Dressing baby at birth: the 6 essentials

What does a newborn wear? Do they need to be dressed warmly? Which fabric should you choose? And which size? Will I manage to dress them properly… It's not easy, especially when you're becoming a parent for the first time…

So Premiers Moments gives you all the keys to dressing your baby well at birth!

How to dress your baby at birth: the 6 essentials:

Bodysuits:

The baby bodysuit works as both a T-shirt and pants, so to speak. Choosing the right shape is crucial. Go for wrap bodysuits, also called crossover bodysuits, which mean you handle baby as little as possible. For baby’s first few weeks, ban bodysuits that go on over the head! Baby really doesn’t like it.

Sleepsuits:

Dressing a newborn: the sleepsuit Some people also call them babygrows or all-in-ones. Whatever the season, use velour sleepsuits for their first days, as baby can't yet regulate their own temperature. They move very little and don't benefit from the warmth a little physical activity could give them. To make changing easier (6 to 8 times a day for a newborn), only choose sleepsuits that open at the front with poppers all the way down to the feet. Sleepsuits that open at the back need much more handling and so very often bother baby.

Wrap cardigans:

Dressing a newborn: a wrap cardigan But what is a wrap cardigan? A wrap cardigan is a knitted baby cardigan , ideally in cotton or wool, that keeps baby warm. Depending on its size, the wrap cardigan goes over or under the sleepsuit

Booties:

A little pair of baby booties knitted in wool or cotton so that baby’s feet don’t get cold.

Hats:

First of all, there’s the hat used for baby’s very first seconds in the delivery room, and then there’s the hat for the first outings. The first should be a light baby hat in woven cotton; the second baby hat can be thicker and knitted.

Mittens:

One pair of knitted baby mittens is enough for leaving the maternity ward. Some parents like to put light gloves on their baby all day long to stop them scratching themselves, or because they find baby’s hands cold… but this isn’t recommended. Especially as babies love bringing their hands to their mouths.

Which fabrics should you choose?

To know how to dress your baby, you also need to know which fabrics to choose. For your newborn, go for natural fabrics such as cotton (or wool for wrap cardigans). This greatly reduces the risk of irritation and allergies. If possible, choose organic cotton, which isn't treated with chemicals. One of the most demanding organic labels is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Also make sure the fabric hasn't been treated with potentially harmful chemicals, for example by looking for the Oeko-Tex label.

What size should you choose to dress your baby at birth?

The last point to know how to dress your baby is size. At your third scan, the doctor will tell you your baby’s estimated length and baby’s weight for the big day. This estimate is usually accurate to within + or – 15%. Newborn size will suit a 3 kg baby. Above that, go for 1 month. For chubbier babies (over 4.2 kg), 3 months may fit baby straight away.

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.