Baby Capsule Wardrobe: Essentials & Tips

Whether you’re a new kid on the block of parenting or this is your third or fourth time around the neighborhood, you’ve probably picked up on a crucial element of childcare: Babies come with a lot of stuff. Diapers, burp rags, swaddles, bottles—the list goes on.

How can someone so tiny have so many clothes?

What if you could tap into a trend that adults are loving, but make it baby-friendly? Enter the capsule wardrobe—a minimalist approach to building a wardrobe that still allows for numerous cute baby clothing creations.

Join us as we discuss how you can create a baby capsule wardrobe to simplify—and stylize—your little one’s outfit collection.

If your family has already started bringing over bags of new clothes for your newborn, you might feel like you’ve missed the chance to start a capsule wardrobe. Not so fast!

You can begin building a capsule wardrobe at any time. If you start now, your little peanut will be ready to wow everyone with their wardrobe today or even a few months down the road.

Not convinced? Here are a few benefits that might convince you to give it a try.

With a closet full of mismatched one-pieces, shirts, pants, and rompers, some of those brand-new outfits from family and friends might only get worn once—if that. Not to mention, sorting through dozens of miniature clothing pieces to find a coordinating pair can become time-consuming!

By creating a baby capsule wardrobe, you’ll give yourself back countless minutes that you can use for more enticing activities, like snuggling your kiddo or making that much-needed second cup of coffee.

You’re probably already responsible for washing your own clothes. Adding your newborn’s items to the mix can quickly feel overwhelming. A baby capsule wardrobe simplifies things by cutting down on excess clothing to store and wash.

This means you’re left with just the essentials—no less, no more.

Before you start scouring the internet for fun clothing finds, consider one very important element of your baby’s capsule wardrobe: the color palette. The hues and patterns you choose will allow you to mix and match so many outfits from a smaller selection of items. That’s why it’s essential to decide what palette you want to build around.

With any well-planned capsule wardrobe is a wide selection of neutral colors. From navy and soft pastels to classic black and white, be sure to stock up on all the basic tops and bottoms in these neutral shades before adding bolder hues.¹

Of course, your baby has their own unique charm, and you can complement their spirited personality through their wardrobe choices. Begin by choosing two accent colors that pair with earthy tones. We recommend these vibrant hues:

• Canary yellow

• Coral pink

• Tangerine orange

• Sky blue

• Turquoise

In addition to picking a complementary color combo, adding different patterns can bring depth and variety to their wardrobe. If you prefer more subtle patterns, stripes or polka dots are always a good choice. For a bolder look, florals, camouflage, and animal prints can make a playful statement.

Just like the changing seasons, your little one’s wardrobe will evolve as the temperatures rise and fall. So, when building your baby’s first capsule wardrobe, be sure to consider the season they'll be wearing these baby clothes. Florals and pastel hues are perfect for spring and summer, while richer accent colors like deep reds and forest greens are better suited for colder weather.

Starting a baby capsule wardrobe is simple. Essentially, it comes down to choosing a handful of neutral-colored staples and mixing those with a few accent pieces. With 20 to 30 specially chosen items, you can create endless combinations without overspending or overcrowding the baby’s closet.

You never know when you’ll need to transition your baby clothes from the warmth of a sunny afternoon to the chill of an air-conditioned grocery store or breezy park. We suggest keeping a mix of the following bottoms in their capsule wardrobe.

• Leggings

• Pants

• Shorts

The number of each type of bottom will depend on the season. Aim to have around 10 bottoms in their wardrobe at any given time. For instance, in the winter, you may have fewer—or even no—shorts in their collection. However, during those sweltering summer months, you’ll likely want at least four pairs of shorts on hand.

We’re also big fans of keeping leggings in the mix year-round, as they transition seamlessly through a variety of changing temperatures.

Let’s not forget the importance of the little details that complete an outfit—the shoes and any accompanying accessories that elevate your tiny tot’s look:

• Socks – You can never have too many socks. Try to keep at least four pairs in the rotation, ideally in neutral colors to match several outfits.

• Hats – When it’s time to take them out for a day of fun in the sun, be sure to bring their bucket hat along to keep their sensitive skin out of the sun’s rays. When winter rolls around, swap the summer hat for a cozy knit cap to keep their ears warm.

• Shoes – Once your little one starts cruising around the house (typically around 10 to 18 months), it’s time to invest in a few practical pairs of shoes. A comfortable pair of tennis shoes, neutral-colored formal shoes, and a pair or two of sandals for warmer months will keep them stylish and comfy.

Once you’ve started your first infant capsule wardrobe, here are a few suggestions for keeping it up-to-date and easy to manage:

When dressing your baby in bodysuits and rompers throughout the day, it’s important to choose clothes that are both practical and stylish. Opt for pieces that are easy to put on and take off, and prioritize comfortable fabrics like viscose from bamboo . It’s incredibly soft, stretches to fit longer, and ensures all-day comfort.

One of the greatest draws of the baby capsule wardrobe is that it doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are a few budget-friendly tips to help you build and maintain a cost-effective capsule wardrobe time and time again:

• Invest in quality pieces – Buying fewer pieces means that you can purchase more high-quality items that will last longer.

• Sign up for email alerts – This is an excellent way to catch any upcoming sales and deals from your favorite brands.

• Use coupons – Always check for a promo code or coupon before heading to the checkout counter. You might find a special offer and receive an extra discount for your purchase.

Sources: 

¹ Teen Vogue. How to Build the Best Capsule Wardrobe.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-build-the-best-capsule-wardrobe-with-20-pieces

² NCT. When and How to Select Toddler Shoes.

https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/your-childs-development/12-18-months/when-and-how-select-toddler-shoes