Having a baby is an exciting and joyful moment in time, which also comes with many new challenges – such as learning and understanding how to dress your newborn.
There’s more to baby clothing than picking cute outfits - ensuring your baby stays comfortable, picking the right fabrics for different seasons and choosing safe clothing items are all key when it comes to selecting the right products.
Here’s all you need to know when it comes to dressing your newborn.
Comfort Is Key
Newborn’s have delicate skin, so comfort should always come first when buying clothes for them. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal as they’re gentle on skin, with the organic options also free from harsh chemicals and irritants. Avoid clothing with tight elastic, scratchy tags or rough seams that could cause your baby discomfort. Well-fitting, non-restrictive clothing allows for movement and development, keeping your baby calm and content.
Safety Features
Newborn babies are vulnerable to potential hazards, so safety should be one of your top priorities’ when dressing your little one. As they’re unable to communicate discomfort or danger, it’s down to you to make sure their clothing items are not posing any risks and that their health and wellbeing is being protected.
Look out for the following:
- Clothing should be snug to keep them warm, but not tight as this can restrict movement or breathing.
- Loose buttons, studs or small embellishments can be a choking hazard, so ensure you inspect clothing before you buy so you can rest assured that it’s safe for your baby.
Suitable Clothing For Changing Weather
It can be tricky to dress your baby for the weather, as their bodies don’t regulate their own temperature as well as adults. Therefore, you need to help them stay cool or warm in different seasons.
In warmer months, lightweight clothing is the best. A romper, dress, short sets and t shirts, ideally made from cotton, will ensure they’re kept cool as the weather starts to warm up.
In colder months, layering items is key to keeping your little one warm and comfortable. A soft bodysuit with a jumper or jacket over the top can help keep out the cold, but be careful with over-bundling your little one up in clothing to avoid overheating. You can check your baby’s temperature by feeling their neck, back or chest to figure out if they’re too warm or feel chilly, so you can accordingly change their outfits.
Choosing The Right Size
Babies are constantly growing, so sizing can be a challenge. Newborn outfits may only fit for a short amount of time, so instead of solely stocking up on outfits of this size, select a few that may seem a little too big for your baby at the moment – clothing in the 0–3-month range is good to have on hand so you have items available instantly when you notice your baby is beginning to grow out of their newborn clothing items. Look for clothing with stretchy fabric and adjustable features that can help garments fit for longer.
Don’t Forget Accessories
Accessories are equally important to have on hand for your baby. Hats, socks, booties, swaddles, mittens – all of these items are good to get in ready for when your baby needs to use them. They aid with temperature regulation whilst adding a little bit of style to your baby’s wardrobe, and can be grabbed quickly when the weather begins to change.
Dressing your newborn may feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right clothing it becomes easier to keep them comfy. With all of these tips in mind, you can confidently go forward with making purchasing decisions when it comes to clothing for your baby.