Dressing Your Baby
Babies don’t need a huge variety of outfits for the first few weeks of life, what is most important is that they are comfortable and weather-appropriate, since babies cannot regulate their body temperature the way older children and adults can.
Tips for dressing your baby:
- Choose soft, comfortable clothing with limited rough tags, zippers, or seams.
- If you are using a changing table, make sure your baby is strapped in and you always keep one hand on them.
- One-piece outfits with a wide neck and snaps at the crotch can make diaper changes easier.
- Put a hat on your baby when you go outside. Use a sun hat in the warmer months, and a winter hat in the colder months.
- Wash your baby’s new clothes before using them (if their skin gets irritated, consider trying a milder detergent).
Note: Dressing your fidgety baby might be frustrating at first (for the both of you), but it is the perfect time to bond with them by singing and making faces.
Newborn Clothes Checklist
- 4-6 newborn-sized onesies
- 2-4 one-piece outfits that close in front
- 2-4 pull-on pants or leggings
- 2-4 t-shirts to go with pants
- Zip-up jacket for cold weather
- Winter hat and sun hat
- 4-6 pairs of booties/socks
Click here to download an example checklist for baby supplies.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse for immunizations and other prenatal support.
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
Eastern Zones:
- Prenatal Education Classes, via Zoom or in Person Children and Women’s Health