"Oh, you're having a baby! You'll need all the tiny outfits!" Said everyone, ever. And as a mum now to a spirited four-year-old girl and a wonderfully chaotic two-year-old boy, I can tell you, the question of "how many baby clothes do I really need?" is a perpetual one. Especially when you're wading through mountains of laundry that seem to multiply overnight.
When my daughter, Lola, was on the way, I was completely overwhelmed. The tiny jumpers, the adorable little socks, the dresses for every imaginary occasion – my heart (and credit card) were ready to buy it all. Fast forward to her first few months, and I quickly realised two things: babies grow at warp speed, and they are incredibly efficient at producing explosive poops. Those darling outfits often saw one wear before being consigned to the stained pile.
With my son, arriving just two years later, I was armed with experience. I'd learned that less is often more, and practicality trumps cuteness (most of the time!). For newborns, you genuinely need a surprising amount of basics – think 7-10 sleep suits and bodysuits, a few simple hats, and maybe one or two cute "going out" outfits. Because, let's be real, they're mostly sleeping, feeding, and filling nappies.
As they get older and move into toddlerhood, the game changes slightly. You still need plenty of basics for daycare or playground adventures, but you can be a bit more selective with those fun, stylish pieces. My current rule of thumb is to have enough for about 3-4 days of outfits, allowing for multiple changes in a day (hello, paint spills and muddy puddles!). This means you're not doing laundry every single day, but also not hoarding clothes they'll outgrow before they've even worn them.
So, for expecting mums, resist the urge to buy every adorable thing! Focus on comfortable, practical staples in multiple quantities. For seasoned mums, maybe it's time for a wardrobe clear-out. Because honestly, the only thing multiplying faster than baby clothes is the laundry basket!