Dressing a newborn can feel overwhelming for new parents, especially with their delicate skin and tiny bodies. Knowing how to dress a newborn properly is essential to ensure they stay comfortable, safe, and warm. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best practices for dressing your newborn, covering everything from simple bodysuits to dressing for different weather conditions.
How to Dress Your Baby in a Bodysuit
Newborn babies are cute, squirmy little ones who won’t exactly cooperate when it’s time to get dressed. But don’t worry! With a few simple steps, you can easily get your baby into a bodysuit or a lapped tee.
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Step 1: Place your baby on a safe, flat surface or support them on your lap.
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Step 2: Unsnap the crotch of the bodysuit and scrunch it up toward the neckline like an accordion.
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Step 3: Stretch the neck open wide.
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Step 4: Gently pull the bodysuit over your baby’s head, being careful to avoid their face or ears.
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Step 5: Accordion-gather one sleeve at a time, guiding your baby’s hand through the opening. You can also place your fingers in the sleeve’s cuff, gently grasp your baby’s hand, and pull the fabric over their arm. Repeat for the other arm.
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Step 6: Pull the bodysuit down over your baby’s body and snap the crotch closed.
How to Dress Your Baby in a Bodysuit—Up the Body
Many baby bodysuits feature snaps or lapped collars that allow for easy dressing—either over your baby’s head or up their body. Here’s how to dress your baby in a bodysuit from the bottom up:
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Step 1: Place your baby on a safe, flat surface or support them on your lap.
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Step 2: Unsnap the bodysuit and scrunch it up toward the neck.
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Step 3: Stretch the neck hole open.
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Step 4: Pull the bodysuit up over your baby’s legs until you reach the sleeves.
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Step 5: Gather one sleeve and guide your baby’s hand through the opening. Alternatively, you can place your fingers into the sleeve cuff, gently grasp your baby’s hand, and pull the fabric over their arm. Repeat for the other side.
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Step 6: Position the bodysuit correctly and snap the crotch closed.
How to Undress Your Baby
Undressing your baby is just as simple as dressing them, whether you’re removing the bodysuit over their head or up their body. Here’s how to undress your little one:
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Unsnap the crotch and carefully remove each sleeve.
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Accordion-gather the bodysuit and slide it up over your baby’s head, using your fingers to guide the fabric away from their face and ears.
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Alternatively, after removing the sleeves, gather the bodysuit under your baby’s armpits and gently slide it down over their body and legs. This method works especially well for diaper changes after a blowout.
How to Dress Your Baby in Footie Pajamas
For one-piece pajamas, start by unzipping the garment and laying it flat. Then:
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Place your baby inside the pajamas and insert each leg into the proper leg hole.
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Once the legs are in place, gently scrunch the sleeves and guide your baby’s arms through the cuffs.
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Finally, zip the pajamas all the way up. (Zipper pajamas are often easier to manage during nighttime changes than snap versions.)
How to Dress a Baby in Cold Weather
When the temperature drops below 75°F (24°C), layering becomes key. Start with a long-sleeve bodysuit, then add another layer, like footed pants, a receiving blanket, or pajamas. For premature babies, add one extra layer until they gain enough weight to regulate their body temperature effectively.
When heading outside, dress your baby in a long-sleeve cotton bodysuit, soft pants, socks, and a warm sweatshirt or sweater. Don’t forget the baby hat, mittens, and warm booties to keep their head, hands, and feet toasty.
Important Tips for Baby in Cold Weather:
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Skip the sweater if you’re babywearing, as your body heat should provide sufficient warmth.
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Avoid bulky coats in the car seat. Instead, secure your baby without their jacket, then place a blanket over their body.
How to Dress a Baby in Warm Weather
As soon as the temperature rises above 75°F (24°C), dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton clothes are perfect for keeping babies cool and comfortable while offering sun protection. A wide-brimmed sun hat is also a good idea when shade isn’t available.
How to Dress a Baby for Sleep
Regardless of the season, your baby’s room should be kept between 68-72°F (20-22°C) to ensure they sleep comfortably and safely. For sleep, dress your newborn in a cotton bodysuit or pajamas, or use a breathable cotton swaddle.
Once your baby learns to roll over, replace the swaddle with a hands-free sleep sack to prevent suffocation risks. If your baby is sleeping in a SNOO, they can remain safely swaddled until transitioning to a crib.
What Not to Do When Dressing a Baby for Sleep:
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Don’t put a hat on your baby during sleep as it can cause overheating.
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Avoid heavy blankets as they are unsafe and can lead to suffocation risks. Instead, use a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack.
- Skip fleece pajamas since synthetic fabrics can lead to overheating and discomfort.
- Read more about Allergic to Breastmilk…
Conclusion
Knowing how to dress a newborn properly helps ensure your baby stays comfortable and safe, no matter the weather or time of day.
By following these tips for dressing your little one, you can make sure they’re always dressed appropriately for their environment, whether it’s cold, warm, or time for a nap.
With a little practice, dressing your baby will become a smooth and easy part of your daily routine.
