Have you spent both time and money planning your baby’s wardrobe before they arrived? Unfortunately, though, in those first few weeks when getting acquainted is key, babies don’t require many outfits at first – there is plenty of time later for cute outfits later when your little one grows older – for now, focus on keeping her safe and comfortable – here are some expert tips to help dress newborns when leaving hospital and during first weeks at home!
What to Dress Newborns in During the Day?
Dressing newborns during the day is all about comfort and safety. The key is to choose clothes that are soft, breathable, and easy to change. Here’s what to consider:
- Start with a base layer like a onesie, which is versatile and easy to put on. Onesies come in short-sleeved and long-sleeved options. Add layers depending on the weather, such as a light sweater or a warm fleece if it’s cold.
- Choose fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin. Cotton is an excellent choice because it’s soft and breathable. Avoid rough materials that could irritate their skin.
- Select outfits that make diaper changes quick and hassle-free. Look for clothes with snaps or zippers at the bottom.
- For baby girls, go with light cotton newborn dresses on warmer days. Add extra layers like pants, jackets, and hats to keep them warm on cooler days.
- Newborns don’t need shoes. Socks or booties are sufficient to keep their feet warm. When it’s hot, you might skip these altogether.
- Use hats to protect your newborn from the sun or keep them warm. Always remove any loose accessories before naptime to ensure safety.
How to Dress Newborns for the Car Seat?
Ensuring your newborn is safely and comfortably dressed for car travel is crucial. Here’s how to dress them properly:
- Thick coats and snowsuits can prevent the car seat harness from fitting snugly. Instead, dress your baby in thinner layers.
- A thin fleece jacket or suit can provide warmth without bulk. Make sure the harness can still be properly tightened.
- After buckling your baby into the car seat, you should not be able to pinch any fabric of the harness straps between your fingers.
- If it’s cold, warm up the car first or use a blanket over the harness straps, not underneath them. Remove the blanket once the car warms up.
- Use hats, mittens, and socks to warm your baby’s hands, feet, and head without interfering with the car seat harness.
- Consider using a car seat cover designed for winter if you live in a cold climate. Ensure it doesn’t go under the baby or between the baby and the harness.
How to Dress Newborns for Sleeping?
When dressing newborns for sleep, the goal is to keep them at a comfortable temperature without overheating. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a simple sleeper or wearable blanket that’s appropriate for the room temperature. Avoid anything with ribbons, strings, or other choking hazards.
- The TOG rating measures the thermal resistance of baby sleepwear. Use a lower TOG for warmer rooms and a higher TOG when it’s cooler.
- Feel your baby’s neck or back to see if they’re too hot. They should be warm, not sweaty or cold.
- Keep blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals out of the crib to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Maintain a room temperature that’s comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. Around 68–72°F (20–22°C) is ideal for most babies.
Should I Stick with Natural Fabrics?
Choosing the right fabrics for your newborn’s clothes is important. Here’s why natural fabrics are often recommended:
- Natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and wool are breathable. They allow air to circulate, which helps regulate your baby’s body temperature.
- Natural fibers tend to be softer, which is gentle on your newborn’s delicate skin and reduces the risk of irritation.
- Natural materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions than synthetic fibers.
- Fabrics like cotton absorb moisture well, keeping your baby dry and comfortable.
- Natural fabrics are durable and can withstand frequent washing, which is inevitable with newborns.
Takeaways
At first, simplicity and comfort should guide your clothing selections for your baby’s clothing needs. Choose soft, breathable layers that can easily be changed; prioritize safety over fashion when dressing your newborn; keep their temperature comfortable whether awake, on the move, or asleep. As time goes on, you and baby will find out what works best together—eventually, you will find yourself selecting adorable matching outfits together as your baby grows up!
