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20 Oh-So-Soft Essentials for Building Baby’s First Year Wardrobe
20 Oh-So-Soft Essentials for Building Baby’s First Year Wardrobe

20 Oh-So-Soft Essentials for Building Baby’s First Year Wardrobe

Comfy baby clothes that are actually worth stocking up on—from newborn must-haves to everyday essentials that last.

author-Audrey Williams
By Audrey Williams
Updated On
Updated On
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In This Article

Bodysuits & All-in-One Outfits
Leggings & Pants
Footies & One-Pieces 
Hats 
Socks
Swaddles
Beyond the First Year

Between unpredictable growth spurts, spit-up surprises and those inevitable “how did this get dirty again?” moments, dressing your baby in the first year can end up being less about curated outfits (sigh) and more about comfort, functionality and having a few go-to pieces you can count on.

Enter Quince’s baby collection. They’ve gone viral for their designer dupes (fans love their cashmere, silk and organic cotton staples) and they bring the same high-quality feel to their baby clothes, without the designer price tag. Plus: their picks offer little details like envelope necklines for quick, in-and-out changes, organic cotton that feels extra gentle on sensitive skin and multi-pack options so you’re stocked with extras when the inevitable messes happen.

Whether you’re just starting to build your baby’s wardrobe or looking to fill in the gaps, we’ll walk you through the Quince essentials that truly get mileage during baby’s first year. Think: cozy sleepers, mix-and-match bodysuits and outfits that work for playtime, naptime and everything in between. We’ll also give you the scoop on how many you’ll need for each growth stage (0–3, 3–6, 6–9 and 9–12 months) so you’re covered for outfit changes, diaper leaks and laundry delays—no scrambling for a clean one.

Bodysuits & All-in-One Outfits

When it comes to baby clothes MVPs, nothing beats the bodysuits and rompers for ease and comfort. Quince’s ultra-soft, organic cotton versions are designed for all-day wear, fast changes and everyday layering. 

You’ll Need: About 7 for every growth stage. 

Leggings & Pants

Not every outfit needs pants, but they’re great for layering, mixing and matching, or turning a bodysuit into a full outfit. Quince’s cozy baby pants add warmth without bulk and pair easily with whatever’s clean.

You’ll Need: About 3–5 per growth stage.

Footies & One-Pieces 

Footie pajamas are a parent favorite for good reason—they make bedtime (and midnight changes) a little bit easier. Plus: they can totally work as daytime outfits, too. Quince’s zip-up sleepers are made from buttery-soft organic cotton, keeping baby cozy from head to toe.

You’ll Need: About 5-7 for every growth stage. 

Hats 

A soft hat can go a long way in helping newborns stay warm and snug, especially in the early days. And if you want lots of options for outfit matching, Quince’s 4-Pack of knit baby hats can give you more variety, too. But don’t forget: no hats when baby is sleeping or in the car.

You’ll Need: At least 2 for the newborn stage.

Socks

Tiny socks have a sneaky way of disappearing, but they’re essential for keeping little feet warm. Quince’s baby socks are soft, stretchy and designed to actually stay put.

You’ll Need: About 5-7 pairs for every growth stage.

Swaddles

Swaddles aren’t technically clothes, but in those early weeks, they’re basically baby’s uniform for sleep. Quince’s soft, breathable swaddles help recreate that cozy, womb-like feel—so your little one (and you) can get a bit more rest.

You’ll Need: Around 3-4 for every growth stage.

Beyond the First Year

The sizes will change fast, but your go-to outfit strategy doesn’t have to. After year one, look for comfy, check for new prints, mix-and-match pieces that make dressing easier (especially with a wiggly toddler), and choose fabrics that hold up to wear, washes and spills—think soft, stretchy and durable. And remember: a few well-loved essentials will take you further than a closet full of “maybe” outfits.

You’ll Need: Around 3-4 for every growth stage.

This article is sponsored by Quince. Babylist’s free site, apps and emails are made possible by our sponsors. We limit our sponsored content to relevant partners that offer products and services we believe in and use ourselves.

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