How Many Bodysuits Does a Baby Need? A Realistic Checklist by Age + Laundry Schedule

If you’re building your baby’s wardrobe and wondering how many bodysuits you actually need, you’re not alone. Bodysuits feel like one of those “buy a million or you’ll regret it” essentials… but then you see your cart total and start second‑guessing everything.

Here’s the truth, mama-to-mama: bodysuits are the base layer you’ll reach for most, especially in the first year. They catch spit‑up, drool, diaper leaks, and those surprise outfit changes that happen the second you’re finally out the door. The “right” number depends less on what the internet says and more on two things: how often you do laundry and how messy your baby tends to be.

This guide will walk you through a realistic bodysuit count by age, plus a simple checklist based on your laundry schedule so you can stock up without overbuying.

If you want the simple version:

• Newborn to 3 months: about 10–14 bodysuits
  
  

• 3 to 6 months: about 8–12 bodysuits
  
  

• 6 to 12 months: about 7–10 bodysuits
  
  

• 12 to 24 months: about 6–10 bodysuits
  
  

If you do laundry more often (every 2–3 days), you can stay closer to the lower end. If you prefer laundry once a week or your baby is a major spit‑up/drool artist, aim for the higher end.

Bodysuits work so well because they’re basically baby’s “everyday uniform.” They stay tucked in, layer easily, and they’re usually the first thing you grab when you need baby dressed quickly.

And they go fast because real life is messy. Diaper leaks happen (even with the best diapers), spit‑up and milk dribbles are frequent in the early months, drool ramps up around teething, and starting solids can mean multiple outfit changes a day. Even the weather can throw you off; warm afternoons, cooler nights, and suddenly you’re swapping layers again.

So when we talk about “how many you need,” we’re really talking about how many changes you want available before you’re forced into emergency laundry.

Most babies go through about 1–3 bodysuits a day in the early months (spit‑up, drool, diaper leaks), so your laundry schedule is what really decides how big your stash needs to be.

Instead of guessing, pick the schedule that fits your real life:

If you do laundry every day (or almost every day): Most families do well with 6–8 bodysuits per size, because you’re constantly resetting the drawer.

If you do laundry every 2–3 days (most common): Aim for 8–12 bodysuits per size; enough for daily changes plus a little cushion.

If you do laundry once a week (or you want maximum cushion): Aim for 12–16 bodysuits per size, especially in the 0–6 month phase.

Newborn life is unpredictable. Some days you’ll go through one outfit. Some days you’ll go through five.

A realistic starting point for newborns is:

• 10–14 bodysuits if newborn is your “main outfit” layer
  
  

• closer to 14–18 if you’re not doing laundry often or baby spits up a lot
  
  

If you’re building a newborn capsule wardrobe, you can also read our blog How Many Outfits Does a Newborn Need? so you’re not duplicating items or buying too many “special occasion” pieces you won’t actually use.

0–3 months: 10–14 bodysuits

This is peak “why is everything wet?” season. Spit‑up, milk dribbles, and diaper leaks are common. If your baby runs warm, bodysuits may be worn alone during the day and layered at night.

3–6 months: 8–12 bodysuit

Still a high‑use phase, but you might start mixing in more footies, sleepers, and two‑piece outfits. This is also when drool can increase for many babies.

6–12 months: 7–10 bodysuits

Bodysuits are still a go‑to, especially for keeping the belly covered when baby is rolling, crawling, and being wildly active. Starting solids can mean messy outfit changes again, so don’t go too low if your baby is in the “food is for hair” stage.

12–24 months: 6–10 bodysuits (depending on preference)

Some toddlers still love bodysuits because they stay tucked under pants. Others switch more into two‑piece outfits. If you’re doing potty training soon, you may naturally lean more into two‑piece pajamas and easy‑off bottoms.

If you’re choosing between short sleeve and long sleeve, here’s the simplest way to think about it:

Short sleeve bodysuits are the most versatile year‑round. They layer under footies, pajamas, and sleep sacks, and they work on warm days too.

Long sleeve bodysuits are perfect for colder months, cooler homes, or babies who run chilly.

If you’re starting from scratch, most families build a base with short sleeves first, then add long sleeves seasonally.

Yes, and here’s why.

Footies and pajamas are amazing, but bodysuits do something they don’t: they act as the simple base layer that works under almost anything.

They’re especially helpful when you want to add warmth without bulky layers, when you’re using a baby sleep sack and want an easy layer underneath, when temperatures swing throughout the day, or when you just want an outfit that stays tucked under pants.

If you already own lots of sleepers, you can buy fewer bodysuits, but most parents still like having enough to avoid running out midweek.

If you want the easiest routine (especially in the first year), this combo works beautifully:

• a rotation of baby bodysuits as the base
  
  

• a few pairs of convertible footies for quick changes and optional foot coverage
  
  

• a small set of baby pajamas for most nights
  
  

• and a breathable baby sleep sack for bedtime
  
  

It keeps baby comfortable, makes changes fast, and prevents the “we have clothes but nothing that works right now” feeling.

And if you’re already working on your pajama stash, this pairs perfectly with your How Many Pajamas Does a Baby Need? guide.

This is the part no one tells you: babies can move through sizes fast, and some sizes get worn for just a blink.

A gentle strategy that works for most families:

• buy enough for the size baby is in right now
  
  

• keep a smaller backup stash in the next size up (not an entire wardrobe)
  
  

• restock once you know how your baby grows and how often you’re doing laundry
  
  

If you’re trying to decide between two sizes, comfort and fit matter more than “making it last.” Babies are happiest when clothing isn’t tight at the neck, arms, or diaper area.

If you’re trying to keep things simple and still feel prepared, aim for 8–12 bodysuits per size (more for newborn and early months if you can). That gives you enough breathing room for real life without turning your laundry room into your second home.

And when you’re ready to stock up, start with baby bodysuits you’ll reach for constantly, and consider adding short sleeve bodysuits for the most versatile everyday base layer.

You can explore our baby bodysuits collection to start your rotation with gentle, everyday styles that truly get worn.