Congratulations!  You're new little one is sure to be the apple of your eye.  It is so exciting having a baby around, and many parents go overboard when buying their new baby clothing.  Other parents have no idea where to start.  As a mom myself, and a former childcare worker, I'm here to give you the scoop on what you'll need, and what you won't by age. 

0-3 Months

The most important thing about clothing during this age is that it should be easy to put on and off, and it should be comfortable.  Look for items make from natural fibers such as cotton, as they are less likely to irritate baby's sensitive skin.  Synthetic fibers such as polyester and spandex can be rough, so avoid those.  I'm going to further break down this category because the first month is so special.

The First Month

Baby won't be doing much these days except eating and sleeping.  You'll want to plan baby's wardrobe accordingly.  Here's what you'll need:

Sleepers: You may want to consider buying 2-3 of these in the Preemie size.  My daughter swam in her 0-3 months for about a month.  Sleepers need to be snug fitting for saftey reasons.  Consider the season you're baby will be born in.  Spring/Summer babies will need lighter sleepers while Fall/Winter babies will need heavier/blanket sleepers.  Also, consider the temperature at which you keep your home.  If you tend to use air conditioning, you may want the heavier sleepers.  Since babies should not use blankets, all warmth needs to be built into the sleeper.  My personal recommendation: It's hard to beat Carter's sleepers.  They hold up well, and they're cute!  They're easy to find on sale, too, or for cheap here on eBay.  They'll more than likely get stained from baby's spit up, so you don't want to invest too much.  They'll also be outgrown quickly. 

Onesies/Bodysuits: I recommend dressing baby in these most of the time during this early age.  They're inexpensive, easy to change, and comfortable.  You probably won't be taking your little one out of the house much right now anyway, so these will do the trick.  Buy 8-10; that should last you at least a week. 

Outfits: Because you probably won't be going too far with baby right now, you'll just need one or two of these for times when relatives come over or maybe church if you go.  You also may want to consider a special outfit for coming home from the hospital.  Look for one-piece outfits (with feet, preferably) for the most comfort.  Frilly dresses and cute suits are cute, but they are uncomfortable for your newborn.  Anyway, your little one will look cute in anything right now!

Socks/Shoes: It's important to keep your little guy's feet warm, but socks rarely stay on and shoes are too cumbersome.  Instead, look for clothing items that are footed.  Avoid shoes at all costs at this age because they are too heavy for those little legs. 

Months 2-3

Baby still won't be very active, but you'll probably want to consider adding a few more outfits to baby's wardrobe since you'll be going out more often. 

Sleepers: The 0-3 month size should fit now, so plan accordingly.  Again, they won't fit for too long, but it's important that they do fit properly.  Buy 5-6 in this size.  Also, consider using a sleep sack so blankets can be avoided.  There are many brands available, Halo being the most popular.

Onesies/Bodysuits: Keep using the ones you used during the first month.  Buy a few more if necessary. 

Outfits: This is the fun part!  You'll probably want to add a few of these since you'll be getting out of the house more often.  Don't go overboard, though, or you'll end up with a closet full of clothes she never got to wear!  Again, look for outfits that are soft and easily washable.  You can try out some two-piece sets if you want.  I'd suggest 5-6 outfits would be more than enough for this age. 

3-6 Months

Your baby is busy during this time!  He's learning how to roll over, sit up, and eat solids.  You're baby will probably have a huge growth spurt around 4 months, so one day she might be wearing 0-3s comfortably, the next, she'll be in 3-6s.  My daughter wore her 3-6s for a very short time, only about a month or so, before they were outgrown.  Every baby is different, though. 

Sleepers: Again, make sure they fit snugly.  You'll probably need another 5-6 in this size, maybe more if your baby has a tendency to spit up often.  Consider the season, too.

Onesies/Bodysuits: These are just great for lounging at home.  They're easily replaced if they get stained druing mealtimes, and they're comfy.  You'll probably need 7-8 or so, depending on what you like.

Outfits: Depending on what baby will tolerate, you can start having more fun here.  If baby has super sensitive skin, continue with the cotton and soft materials.  Experiment with different brands, see what you like.  Try not to spend a fortune, because, again, she'll outgrown the clothes faster than you can buy them.

Socks/Shoes: If you live in a colder climate, you'll need something to keep baby's feet warm.  Socks can do the trick indoors, but they don't like to stay on.  Shoes really aren't necessary since baby isn't walking.  If you feel you must put shoes on baby, go with soft-soled ones.  They're healthier for little feet and do not restrict growth.  Robeez and other brands are favorites.

6-12 Months

You're baby is a moving machine these days!  At home, you might want to consider having baby wear long pants to help protect her knees as she's learning to crawl.  Here's what you'll need:

Sleepers/pajamas: Starting around this age, two-piece pajama sets are available.  I still like the classic footed sleepers because they're easy.  Changing is a snap in the middle of the night, plus they stay put.  My little girl has big feet, though, so footed sleepers were a challege for us because the foot area was too small.  If this happens to you, try the non-footed ones and buy some socks to wear at night.  You'll probably want 10 sleepers of this size since they'll be worn longer.

Onesies/Bodysuits:  You probably won't rely on these as much anymore.  One pack of 4-6 should get you through. 

Outfits: Let's face it, baby lives in "regular" clothes these days, as you're on the go!  Try not to get too attached to any one outfit or spend too much, because one foul incident with the peas and it's ruined.  Have fun shopping for your little one!  I like to think 7-8 outfits is enough for this age if you can do laundry once a week.

Socks/Shoes: Baby will be learning to walk during this stage, how exciting!  Experts agree that learning to walk barefoot is best.  Again, if shoes must be worn, look for soft-soled ones that can easily bend with baby's foot.  Be aware that any shoes you do buy will be outgrown before you know it, so don't spend too much. 

Have fun dressing your little one!  She won't always let you pick out her clothes, so relish the moment now!