This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links — at no extra cost to you.
When shopping for newborn bodysuits, the biggest frustration isn’t finding a cute print — it’s that a newborn size from one brand might fit like a preemie from another, while a ‘3-month’ from the same brand can shrink into a doll shirt after one wash.
Manufacturers rarely mention that their sizing runs small, and many parents discover only after buying that they need to order one or two sizes up. The real choice comes down to whether you’re willing to gamble on low per-piece cost with unpredictable fit, or pay slightly more for a more consistent sizing track record. Built-in mittens and side snaps add niche value but introduce their own trade-offs — scratch protection versus tedious fastening.
Best for Everyday use
Carter’s Simple Joys 6-Pack
Rating: 4.8 ★ | Price: $20 | Pieces per Pack: 6 | Sleeve Length: Short | Sizing Note: Runs slightly large | Material: 100% Cotton
Consistent sizing and soft cotton fabric that holds up wash after wash make this 6-pack a reliable everyday choice for baby girls.
Across over 70,000 reviews, the sizing stays consistent — no guessing between colors or batches. The cotton gets softer with each wash and the prints don’t fade, which means these bodysuits survive the newborn rotation without looking tired. The trade-off is a neck opening that lacks stretch, so pulling it over a baby’s head takes a bit more effort than a side-snap or envelope-neck style.
Parents who prioritize fit reliability and softness over the lowest per-piece price will get the most out of this pack. It’s especially useful for layering under outfits or as a daily staple. Just be prepared for the snug neck hole — it’s the one consistent complaint across top reviews, and it’s worth knowing before you dress a squirming infant.
Pros
- Cotton fabric stays soft and doesn’t pill after repeated washing
- Patterns and colors remain vibrant without fading
- Six-pack provides solid value for the quality and fit consistency
Cons
- Neck opening lacks stretch, making it difficult to pull over baby’s head
- Sizing may run slightly large for some babies
Buy this if you want consistent sizing and soft fabric that holds up. Skip it if you need a side-snap style or the absolute lowest per-piece cost.
Best for Budget basics
Gerber 8-Pack Short Sleeve
Rating: 4.8 ★ | Price: $16.99 | Pieces per Pack: 8 | Sleeve Length: Short | Sizing Note: Runs small, size up | Material: Cotton
The cheapest per-piece onesie pack at $2.12, but sizing risk makes it a gamble for parents who need consistent fit.
At $2.12 per onesie, this Gerber 8-pack undercuts the Carter’s top pick by nearly a dollar each. The 100% cotton fabric is soft enough for newborn skin, and the neutral colors work for any baby. However, sizing runs small — over half of mentions warn that the onesies fit tighter than expected, and shrinkage after washing compounds the problem. Parents consistently advise ordering one full size up, which can offset the per-piece savings if the baby outgrows them quickly. The thin fabric also means diapers may show through, making these better as undershirts. Best suited for budget-conscious parents stocking up on basics who are willing to size up and accept the fit gamble.
Pros
- Costs $2.12 per onesie, far less than comparable multipacks.
- Soft 100% cotton feels gentle against baby’s skin.
- Neutral colors and simple patterns suit any baby and mix with other outfits.
Cons
- Runs small; most parents need to order one size up to get a proper fit.
- Fabric can be thin enough to show diaper outlines through the material.
Buy this if you need the lowest-cost onesies and are willing to order one size up. Skip it if consistent fit and thicker fabric matter more than the lowest price.
Best for Newborns
Gerber Long-Sleeve w/ Mittens
Rating: 4.8 ★ | Price: $18.99 | Pieces per Pack: 3 or 6 | Sleeve Length: Long | Sizing Note: Runs very small, order up | Material: Cotton
The only long-sleeve onesie with built-in mitten cuffs for scratch protection, but severe sizing makes sizing up mandatory.
Built-in mitten cuffs fold over newborn hands to prevent face scratching, a feature missing from most budget multipacks. The soft cotton is gentle on sensitive skin and layers well for cool weather. However, this set runs extremely small before washing, and shrinkage after a wash cycle means many babies outgrow them quickly. Most parents must order at least one size up, preferably two. Best suited for newborns on the smaller side who need scratch protection; average-size babies may not fit even at the correct labeled size.
Pros
- Built-in mitten cuffs prevent newborns from scratching their faces without needing separate mittens
- Soft, breathable 100% cotton fabric is gentle on sensitive newborn skin
- Good value for a long-sleeve multipack, especially for layering in cooler weather
Cons
- Runs very small and shrinks significantly after washing; most buyers need to order at least one size up
- Fabric is thinner than expected for long sleeves, less durable for rough play or frequent washing
Buy this if you need built-in scratch protection for a smaller newborn and can size up two sizes. Skip it if consistent sizing matters more than the mittens.
Best for Sensitive skin
Burt’s Bees 5-Pack Organic
Rating: 4.8 ★ | Price: $22.46 | Pieces per Pack: 5 | Sleeve Length: Short or Long | Sizing Note: Inconsistent across colors | Material: Organic Cotton
GOTS-certified organic cotton bodysuits that soften with every wash, ideal for sensitive skin but with fit and durability trade-offs compared to Carter’s top pick.
These bodysuits use GOTS-certified organic cotton that feels exceptionally soft and becomes even softer after washing — a clear advantage for babies with eczema or sensitive skin. However, unlike the top pick’s consistent sizing, this 5-pack has fit issues: colors in the same pack vary in size, and some buyers report seam holes after a few washes. The trade-off works for eco-conscious parents who prioritize organic materials and softness, but for predictable sizing and long-lasting construction, the Carter’s 6-pack is a better choice.
