase 1: Ready for the birth

44 items

Clothes

  • 2Short-sleeve bodysuitNBWhy?

    2 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Long-sleeve bodysuitNBWhy?

    2 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)NBWhy?

    2 sleepers: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 1Short-sleeve romperNBWhy?

    1 short-sleeve romper: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Footed or pull-on pantsNBWhy?

    2 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Cardigan or light jacketNBWhy?

    3 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City.

  • 3SocksNBWhy?

    3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Scratch mittens (optional)NBWhy?

    2 pairs of scratch mittens: optional, for the first weeks. Short, filed nails are the alternative.

  • 2Knit hat (for going out in the cold)NBWhy?

    2 knit hats: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City.

  • 1Snowsuit or bunting (for going out in freezing weather)3MWhy?

    1 snowsuit or bunting: for going out on freezing days; your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between February and May in New York City. Take it off before buckling the car seat and when you get home.

Sleep

  • 1CribWhy?

    1 crib: a sleep space just for your baby, with a firm mattress and only a fitted sheet inside.

  • 1Crib mattressWhy?

    1 crib mattress: firm and flat, covered only by a fitted sheet.

  • 3Fitted crib sheetWhy?

    3 fitted crib sheets: one on the mattress, one in the wash and spares for nights when the diaper leaks; you do laundry every two days.

  • 2Waterproof mattress coverWhy?

    2 waterproof mattress covers: one on the mattress and one in the wash.

  • 2Wearable blanket (sleep sack)Why?

    2 wearable blankets: keeps your baby warm without a blanket in the crib; with cold (February, March, April, and May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City in the first months, choose the TOG by your room temperature. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Swaddle (blanket or wearable)Why?

    3 swaddles: for the first weeks, until your baby tries to roll; you do laundry every two days.

  • 3Baby blanket (for holding and outings)Why?

    3 baby blankets: for holding and outings, with cold (February, March, April, and May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City in the first months.

Bath and hygiene

  • 1Baby bathtubWhy?

    1 baby bathtub: one per home is enough, even with twins (one bath at a time).

  • 2Hooded towelWhy?

    2 hooded towels: one in use, one in the wash and one spare; you do laundry every two days.

  • 1Mild baby washWhy?

    1 bottle of baby wash: a bottle lasts weeks at first; buy more when you open the last one.

  • 1Baby nail file and clippers (or rounded scissors)Why?

    1 nail care kit: one per home is enough.

  • 1Cotton balls or pads (optional)Why?

    1 pack of cotton balls: optional; buy more as you go.

Diapering

  • 348Disposable diapersNWhy?

    348 size N diapers (about 3 packs): your baby will likely wear this size for about 5 weeks, with 8 to 12 changes a day.

  • 3Fragrance-free baby wipesWhy?

    3 packs of wipes: for the first weeks; Pampers says newborns may need about 20 to 30 wipes a day, so buy more as you go.

  • 1Diaper rash barrier creamWhy?

    1 tube of diaper cream: a tube lasts weeks at first; buy more when it runs low.

  • 1Portable changing padWhy?

    1 portable changing pad: it stays in the diaper bag.

  • 1Changing pad (for a dresser)Why?

    1 changing pad: saves your back at changing time.

Out and about

  • 1Infant car seat (rear-facing)Why?

    1 infant car seat: your baby should ride rear-facing from the first ride home from the hospital.

  • 1Diaper bagWhy?

    1 diaper bag: goes on every outing; it can be the hospital bag too.

  • 1Mosquito net for stroller and carrier (optional)Why?

    1 mosquito net: optional, for mosquito season in the first months, with cold (February, March, April, and May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City.

Feeding

  • 7Burp clothWhy?

    7 burp cloths: three or four a day go in the wash; you do laundry every two days.

  • 1Nursing pillow (optional)Why?

    1 nursing pillow: optional, for mom's comfort; it stays out of the crib.

Nursery

  • 1Room thermometerWhy?

    1 room thermometer: sleepwear and the sleep sack's TOG are chosen by the room temperature.

  • 1Dim night lightWhy?

    1 night light: for night feeds, without turning on the bright light.

