It’s hard to resist putting a million baby outfits on your registry. But the truth is babies grow quickly, and your child won’t fit into specific sizes for very long.

However, it’s also true that having many clothing options for quick outfit changes can be handy, particularly when spit-up or diaper blowouts happen. So how many clothes does your baby actually need?

Think about laundry

How often you do laundry can make a big difference in how many items of clothing you’ll need to have on hand. Below, we’ve compiled a list of newborn essentials based on doing a couple of loads of laundry throughout the week.

You might need more or less clothing if your laundry routine is different. Here’s how to adjust the numbers:

If you plan to wash once a week, multiple the numbers by two.

If you wash every day, you could cut the numbers in half.

Think about sizes

You may be tempted to only register for newborn sizes, but many babies will outgrow those quickly. Most newborn sizes top out around 8 lbs, so if you have a bigger baby, they might not even fit into them.

When adding clothes to your registry, pick a few newborn items and then focus on 0-3 months sizes. This size option will usually fit babies up to around 12 or 13 lbs.

Take a look at our breakdown for the standard number of clothing items you’ll want to have on hand for your newborn’s wardrobe (also known as a layette). We’ve also included items to add for summer and winter babies and special occasions.

Four Sleepers, Footies or Gowns $19.99 Add to BabylistBuy Now Babylist $19.99 Cozy footed pajamas or sleepers are great to have for playtime or coupled with a swaddle for sleep in colder climates. Tip: Make sure your baby’s nighttime outfits are lightweight enough to keep your baby warm (but not too hot), and secure enough that the fabric won’t bunch up or shift.

So, What Is Babylist? Babylist is a free, all-in-one baby registry that lets you add any item from any store, as well as things like help, favors and cash funds. Your registry should be as unique as you are. Start your Babylist now.

Expecting a Winter Baby?

One Winter Coat or Bunting Sack Magnetic Me Fleece Pram $49.95 Add to BabylistBuy Now Babylist $49.95 Winter babies need at least one layer of extra-warm outerwear. In warmer climates, a winter coat with warm pants is enough, but for colder regions, get full-body outerwear (like a bunting sack—a sort of baby sleeping bag—or a pram bodysuit that goes over clothes) to make sure baby stays snug in any weather.

Expecting a Summer Baby?

Special Outfits

Something Trendy or Special $36.00 Add to BabylistBuy Now Babylist $36.00 With a brand-new baby, you’ll probably have a few occasions to dress up or take some adorable photos. Having a couple of trendy or special outfits to share on Instagram can be fun.

So How Many Clothes Do You Need? Here you go: Baby clothes basics: 7 bodysuits or rompers

3-5 pants

2 hats

5 pairs of socks

2-3 swaddles

4 sleepers or gowns For winter add: 2 sweaters/sweatshirts

2 pairs of mittens

1 coat or bunting sack

2 slippers or booties

2 additional pairs of socks For summer add: 2 lightweight blankets

1 summer hat For fun add: A special occasion outfit

Anything else you love

Choosing What’s Right for You

This list covers the general expectations for how many clothes your baby will actually need. But depending on your lifestyle, budget and aesthetic, these numbers may vary for you. Think about climate and special occasions and then register for at least your minimum number of clothes. That way, you’ll have enough items on hand when your baby arrives.

Make space to add at least one or two pieces that might not be absolutely necessary, but are fun and fit your style. If you think baby clothes are cute now, just wait until you’re dressing your little one!