How to Dress a Newborn-Everything You Need to Know

How to dress a newborn? If you’re reading this post then you may have spent a lot of time looking for this answer.

You may have spent a lot of time—and money!—planning the baby’s wardrobe before she arrives. However, for the first few weeks of her life, she doesn’t need a lot of clothes.

You’ll be too busy getting to know each other and getting through the day (and night) to care about perfectly matching pants, bottoms, socks, and hats.

It’s ok, there will be plenty of opportunities as your child grows older. However, the most important thing, for the time being, is to keep the baby safe and comfortable.

To help you do so, we’ve created a list of expert tips on how to dress your baby as soon as you get home from the hospital, as well as what to keep in mind during those first few weeks at home.

How to Dress Your Baby During the Day?

It’s more about common sense than fashion savvy when it comes to dressing a newborn. Then improvise from there by following these basic principles.

1. The onesie or wrap shirt.

Onesies are practically synonymous with infant apparel since they meet the demands of a tiny individual who isn’t used to wearing clothing. These bodysuits are perfect for use as infant foundation layers.

The primary benefit is that they will remain in place and protect your baby’s back and tummy. Additionally, the bottom snaps allow you to change diapers without entirely undressing the infant, making the process easier for parents and keeping the baby warm.

Is there another option? A kimono or a wrap-style shirt with long sleeves. These are very useful in the early days of a baby’s life. The snap-front garment eliminates the need to pull the shirt over your baby’s head, which many babies hated, and it’s gentler on the sensitive umbilical cord stump, which requires air to dry out.

2. Footies.

Because these pants have built-in feet, no baby socks or booties are necessary. Even the smallest children can kick off their socks, which always wind up somewhere between aisle 1 and the store cashier.

It’s always a good idea to get shoes that are slightly larger (but still comfortably fit) than the baby’s real size; this way, the shoes will last a little longer, even as the baby’s feet develop. If you don’t want to preserve the footies as hand-me-downs, cut off the foot and hem the bottom to make them into pants.

If you prefer the pants-and-socks look, we understand—how could you resist those basketball-shoe or MaryJane socks? Keep an eye on them, or try Sock Ons, which fit over the baby’s foot to keep the sock in place (if you don’t mind paying more for a sock accessory than the socks).

But remember to place those small socks in a zippered mesh lingerie sack before washing them. (Socks are small enough to be spun off the drum, causing the washing machine to shut off.) We called it the Case of the $250 Sock since that’s about how much the repairman would charge to fix the broken machine.)

3. Create layers

The number of clothes and the thickness of the layers that the infant will wear will be determined by the season. All the infant needs in the summer is a lightweight onesie. Long cuffs are recommended for infants because they keep the infant warm while also protecting her from scrapes and the environment in general, which is especially crucial given her developing immune system. Most newborns are content with whatever adults are wearing, plus an extra layer in cold weather.

Don’t base your decision on what mum is wearing; her hormones may be interfering with her capacity to detect temperature. If people prefer to wear a shirt indoors, they can layer a tee over the onesie. If people are wearing sweaters, layer a soft sweater over the onesie and tee. Cardigans (rather than crew or V-necks) with snaps (rather than buttons or zippers) allow for easy layering.

Remember that many people over bundle babies in the cold, so don’t overdo the clothes. Flushed cheeks, fussiness, or a sweaty back are all symptoms of hyperthermia in your newborn.

4. Cover with a blanket.

Of course, when the baby is awake and doing tummy time, a blanket isn’t required. In the summer, a simple blanket will be sufficient. Choose something thicker when the days become cooler. Wrap it around her from her toes to her neck and secure it so that it doesn’t flail in her face, whatever the case may be.

Sometimes simply dressing your infant in warm clothing is sufficient. Choose warm-but-breathable fabrics like muslin or cotton to keep your child from overheating.

How to dress a baby for sleep?

Room Temperature

You may be wondering what temperature is best for your home when you have a baby because overheating can be dangerous for them.

The risk of Sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS )actually climbs during the colder months of the year, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, owing to overheating induced by parents trying to keep their children warm. It strongly advises parents not to overdress their children and to keep the temperature comfortable but not too hot.

What temperature should your thermostat be set to in your home? It suggests that parents “tune the thermostat to a suitable setting,” which frequently entails adapting to their individual preferences. If you find the temperature in the room to be pleasant, it is also ideal for a baby.

For Colder Nights

What should you do to keep your infant warm on those frigid evenings, given that creating a safe sleep environment should be a top priority for parents?
First and foremost, you should be aware that warming your baby at night can be an issue and is a risk factor for SIDS. Furthermore, blankets and any loose objects should not be used when a baby is sleeping. So, how should you clothe your child? Fortunately, there are various options for ensuring that your infant is both warm and safe.

Dress your child for the night according to how you feel and how you would dress yourself. If you want to wear light pajamas one night, your baby may as well. Because your child does not have a blanket, you may want to dress them warmer.

But don’t go overboard. Again, please remember to dress your child one layer thicker than you. In general, outfit your baby in easy-to-remove garments in case the weather changes (or should they need a diaper change).

How to Keep Your Baby’s Face Warm

You may come into contact with a chilly cheek when doing the touch test to check your baby’s temperature. Don’t be alarmed! Their exposed skin will very definitely feel much cooler than the protected regions of your child.

