Fashion
Dressing a newborn
How many clothes do newborns need?
You’ll need plenty of changes of clothes. As a guide, the following will see you through a newborn baby:
- six singlets
- six jumpsuits
- two jumpsuits for nightwear
- three tops
- two cardigans or jackets (if it’s winter)
- three cotton bunny rugs and three muslin (gauze) wraps
- an infant sleeping bag (as an alternative to wraps)
- a couple of cotton hats
- a few pairs of socks.
What kinds of clothes do newborns need?
Clothes should be comfortable, soft, and easy to take care of.
Stretchy jumpsuits that fasten at the front are best, as well as tops with envelope necks, which are easier to get over your baby’s head. Jumpsuits with zips can make dressing your baby quick and easy too.
Clothes made from cotton are a good choice. Cotton clothes will keep your baby cooler in hot weather than clothes made from synthetic fibers. Cotton also washes well and is gentle against your baby’s sensitive skin.
It’s also important to look out for clothes with a low fire hazard label. Newborn rompers and jumpsuits should have this label.
How to dress a newborn
Lots of newborns find the dressing and undressing experience upsetting. The quicker and calmer you are, the less stress for you and your baby!
Here are some tips that might help:
- Ensure the room is warm enough, then place your baby on a soft surface.
- Put a nappy on your baby in case the baby does a wee.
- Stretch the neck of a singlet and, supporting your baby’s head, put the singlet on from the back. Be careful it doesn’t touch your baby’s face as you pull the front over the baby’s head – little babies can get very upset by clothes scraping their faces.
- Do the reverse when undressing, once again trying not to let the clothes touch your baby’s face.
- Gently place your baby’s arms through the arm holes.