Pros
- Incredibly soft organic cotton that gets even softer after washing
- Great for babies with sensitive skin or eczema
- Cute gender-neutral prints
Cons
- Sizing varies between colors in the same pack, making fit unpredictable
- Seams may develop holes after a few washes
Buy this if you want premium organic softness for sensitive skin and can accept fit variability and occasional durability issues.
Best for NICU babies
Carter’s Side Snap 5-Pack
Rating: 4.8 ★ | Price: $20 | Pieces per Pack: 5 | Sleeve Length: Short | Sizing Note: True to size | Material: Cotton
Side-snap kimono design eliminates overhead dressing for delicate newborns, but the many snaps slow changes compared to the top pick.
Unlike standard bodysuits that pull over the head, the Carter’s Side Snap 5-Pack uses a kimono-style wrap with side snaps, making it much easier to dress a newborn without disturbing their head or arms. This design is especially valued by NICU and preemie parents who need minimal handling. However, each bodysuit has numerous snaps that take time to close – 39% of snap-related reviewer comments are negative, citing frustration during late-night changes. For parents willing to trade faster changes for easier dressing, this pack is a solid alternative to the top pick’s simpler overhead design.
Pros
- Side-snap design allows dressing without pulling over the head
- Soft cotton fabric is gentle on sensitive newborn skin
- Durable thick material holds up to frequent washing
Cons
- Closing all snaps is tedious and time-consuming, especially during nighttime changes
Buy this if your baby needs a no-overhead dressing solution or is in NICU. Skip it if you want the fastest possible diaper changes and fewer snaps to manage.
Best for Animal prints
Onesies Brand 8-Pack Boys
Rating: 4.8 ★ | Price: $24.95 | Pieces per Pack: 8 | Sleeve Length: Short | Sizing Note: Runs very small, size up | Material: Cotton
Unique animal prints for boys, but sizing is so small you’ll likely need to order 1–2 sizes up.
Eight short-sleeve bodysuits with playful dog, tiger, and other animal designs not found in other multipacks. The 100% cotton fabric feels thick and sturdy, holding up well to repeated washing. But severe sizing issues undercut the appeal: customers consistently report that the bodysuits run very small, often requiring ordering 1–2 sizes up. That delay in fit can mean the baby outgrows them before they ever fit well. The per-piece cost is also higher than the Gerber alternatives, making this a trade-off of cute prints versus practical value.
Pros
- Adorable animal and fun-themed prints not available in other packs
- Thick, sturdy 100% cotton material holds up to washing
Cons
- Runs very small – many customers advise ordering 1–2 sizes up, which may mean the baby grows out of them before wearing
Worth considering if you prioritize unique animal prints over reliable fit and are willing to size up significantly.
How to Choose
The single most important buying insight is that sizing varies dramatically between brands and even within packs, so always check recent reviews and consider ordering up a size.
Number of Pieces
Multipacks range from 3 to 8 onesies. More pieces lower the per-unit cost but increase the risk of getting a print you don’t love. For newborns who go through 8–12 outfits a day, a 5- to 8-pack is a practical starting point. Smaller packs work if you plan to mix and match with other brands.
Sleeve Length
Short-sleeve bodysuits are great for layering under sleepers or for warm weather. Long-sleeve options provide extra warmth and often include built-in mittens for scratch protection. If you live in a moderate climate, a mix of both gives you flexibility.
Fit and Sizing
Gerber consistently runs smaller than Carter’s – many parents need to order one full size up, sometimes two for long-sleeve versions. Even within the same brand, different colors can fit differently. Always read recent reviews for sizing warnings before buying, especially for newborns.
Material
Standard 100% cotton is soft and breathable, but thin fabric can show diaper outlines and wear out faster. Organic cotton (GOTS-certified) is gentler on sensitive skin but may come with durability trade-offs like seam holes after a few washes. Ribbed cotton tends to hold its shape better.
Special Features
Side-snap bodysuits (kimono style) avoid pulling anything over the head, a lifesaver for NICU babies or newborns with sensitive necks. Built-in mitten cuffs prevent face scratching but can be bulky. Standard bottom snaps are the most common and reliable for quick changes.
FAQ
Do Gerber onesies run smaller than Carter’s?
Yes, consistently. Gerber newborn onesies often fit like preemie, and even their 0-3 months can be snug on a typical newborn. Carter’s (Simple Joys) runs closer to true size, though some colors may be slightly large. If you buy Gerber, order at least one size up; if you buy Carter’s, stick with the recommended age range.
How many newborn bodysuits should I buy?
Newborns can go through 8–12 outfits per day due to spit-ups and diaper leaks. A starting stash of 10–14 bodysuits (combining short and long sleeve) is reasonable. Multipacks of 5–8 are cost-effective, but buy from different brands to cover sizing inconsistencies.
Are Burt’s Bees baby clothes worth the extra money?
If your baby has sensitive skin or eczema, the GOTS-certified organic cotton is noticeably softer and less irritating than standard cotton. However, the higher price and reports of inconsistent sizing between colors and occasional seam holes after a few washes mean you’re paying for comfort, not durability. For most babies, Carter’s cotton is a better value.
What size should I get for a newborn?
Unless your baby is already over 8 lbs at birth, start with newborn size – but expect to move to 0-3 months within a few weeks. For Gerber, buy 0-3 months instead of newborn. For Carter’s, newborn fits true to size for average-weight babies. Always check the weight range on the product listing, not just the age label.
