Footies & Gowns

Most parents find 7-10 footies or rompers sufficient for a newborn, allowing for multiple daily changes and laundry cycles.Footies include covered feet and are ideal for cooler weather, while rompers leave feet bare and work well for warmer temperatures or when practicing motor skills. Check out our baby clothes essentials guide to build your baby’s foundational wardrobe.

Footies are one-piece baby garments that cover both the body and feet. They are designed to keep your baby warm and comfortable, as they feature enclosed feet to provide extra insulation.

Gowns are loose-fitting, long-sleeved baby garments that typically extend down to the feet. They are designed to provide easy access for diaper changes and offer a comfortable and relaxed fit for your baby.

Most babies wear footies until they start walking confidently (around 12-15 months) or when foot coverage interferes with motor development. Read our shopping tips for fast-growing infants to understand when to transition to different styles.

Footies and rompers should fit snugly for safety but allow enough room for movement and diaper changes, with sleeves and legs extending fully to wrists and ankles. Explore our best baby pajamas guide for advice on fit and brands that parents love.

Yes, gowns are a popular choice for newborns due to their convenient design. They eliminate the need for snaps or zippers, making diaper changes quick and hassle-free.

Yes, many footies and gowns can double as sleepwear. Look for designs that are labeled as sleepers or pajamas and adhere to safety guidelines for sleepwear.

There are a few things to think about when figuring out how many baby clothes you’ll need and how you should add clothing to your registry: laundry, sizes and organization. This definitive list of baby clothes breaks down the standard number of clothing items you’ll want on hand for your newborn’s wardrobe.

Newborns need clothes, and matching layette sets can make their first wardrobe something special. At its most basic definition, a layette (or sometimes a “layette set”) is baby’s first set of clothes—this typically includes a matching set of a few bodysuits and/or pants, but can really be as large or small as you want. Some of our editor’s favorite layettes also include accessories like socks, mittens, hats or hair bows, or even toiletries like baby’s first shampoo and lotion set.