  • 1Laundry hamperWhy?

    1 laundry hamper: helps you keep your laundry routine.

Health

  • 1Digital thermometerWhy?

    1 digital thermometer: one per home, instead of a mercury thermometer.

  • 1Saline nose dropsWhy?

    1 bottle of saline drops: to have at home; use as your baby's doctor advises.

Hospital bag

  • 1Coming-home outfitWhy?

    1 coming-home outfit: the outfit for the ride home, planned for the weather of the birth month in New York City.

  • 1Hospital bagWhy?

    1 hospital bag: it can be the diaper bag, if everything fits.

For mom

  • 2Nursing braWhy?

    2 nursing bras: one on, one in the wash and one spare; you do laundry every two days.

  • 1Nursing padsWhy?

    1 box of nursing pads: for the first weeks; not every mom needs them.

  • 3Postpartum padsWhy?

    3 packs of postpartum pads: for the hospital and the first weeks at home.

  • 4High-waist cotton underwearWhy?

    4 pairs of underwear: two a day in the first weeks; you do laundry every two days.

  • 2Nursing nightgown or pajamasWhy?

    2 nursing nightgowns or pajamas: for the hospital and nights at home; you do laundry every two days.

Phase 2: Up to 6 months

27 items

Clothes

  • 3Short-sleeve bodysuit3MWhy?

    3 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Short-sleeve bodysuit6MWhy?

    3 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Long-sleeve bodysuit3MWhy?

    3 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Long-sleeve bodysuit6MWhy?

    2 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)3MWhy?

    3 sleepers: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)6MWhy?

    2 sleepers: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Short-sleeve romper3MWhy?

    2 short-sleeve rompers: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Short-sleeve romper6MWhy?

    3 short-sleeve rompers: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 1Fleece or plush sleeper3MWhy?

    1 fleece sleeper: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 1Fleece or plush sleeper6MWhy?

    1 fleece sleeper: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Footed or pull-on pants3MWhy?

    2 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Footed or pull-on pants6MWhy?

    2 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Cardigan or light jacket3MWhy?

    3 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City.

  • 2Cardigan or light jacket6MWhy?

    2 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City.

  • 3Socks3MWhy?

    3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Socks6MWhy?

    3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 1Scratch mittens (optional)3MWhy?

    1 pair of scratch mittens: optional, for the first weeks. Short, filed nails are the alternative.

  • 2Knit hat (for going out in the cold)3MWhy?

    2 knit hats: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City.

  • 1Knit hat (for going out in the cold)6MWhy?

    1 knit hat: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City.

  • 1Sun hat (optional)6MWhy?

    1 sun hat: optional, for walks in the shade in the hot months.

Bath and hygiene

  • 1Soft baby hairbrush (optional)Why?

    1 soft hairbrush: optional.

Diapering

  • 530Disposable diapers1Why?

    530 size 1 diapers (about 4 packs): your baby will likely wear this size for about 10 weeks, with 6 to 10 changes a day.

  • 554Disposable diapers2Why?

    554 size 2 diapers (about 5 packs): your baby will likely wear this size for about 11 weeks, with 5 to 9 changes a day.

Out and about

  • 1StrollerWhy?

    1 stroller: for walks; in the essential list it is optional, because holding and a carrier also work.

Feeding

  • 2Drool bibWhy?

    2 drool bibs: for the drooling phase; you do laundry every two days.

Nursery

  • 1Dresser (optional)Why?

    1 dresser: optional; a closet you already have also works.

Health

  • 1Oral syringe (no needle)Why?

    1 oral syringe: to measure liquid medicine exactly, when prescribed.

Later

14 items

Clothes

  • 3Short-sleeve bodysuit9MWhy?

    3 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Long-sleeve bodysuit9MWhy?

    2 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)9MWhy?

    2 sleepers: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Short-sleeve romper9MWhy?

    2 short-sleeve rompers: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 1Fleece or plush sleeper9MWhy?

    1 fleece sleeper: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Footed or pull-on pants9MWhy?

    3 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 3Cardigan or light jacket9MWhy?

    3 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City.

