How to Dress Your Newborn Baby?

As your baby grows older and more active, dressing her up can become quite a challenge. But with these tips, dressing your baby needn’t be a stressful situation. In fact, it can be fun for both of you!

At 4 months, babies are double their birth weight, their hands are quite strong, and they’ll grab anything within reach. Their necks are also sturdier; they can kick and may have begun rolling over. While you’ll be delighted at your little champ reaching his milestones, a fidgety baby on the changing table doesn’t make for an easy dressing-up session! But babies are messy, and there’s no escaping changing their clothes several times during the day. To make things easier for both of you, here are some tried and trusted tips for dressing your baby.

How to Dress A Newnrbon Baby – Important Tips To Remember

Wondering how to dress a baby, right? These dressing tips for babies are just what you need.

1. Get the basics right

The last thing you want to do is go about hunting for things with a fidgety baby in your arms. Set a regular spot for dressing your baby, with all his clothes and supplies within easy reach. 4-6-month-old babies are usually dressed up lying down, while older babies can sit up or stand. A change of clothes is usually preceded by a bath or bowel movement, so start with a clean diaper. During cold weather, keep the baby covered with a blanket while dressing up.

2. Get the right clothes

Babies hate fussy clothes, and soft fabric is ideal for their sensitive skin. Try to stay away from zippers as they can snag skin and from buttons since they can be ingested. Snaps and tie-ups are best, but consider the age of your child. While lying down, a T-shirt or one that opens in front is ideal. For babies who sit, you can try clothes that are open at the back. Try to get clothes without tags since they can irritate delicate skin.

3. Make it fun

If you’re dressing your baby after a bath, take the opportunity to apply some lotion and give his arms and legs a gentle massage. Moisturising right after the bath ensures the locking of moisture, keeps their skin hydrated, and prevents eczema or dryness (1). Sing songs to entertain your baby, or hand him a rattle to distract him. Many moms put mobiles over the changing table so that kids have something to look at while lying down.

4. Make it easy

Most babies hate their heads being held, so putting on t-shirts might be difficult. To make it easier, stretch the head opening with both your hands before slipping it over your baby’s head. Another problem area is inserting their arms into the sleeves; try bunching up the sleeve and slipping it over the baby’s hand, then un-bunch it by stretching it up his arm. Pants are relatively easier, but socks can be tricky. Again, try bunching the socks and then inserting his toes into the socks.

5. Make the clothes last

You’ve taken a lot of trouble to get your munchkin all dressed up, so try to make it last! Always make your baby wear a bib so that all that drooling and spitting doesn’t soil his shirt. Ensure your baby’s bottom wear is easy to remove so that you don’t have to take off his entire outfit just for a diaper change.

6. For Premies

If your baby is born prematurely, it will need an additional layer of clothing until your baby’s weight reaches that of a full-term baby. Premature babies are not able to adjust their temperature just yet compared to full-term babies. Thus, they need extra care (2).

FAQs

1. What are some cloth essentials for babies to always keep around?

Four to six bodysuits, cloth bibs, socks or booties, T-shirts, one-pieces, sleepers, and long pants are some clothing essentials for newborn babies.

2. What should babies wear when you put them to sleep?

When dressing your baby for sleep, dress them in two layers so they are warm and comfortable. Make sure the clothes don’t have any ties or strings. Also, do not cover their head. For newborn babies, you can swaddle them in a light blanket swaddle from the neck down (3). Make sure your baby does not get too cold or hot while sleeping, and do not put anything heavy like toys or extra blankets that could suffocate them to avoid the risk of SIDS (4).

When shopping, it makes sense to buy clothes that are slightly larger since babies grow pretty fast. For the same reason, it’s best to avoid extremely expensive clothes since they’ll get outgrown quickly. Try to include older siblings and grandparents in the process, and dressing your baby will soon be one of the most enjoyable parts of your day!

References/Resources:

1. Bathing Your Baby; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx

2. Tips for Dressing Your Baby; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Dressing-Your-Newborn.aspx

3. Tips on Dressing Your Baby for Every Season; Lancaster General Health; https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/motherhood/the-first-year/tips-on-dressing-your-baby-for-every-season

4. Dressing a newborn; Pregnancy, Birth and Baby; https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/dressing-a-newborn#sleep

Also Read:

How to Dress Baby for Sleep
Tips for Baby Care in Summer
Dressing your Baby Smartly for Winter
Effective Ways to Take Care of Your Newborn