By Stacie McClintock

If you’re a first time parent, or know someone that is about to be one, you’re familiar with the anxiety that can take over in the few weeks preceding a due date. Don't let the stress of clothes shopping add to the weight on your mind.

The top 5 clothing items you must have to get started are easy to find and won't break the bank.

1. Onesies & T-shirts in Size 0-3 Months

This seems like a no-brainer. But because it’s so obvious, many people forget to pick them up. And don’t get overwhelmed by the available styles; plain white works just fine for your first weeks at home.

Oh, and a small disclaimer here. If your baby is projected to weigh 10+ pounds at birth, grabbing a pack of 3-6 months onsies is not a bad idea; they’ll fit before you know it.

2. Pajamas & Booties

Regardless of the season your baby is born, they will sleep, on average, 18 hours per day. It’s essential that they’re comfortable.

For warmer weather: choose thin cotton, one-piece sleepers, or “bag sleepers” These are like nightgowns, but they have a closure across the bottom.

For colder weather: opt for heavier-weight footie pajamas, also called “blanket sleepers.”

With pajamas, I recommend anything that buttons as opposed to those that zip; it’s far too easy to accidentally “zip-up” sensitive areas when you’re doing a midnight diaper change.

3. Shoes, Socks & Hats

When you go out, you want those little feet warm, and their heads protected from any kind of weather, be it warm or cold.

Robeez are great first shoes because they’re soft-soled, slip-on, and warm; they can be worn with or without socks. When choosing socks, opt for cotton; it’s a natural product and soft on their skin.

Warm weather head protection should include baseball caps, sun hats, or cotton beanies, while colder weather wear should have ear flaps and tie or button closures to make sure they stay put and provide maximum protection from the elements.

4. Outerwear

Sometimes outerwear takes a little learning curve between you and your new baby.

It’s important to dress them in layers because a degree or two is often the difference between a very happy baby, and a very frustrated baby.

For warmer weather, zip-up, hooded sweatshirts or thin cotton jackets are easily layered, so your baby can stay comfortable all day long. For colder weather, purchase a snowsuit, a winter jacket, and an insulated car seat cover.

5. Everyday Wear

Simplicity is key here; look for items that will give you easy access for diaper changes, like slip-on pants, side snap shirts, and coveralls. These make cleaning your baby easy, without constantly having to pull clothes over their heads.

For basic, everyday items like onsies, sleepwear, and everyday wear, purchase 7-10. Babies can get messy in a hurry; you don't want to spend a lot of time doing laundry in those first few weeks at home. And if you can't bring yourself to go out and shop right now, shop online and let a delivery service do the heavy lifting.