  • 3Socks9MWhy?

    3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.

  • 2Knit hat (for going out in the cold)9MWhy?

    2 knit hats: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City.

  • 1Sun hat (optional)9MWhy?

    1 sun hat: optional, for walks in the shade in the hot months.

Feeding

  • 1High chairWhy?

    1 high chair: for starting solids.

  • 1Baby plate, spoon and cup (optional)Why?

    1 plate, spoon and cup set: optional; your own dishes work if the spoon fits your baby's mouth.

  • 2Feeding bibWhy?

    2 feeding bibs: one per meal of the day, plus one in the wash.

Nursery

  • 1Outlet covers and cabinet latchesWhy?

    1 childproofing kit: before your baby starts to move around.

How the list counts

  1. Your city's weather, month by month. We take the typical temperature of each month in your city from the NOAA climate normals 1, and each month counts as cold, mild or hot for clothes, by Cotokim's cut points: cold below 64 °F (18 °C), hot from 75 °F (24 °C).
  2. The months your baby wears each size. Size NB covers 0 to 0.75 months and size 3M 0.75 to 2.5 months on average, by the WHO median weight curve 2 and the Carter's chart 3. So a baby born in a cold month wears NB in the cold, and the 3M pieces may land in spring.
  3. Your home and your laundry. With a dryer, fewer pieces of each kind are enough. In a heated home, the clothes worn indoors follow the room, and only the clothes for going out follow the weather outside. Both are Cotokim proposals, and you can change them in the tool.

The amounts of each piece are a Cotokim proposal, the same method as our list in Brazil, with the sizes and the weather of the United States.

Example: a baby born in New York City

ApproachItemsPieces of clothingDiapers to 6 months
Essential5145350
Balanced70611,432
Complete83831,575

Born on March 15, 2027, the baby wears size 6M from May to September: 17 pieces and 2 pairs.

Two safety rules the list follows

  • The crib stays bare. The list never adds bumpers, pillows or blankets to the crib: nothing but a fitted sheet in a crib, bassinet or play yard 4.
  • The car seat comes before the birth. A child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat 5. Bulky clothing or blankets can prevent a snug harness fit, so buckle your baby in first and put blankets over the harness 6.

The amounts on the list are a Cotokim proposal, built from the weather of your city (NOAA) and the WHO growth curves, not a medical guideline. The safety rules on this page come from the CPSC and the NHTSA. Checked by the Cotokim team against the sources on this page. It does not replace advice from the health care team that looks after you and your baby.

Frequently asked questions

Does the list change with the due date?

Yes. The date sets the months when your baby wears each size, and the weather of those months changes the clothes: in New York City, size 9M falls from September to January, with 19 pieces and 3 pairs.

Why does the list ask about a dryer and heating?

Because they change how many pieces you need. With a dryer, clothes come back faster, so fewer of each kind are enough; in a heated home, the indoor clothes follow the room. Both questions are Cotokim proposals for the U.S. market.

Is the list the same for twins?

No. Pick twins or triplets in the tool: the clothes and diapers count for each baby, and some items stay single.

Data sources

Climate normals: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 1. Our use of material from NOAA, including links to its website, does not imply endorsement by NOAA or the U.S. Government of Cotokim or its service.

Source credits

We link to pages of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in our own words; this does not mean that the CPSC endorses Cotokim.

We link to pages of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in our own words; this does not mean that the NHTSA endorses Cotokim.

Brands appear only for the charts of their own products (sizes, packs, TOG). Cotokim has no deal with any brand.

Written by the Cotokim teamChecked by the Cotokim team against the sources on this page, on October 14, 2026

Sources

  1. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). Read on October 13, 2026.
  2. World Health Organization, WHO Child Growth Standards: weight-for-age. Read on October 11, 2026.
  3. Carter's, Kids Clothing Size Chart. Read on October 14, 2026.
  4. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Safe Sleep: Cribs and Infant Products. Read on October 14, 2026.
  5. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Car Seats and Booster Seats. Read on October 14, 2026.
  6. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), How to Install Rear-Facing Car Seats. Read on October 14, 2026.