Make sure you feel their core temperature as well. Even if their face is chilly, their body may be warm enough.

Swaddling &Sleep Sack

It’s important that the swaddle isn’t too tight around the hips. The swaddle should allow your infant to breathe freely. Furthermore, with the swaddle, your infant should always sleep on their back. Swaddling can mask your baby’s arousal signals, so keep an eye on them.

A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that is suitable for people of all ages and stages, including newborns and toddlers. Same as Adults!

Sleep sacks come in a variety of shapes and thicknesses. Some are lightweight, while others are heat-retaining. A wearable top looks like any other baby top or pajamas, but the bottom half stretches to look like a sleeping bag or sack for your child. A zipper at the bottom is typically used for easy diaper access.

How to dress a newborn in the summer?

You had your kid just in time to avoid having to deal with pregnancy in the heat of summer, but you now may worry about your child being exposed to the sun. What are the best newborn summer garments for the hot sun with its UV rays, the cool nights, and the outdoor heat when going for a walk? Here are a few of our nice suggestions.

Dress them in layers during the day, but not overnight.

If you’re going outside, bring a light hoodie to cover babies’ arms in the sun, and then take it off once you’re back in the shade. Pack your diaper bag with a selection of shorts and slacks, as well as short- and long-sleeved blouses.

Because you may be going from air conditioning to sweltering outside and from sun to shade repeatedly during your time out. By glancing around the house, you’ll be able to determine what suitable clothing is required for the indoor temperature. A decent rule of thumb is that a baby should wear one more layer than you do.

Stay away from the sun

Keeping a newborn indoors or in the shade is the most convenient way. If you’re at the beach, keep them under an umbrella. When going for a walk, keep the stroller shade up. Cover their head with a cap with a wide 360-degree soft brim if they’re in a carrier.

Because the FDA does not recommend sunscreen for newborns under the age of six months, it is crucial to keep sun exposure to a minimum. You can expose them to sunlight for a short time, but not for a long time. If you believe that exposure to the sun is unavoidable for some reason, cover their skin with clothing from head to toe. Overheating and breathing issues may result from covering a stroller or car seat with a blanket.

Use a UV-protected hat

When putting your infant out in the sun(if it can’t be avoided), look for hats with UPF in the fabric, a broad brim, a neck cover, and an under-chin strap. The hat’s strap will keep it in place, but you should not leave your baby alone while wearing it.

It’s still best to keep your baby in the shade, but carry a beautiful hat if you’re going to be out in the sun for more than a few minutes. This hat has a UPF rating of 50+, which means it will keep you safe from the sun. As with all summer gear, the hat should be breathable.

How to Dress Baby in Winter?

If you’re a new mom, you’re probably too afraid about your baby to take him or her outside, especially in the cold. Take a safe step outside when you get the opportunity. “Babies and new parents need fresh air.” Unless it’s bitterly cold outside, taking your baby outside helps them adjust to the seasons and the day-night cycle, as well as calming fussiness.

Nonetheless, new parents must adhere to some safety precautions. Except for occasional journeys back and forth to the car, you should not take your baby out after the temperature drops below freezing. Even when the temperature is above freezing, the wind chill can be harmful.

Here are some professional suggestions for your infant baby.

Keep your infant warm and safe during winter.

Dress your baby in layers.

“If you feel comfortable putting a jacket over your clothes,” says Molly Broder, M.D., a pediatrician at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. Dressing your kid in layers allows you to adapt to her needs. The bottom layer could be leggings and a bodysuit.

On top of that, put another layer of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Add a jacket, hat, mittens, and woolen booties to keep your hands and feet toasty. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and muslin so you can put on and take off your garments as needed.

Dress warmly for a stroll outside.

Except for brief visits to and from the automobile, keep your child indoors if the temperature or wind chill dips below freezing, or if nonfreezing temperatures are accompanied by wind or rain. If the weather isn’t too cold, give him a winter coat, a hat to protect his ears, mittens, and a pram blanket or bunting.

On a frequent basis, check your baby for symptoms of pain. If his face turns red, his skin feels warm, and he’s fussy, he’s probably overheated. If he’s fussy and teary-eyed, he’s probably underdressed, and his skin is cool to the touch.

Be careful when covering your baby’s stroller.

You might wish to cover your baby’s stroller with a blanket or use those old-fashioned plastic coverings out of an abundance of caution. Many strollers come with custom-fitted covers that allow for proper air circulation. Otherwise, dress your baby in a jacket, hat, mittens, and boots, then snuggle her into a blanket at chest level to keep her warm and cozy in the stroller. Try to walk against the wind if you can.

Prevent dry skin

Cold temperatures, a lack of humidity, or recirculated air can all contribute to dry, itchy, scaly skin. Water, oddly, dries the skin, and most newborns don’t need to be cleansed in the cold every day anyhow.
Use warm (not hot) water and avoid bathing your child for an extended period of time. Limit bath time to 10 minutes, or less for a baby, and keep the water temperature around 100°F (put your elbow in to test; it should feel comfortably warm, not hot).
After you’ve dried off your baby, apply an excellent moisturizer without a laundry list of ingredients. Throughout the day, reapply moisturizer as needed.