As a new parent, the list of things to buy for your newborn can be overwhelming. From strollers to bottles to clothes, there seems to be an endless amount of items that you "need" to have. However, when it comes to dressing your newborn, there are a few key items that you should have and a few items that you can skip.
What To Buy When Dressing a Newborn?
First, let's talk about the essentials. When it comes to dressing a newborn, there are a few items that you will need to have on hand. These include:
1. Bodysuits (onesies)
Bodysuits, also known as onesies, are a staple in any newborn's wardrobe. They are easy to put on and take off, versatile, comfortable, and they come in a variety of designs and colors.
One of the biggest advantages of bodysuits is their ease of use. They have snaps at the bottom that make it easy to change diapers, and they can be pulled on and off over the baby's head with minimal fuss. This makes them perfect for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes and for getting your baby dressed quickly in the morning.
Bodysuits also come in a wide variety of designs and colors. They can be found in plain, solid colors, or with fun and playful designs, like cute animals or cartoon characters. Some even have snaps on the shoulder, which allows for easy dressing and undressing. This makes them a great option for layering, which is especially important for keeping your baby warm during the colder months.
Another advantage of onesies is that they are made from soft and breathable materials, which makes them comfortable for your newborn to wear. They also come in different sleeve length options, like short or long sleeve, which can be appropriate depending on the weather or season.
It's recommended to have at least 6 to 8 onesies in your baby's wardrobe, so you can have enough clean onesies as you go through the week.
2. Footed pajamas
Footed pajamas are a great option for keeping your newborn warm and cozy. They are designed with built-in feet, which eliminates the need for socks, and the extra layer of fabric on the feet helps to keep your baby's toes toasty.
One of the biggest advantages of footed pajamas is that they make it easy to change a diaper in the middle of the night. With traditional pajamas, you would have to take off the entire outfit in order to change a diaper, which can be difficult when you're trying to do it in the dark or while your baby is sleeping. With footed pajamas, all you have to do is unsnap the bottom snaps, change the diaper, and then snap the pajamas back up. This makes diaper changes much quicker and easier, which is especially important when you're trying to get your baby back to sleep as soon as possible.
Another benefit of footed pajamas is that they are often made from soft and breathable materials. This makes them comfortable for your newborn to wear, and they are less likely to cause irritation or chafing. They also come in different thickness options, like light cotton or fleece, which can be appropriate depending on the weather or season.
3. Socks and booties
While footed pajamas are great for keeping your newborn's feet covered, you will still want to have a few pairs of socks and booties on hand. These are great for when you're out and about and want to keep your baby's feet warm.
Socks and booties are especially important during the colder months, as they help to keep your baby's feet warm and protected from the elements. They come in a variety of designs and materials, such as cotton, wool, or fleece, which are perfect for different seasons. They also come in different thickness options, like light or heavy, which can be appropriate depending on the weather or the amount of time you'll be out.
Socks and booties are also great for when your baby starts to crawl or walk. They can help to protect your baby's feet from injuries and provide traction on slippery surfaces. They also can come in slip-on or lace-up designs, which can be appropriate depending on how easy you want them to be put on and off.
4. Hats
Hats are an essential item for any newborn's wardrobe. Newborns have delicate skin, and it's important to keep their heads covered to protect them from the sun, wind, and cold. A few soft, warm hats are a must-have for any newborn's wardrobe.
One of the most important reasons to keep your newborn's head covered is to protect them from the sun. Newborns have sensitive skin and are at a higher risk of sunburn, so it's important to keep their heads covered when they are in the sun. Hats also protect their eyes from the sun, which is especially important since newborns can't yet control the movement of their eyes, and the sun can cause damage to their developing eyes.
Another important aspect to consider when keeping your newborn's head covered is the fontanelle, also known as the "soft spot" on a baby's head. The fontanelle is a gap in the bones of a baby's skull that allows for flexibility during birth and brain growth during the first year of life. It is important to keep this area covered as it is an area where a significant amount of heat can be lost.
The fontanelle is a delicate area that requires extra care and protection. It is important to choose hats that fit snugly around the head without putting too much pressure on the fontanelle. It is also important to be mindful when handling the baby, as the fontanelle is sensitive to pressure and can be easily injured.
In addition to protecting the fontanelle, hats also help to retain heat loss through the fontanelle. A newborn's head is disproportionately large compared to the rest of their body and they lose a lot of heat through their head. The more surface area of the head that is covered, the less heat is lost, and the warmer the baby will be. Also, newborns are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so it's important to keep them warm, especially during the colder months. Hats are an easy way to do this, as they provide an extra layer of warmth for your baby's head and ears.
5. Swaddling blankets
Swaddling blankets are a great way to keep your newborn feeling secure and comfortable. They are specially designed to wrap your baby snugly and securely, which can help to soothe them and promote sleep. A few soft, lightweight swaddling blankets are essential for any newborn.
Swaddling mimics the feeling of being in the womb, which can help to calm a fussy baby and promote sleep. When a baby is swaddled, they are less likely to startle themselves awake with their own movements, which can lead to longer, more restful sleep. Swaddling also helps to prevent the baby from scratching themselves with their own nails and prevent them from getting their hands to their face which can cause discomfort.
When choosing swaddling blankets, it's important to look for soft and breathable materials, such as cotton or muslin. Avoid heavy materials, such as wool, which can be too warm for your baby. It's also important to choose blankets that are the right size for your baby, as too-small blankets can be restrictive, and too-large blankets can be dangerous.
It's also important to be mindful of the way you swaddle your baby, as improper swaddling can lead to hip dysplasia or other issues. It's recommended to always leave enough room for the hips and legs to move freely, and avoid wrapping the blanket too tightly around the baby's chest.
What To Skip When Dressing a Newborn ?
Now that we've covered the essentials, let's talk about some items that you can skip. These include:
1. Lots of clothes in newborn size
Newborns grow quickly, so you don't need to stock up on too many clothes in this size. Stick to a few essentials and then move on to the next size.
2. Expensive clothes
Newborns are messy and they grow quickly, so there's no need to invest in expensive clothes. Stick to affordable, practical options.
3. Shoes
Newborns don't need shoes. Their feet need to be kept warm, but socks and booties will do the trick.
4. A lot of accessories
Newborns don't need a lot of accessories. A few simple items, like a soft blanket or a pacifier, will do the trick.
5. A lot of toys
Newborns aren't developmentally ready for toys yet. Stick to a few simple items, like a soft blanket or a rattle, and wait until they are a bit older before investing in more toys.
In conclusion, when it comes to dressing a newborn, there are a few essential items that you will need to have on hand. However, there are also a few items that you can skip. Stick to the essentials, and you will be well on your way to a well-dressed and comfortable newborn.
