9-12 Month Baby Clothes Checklist: What Every Parent Needs

Your baby is likely on the go now, be that shuffling, crawling, standing and cruising. Some babies are even taking their first steps at this age. Mealtimes are likely to be very messy and your baby will also be learning to use a sippy or open cup (bringing more spills and changes). They may be less willing to lay still for a change. Once a baby is confidently standing, many mums find a ‘stand up’ nappy change (for wet nappies) can be easier.

You now have much more scope to dress your babies in outfits, with cute sets and dungarees perfect for this more mobile age. Dressing for the season becomes even more important and you may find you little one taking charge of their layers by throwing off their cardigan. Look out for lightweight cottons and linens for summer in airy styles, and cosy fleeces for winter. You'll also find hats and swimwear with UV protection.

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 9-12 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 9-12 Month Baby Clothes Checklist

• 5-8 bodysuits and tops (depending on your nappy changing preferences, now may be the time to start switching to tops)
• 3-5 sleepsuits 
• 8-10 'outfit' items, bottoms, playsuits or rompers (look out for jumpers with poppers or buttons at the neck)
• 3 cardigans or jumpers (layers are key for fluctuating weather)
• Socks and booties or soft soled shoes (socks with grippy pads are great for new walkers)
• 1-2 hats (a soft one for indoors and a warmer one for outdoors if it’s cold)
• Mittens (if it’s cold)
• 1 coat or jacket (to suit the season)
• 1 snowsuit or puddlesuit (snowsuit if winter, puddlesuit for the rest of the year)
• 2 sleeping bags (1.5 tog in summer, 2.5 tog in winter. In very hot weather, a 0.5 tog may be required, or no sleeping bag at all.)
• First shoes (when they start walking)
• Birthday outfit (for those precious first birthday photos)

At this age your baby is likely to be making much more mess (the joy of weaning), so you will find their wardrobe needs increase (along with the washing). Start off with the minimum and you can always buy/Borro more if you feel you need to. 

See our recommended 9-12 months baby wardrobe for everything you need.

Your baby may be crawling at this stage so comfort (and quality clothes with robust knees!) are key

9-12 months vs 6-12 months clothes - which size should you get?

When shopping for baby clothes, the first thing to know is that sizing isn’t always consistent across brands. As a general rule, at this age you can go for either 9-12 or 6-12 month outfits. Look out for our notes on sizing to tell you how generous the brand is.

Other things to consider for your 9-12 month old

It's likely your baby will be teething (or experiencing some of the early symptoms) at this age. Dribble bibs can be an effective outfit saver, some even come with a chewable silicone part to ease those sore gums.

You may be itching to buy them their first pair of cool trainers. Be mindful of their foot development, and ensure that anything you put on their feet is soft, flexible and has room for growth. In warmer months, little feet are best left uncovered where safe. When shoes are needed, opt for soft ones with grippy flexible soles.  

Getting that first pair of shoes is a classic milestone!

Breaking Down the Baby Clothes Basics

Your baby is on the move and important milestones are approaching! Update their wardrobe to help them on their way. 

Bodysuits and tops

You may find yourself phasing out bodysuits, or they may still be working for you. Do what suits you and your little one best.

Sleepsuits: Comfort for Night time

Soft, practical, and perfect for sleep. Footless options are a great option for this age now that they're more mobile.

Daywear

Mix and match tops with comfy bottoms such as leggings, joggers, dungarees and dresses. There are so many adorable options for this age.

Outerwear

What Other Parents Overlook

This is a great age to introduce swimming (if you haven't already) but many parents are concerned about chilly pools. There are some great options of bodywarmers and flexible wetsuits to keep them warm. On hot days there are also great protective SPF50 sun suits and hats, to keep little ones protected in the paddling pool or at the beach.

What I wouldn’t bother with for 9-12 months

Shoes with firm soles

You may be desperate to buy them their first pair of cool trainers, but as a critical time for foot development it's best to ensure anything you put on their feet is soft, flexible and has room for growth. In warmer months, little feet are best left uncovered where safe. When shoes are needed, opt for soft ones with grippy flexible soles.

What Borro parents rented for 9-12 months

Average Borro order for 9-12 months clothes = 9 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 9-12 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, joggers, leggings and layers—and considering options like renting from Borro, you’ll be well-prepared.

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. 

Explore sustainable and practical baby clothes rentals at Borro.