Tips for Dressing Newborn Babies

First time moms (and dads) usually find that dressing a screaming and squirming newborn baby can be really challenging and grueling. With the baby’s wobbly neck,  fragile body and floppy arms, it’s understandable if parents don’t consider the chore of changing baby dresses fun.

To make this job less troublesome, start with user-friendly clothes. Shirts with buttons, zippers or snaps in front are best during these times because you do not need to pull over the garment over the baby’s head. Wide neck openings can be an alternative and having stretchy fabrics or loose sleeves will be a plus. Avoid clothes with buttons or openings at the back unless you really want to challenge yourself with balancing the baby with one hand and buttoning up the back of the shirt with the other.

Babies usually have a way to take their booties and socks off whenever they squirm. To refrain from constantly checking on their socks, look for footed pants or sleepers. Footed sleepers with zippers that zip open from ankle to chin are preferred over those that snap open from chin to ankle because they prevent you from exposing the baby’s chest everytime you have to change diapers.

As babies grow fast, it will be wise not to stock much on sizes newborn, 0-3 months and 3-6 months since they will probably fast outgrow these sizes.  Also be practical when buying clothes and consider your probable schedule for the next few months. If there’s no occasion for the baby to wear that lacy dress in the near future, then don’t buy it no matter how cute it looks because you might end up buying something that the baby never get to wear.

Finally, and most important of all, always consider the baby’s comfort and safety over fashion when shopping for clothes. The baby doesn’t care about how he looks as long as he’s comfortable. Look for organic cotton and avoid clothes that can scratch your baby’s sensitive skin. Do away with ribbons, sequins and drawstrings too because these can be pose choking risks on babies.

To make the process of dressing up easier, be systematic when dressing your baby. When putting on the baby shirts, stretch the neck and sleeves openings first. Gather the shirt on your fingers  before easing it over the baby’s head, starting at the back of the head. Once you have the shirt around the neck, unfurl it. As for the sleeves, bunch the sleeves before reaching into it and then gently pull the baby’s arms out. Always remember to support the back of the neck. And always remember to distract your baby from the task at hand by talking to him or singing a song.

Enjoy parenthood!