3-6 Month Baby Clothes Checklist: What Every Parent Needs

When it comes to updating your little one’s wardrobe at around the 3 month mark, you’ll find that many of the key considerations you had for a 0-3 month still apply for 3-6.

Be mindful of the weather and seasons. If your baby is 3-6 months during a colder season, you’ll need warmer layers. During the warmer months, opt for breathable fabrics and lighter layers. As your baby will be wriggling around more and more, you’ll need to ensure clothes are not only cute but also practical for both them and you.

As a mum of two, and founder of a baby clothes business, I’ve learned a few things about dressing babies and young children. Here's my 3-6 month baby clothes checklist and some tips to make it all less daunting. 

If you’re looking for an easy and sustainable way to dress your baby, renting baby clothes from Borro can be a lifesaver - especially when you’re not sure what will actually work for your little one.

Quick 3-6 Month Baby Clothes Checklist

• 5-8 bodysuits (short or long sleeve, depending on the season)
• 5 sleepsuits (not just for sleeping!)
• 2 playsuits or rompers (great for daytime outings)
• 3 pairs of bottoms/ dungarees/ dresses (if you want to get a bit more ‘dressed up’)
• 2 cardigans or jackets (layers are key for fluctuating weather)
• Socks and booties (in colder weather)
• 1-2 hats (a soft one for indoors and a warmer one for outdoors if it’s cold)
• 1 snowsuit or pram suit (only if it’s winter)
• 2 sleeping bags (1.5 tog in summer, 2.5 tog in winter, *in very hot weather a 0.5 tog sleeping bag may be required)

See our recommended 3-6 months baby wardrobe for everything you need.

Many parents find that they require fewer sleepsuits around this age as the need for night time changes decreases, and nappy leakages are less frequent.  You are now in the minimal mess sweet spot before the mess of weaning and crawling begins, so take the opportunity for those cute light coloured outfits. Start off with the minimum and you can always buy/Borro more if you feel you need to. See our recommended 3-6 months baby wardrobe for everything you need which you can rent today.

At this stage babies quickly grow out of their clothes!

Will it fit?

They’re still growing quickly and many parents find they initially look swamped in their 3-6 month pieces, but trust me, they'll grow into them within a couple of weeks! When shopping for baby clothes, the first thing to know is that sizing isn’t always consistent across brands. Many of our items include a note on sizing to tell you how generous the brand is. Look out for stretchy fabrics and adjustable details to help their clothes fit for longer.

Other things to consider for your 3-6 month old

Your little one will start to hit physical milestones, like rolling (so it’s a good time to adjust your changing area if needed) and perhaps sitting with your help.

Teething may also begin at this time. Dribble bibs can be an effective outfit saver (some even come with a chewable silicone part to ease those sore gums).

Breaking Down the Baby Clothes Basics

You'll find that while the essentials remain a constant, you may need a few less of them for night time. It's a lovely age to introduce some cute outfits for daytime. Keep comfort in mind for their naps.

A recap on the essentials...

Bodysuits: The Everyday Essential

Bodysuits are the foundation of any baby wardrobe. Many parents use these for many months as they keep nappies in place and their baby's outfits looking 'neat'. In summer months a 'shortie' romper (a bodysuit with short legs) makes for an excellent comfy outfit. 

Sleepsuits: Comfort for Day and Night

Soft, practical, and perfect for both sleep and lounging. The ones with fold-over mitts continue to be handy for scratches and for the colder months.

Zip sleepsuits continue to be a great option, and we even stock ones with double zips so you can just unzip the bottom half when changing nappies (keeping their top half warm).

Playsuits and Rompers: Versatile Daywear

Playsuits and rompers are still a great comfy option, perfect for outings or days at home. In winter months your little one's outfit is often hidden beneath their snowsuit, so a comfy all in one layer often works best. Renting a few cute options from Borro is a great way to enjoy variety without overspending on clothes your baby will outgrow in weeks.

Bottoms/ Dresses/ Dungarees: Cute Outfits

For the days when you'd like to dress them in outfits, this is a brilliant age. There are so many incredibly cute options, you can also so take the opportunity to go for light colours without fear (before the mess of weaning kicks in). Keep comfort and easy dressing in mind and look for mix and match pieces to go with your bodysuits. 

Seasonal Layers: Cardigans and Snowsuits

Babies at this age are still developing the ability to regulate their body temperature, so layering is key. A soft cardigan or jacket is ideal for cooler days, while a snowsuit or pram suit is a winter essential if you’re heading outdoors. For my second baby, born in September, I loved having a cozy snowsuit that was easy to zip on and off. When we’d come into a warm café out of the cold I would just unzip the snowsuit so she didn’t get too warm.

What Other Parents Overlook

If you've ever considered cloth nappies now is a great time to start. Starting at this slightly older age means they tend to fit better and reduces the risk of leakages. 

Look for clothes designed for cloth bums which require a little more room. Many of our brands at Borro are 

One thing I rarely see mentioned in other baby clothes checklists is fabric choice. Babies have sensitive skin, so opting for organic cotton or other breathable fabrics like bamboo is the best choice. Most of the high-street baby clothes will use (non-organic) cotton which needs a lot of pesticides to make it grow. Opting for organic cotton means there are never any chemicals next to your baby’s skin. Organic options are more expensive to buy, which is where renting from Borro comes in as we make this a more affordable option.

Another overlooked factor? Laundry logistics. The laundry you do is about to increase, but unless you’re planning to do just one wash a week, having a minimal wardrobe can actually make life easier. You’ll be able to keep track of where everything is and it will feel less overwhelming. With Borro’s rental options, you can keep your baby’s wardrobe streamlined while still being able to swap clothes in and out regularly.

What I wouldn’t bother with for 3-6 months

Shoes

While there is more occasion for socks and booties now, babies foot development is best served by having soft flexible things on their feet. Save the proper shoes for when they really need them, and can be properly measured and fitted. They will also be kicked out of the pram along with the socks!

What Borro parents rented for 3-6 months

Average Borro order for 3-6 months clothes = 5 items

Why Renting Baby Clothes Makes Sense

As a mum, I know how quickly babies outgrow their clothes. By the time you’ve stocked up on 0-3 month outfits, your little one might already be sizing up! Renting clothes from Borro offers so many benefits:

• Sustainable: Reduce waste and choose a more eco-friendly option for your baby from the beginning.
• Cost-effective: No need to spend a fortune on clothes your baby will only wear a handful of times.
• Convenient: Save time searching for clothes you like from different shops or on Vinted, plus no hassle of dealing with outgrown clothes – just send everything back for free!

Final Thoughts

Putting together a baby wardrobe doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on the essentials—like bodysuits, sleepsuits, and layers—and considering options like renting from Borro, you’ll be well-prepared for your baby’s first three months.

Remember, every baby is different, so don’t stress if you find yourself needing more (or less) than what’s on this checklist. With Borro it’s easy to rent more, or just return things and stop paying. Enjoy these precious early days—sleepless nights and all—and know that you’ve got the right tools to keep your little one comfy and stylish!

Explore sustainable and practical baby clothes rentals at Borro.