I came across this post and wanted to add my own experience. I had about 5 showers for my first child and had what I thought was "way too many clothes." By the time Shower #3 came along I requested no more clothes for under 12 mos. Well, I wish someone who already had children would have thought to ask me how many outfits I had. Within the first week of giving birth, me, my husband and nursing baby were all out shopping for more clothes! It is NOT fun to go out of the house with a newborn--esp. if you are still sore and leaking a lot from nursing. Shopping is the last thing a sleep-deprived mom needs to worry about.
As to the sizes, however, you need to think that one through a bit. Were you a big baby? Was your husband? I was tiny, my husband was small but got big fast. My first child weighted 6 10, my second was 6 13. I found that 0-3 mos. clothes were too BIG at first, I had to go out and buy some newborn size outfits (a bit smaller than newborn but not preemie). My first child grew slowly and wore 0-3 mos til she was nearly 3 mos. My son, however, grew very fast and was out of 0-3 in no time. However, you can EASILY (and will regularly) go through 3 or more changes of clothes a day, as many other moms told you. Then you always want a set of clothes or two in your diaper bag, at the grandparents, at day care if he/she will go...etc. And keep in mind that moms are forever passing clothes to others. So whatever you do not use, someone after you will be happy to receive!
The easiest outfits for newborns, in my opinion--and everyone has their own on this--is the one-peice footed zip-up outfits. Easy to put on and off, easy to slip just the botton half out for a quick change. Also, when it is cold you add layers underneath and socks, too. I'd say skip a coat for the first couple months and just cover up your baby in the detachable car seat. That way you won't have to take the coat off in the hot car while you are driving--unless it is just a quick trip. I found I rarely used coats when they were tiny except for outside events. And with this being your first child, you probably won't do much of them this winter.
On to Dreft..some will think this nuts, but I used Dreft for both my kids clothes until my youngest was nearly two years old. I also never used dryer sheets. They both have very sensitive skin and had exema from a young age. Dreft was the only thing I knew would work. Now I have since changed to Tide Free for all of our clothes (theirs go in with ours now) and I have recently started using unscented dryer sheets. Yes, I miss the fresh smell in my laundry, but it is much better than doctor's visits and wiping cream on my kids all of the time.
One last tip, I had the worst time getting poopy stains out of my babys' clothes. A friend turned me on to Spray-n-Wash Stain Stick. You just rinse the outfit in the sink and apply the Stain Stick--you can wait to wash til later if you want. It saved a lot of clothes from being tossed!
I know this all sounds a bit overwhelming at this point, but before you know it you will be giving your own advice to mommys-to-be!
For newborn thru 3 months, sleepers are great for around the house as well as out and about. IME, I found onesies better for warmer days at home, and then for layering under clothes (shirt and pants) when babies are older.
