Dressing your baby

It’s fun to buy really small, cute clothes – but keep in mind that a newborn baby doesn’t need much and grows quickly (check our size guide to see roughly what sizes fit when). Usually, babies are more comfortable with lightweight clothing.

Natural materials are kind to your baby

Cotton and wool (preferably the soft kind that doesn’t itch) allow delicate skin to breathe. It’s not a bad idea to layer up during the colder seasons, as it’s usually easier to take off – or put on – extra clothing as needed. In winter, a fleece onesie can be wonderfully warm, but avoid synthetic materials and clothing that is too tight around the body. Some synthetic clothing is not very breathable and can make your baby unnecessarily hot and humid, whereas wool is warm and keeps the skin dry even if the garment gets a little wet.

How to check if your baby is too hot or too cold

Because your baby’s internal thermometer is not fully developed in the early years, they have difficulty regulating their own body temperature. You can easily check your baby’s temperature by placing your hand on your baby’s neck. If the neck feels warm, the baby is usually just right; if the neck feels sweaty, the baby is too hot. In the summer it is of course particularly important to protect your little one from the heat, but even in the winter it is good to check. A newborn who’s wearing too many clothes can’t tell you themselves, and it’s quite common for them to get fussy – but it’s also important to realise that they may not protest and may instead get quiet and lethargic, so you need to keep an eye out. If your baby gets too hot, red heat rashes are common, but they are completely harmless.

How do you dress a baby in a footmuff?

If you’re going for a winter walk, it’s worth bearing in mind that both a snowsuit and a footmuff can end up being a bit too warm. Often it is enough to wear normal clothes under the parts covered by the footmuff – and, as I said, preferably layers that can easily be removed.
Little fingers may need to be checked from time to time, even if they are inside mittens. If they are cold, hold them in your warm hands – or in your armpit if your own hands are also cold. The tip of the nose is also sensitive to cold and wind – and very difficult to cover – so don’t stay out too long when it’s really cold outside.

Hats protect against wind and draughts

If it’s winter or chilly in the first few months of your baby’s life, a cosy hat is a good idea. Even in the summer, wearing a hat is good, but it should be a thin cotton hat on your baby as it protects against wind and draughts. Strings that can be tied under the chin are a bonus, as the hat can easily slip out of place, or down over the eyes, when the baby turns its head. As your child grows, they may discover how much fun it is to take off their hat if there is no strap to keep it in place. On bright summer days, a sun hat with a large brim is great if your baby is big enough to sit up (otherwise it doesn’t make much difference). You should also avoid spending time with your baby in direct sunlight when it is hot outside – to protect against dehydration and sunstroke.

Shoes, socks or booties?

Shoes are not needed until your baby gets older and starts standing and walking. Of course it can be fun to buy a pair of tiny, adorable trainers, but they are nowhere near as comfortable as socks or booties while your baby is sitting or lying in the pram.
The best way for your child to learn to walk is barefoot and indoors, or barefoot outside when the weather permits. This allows all the muscles of the foot to develop naturally. When it’s time for the first real shoes, make sure they fit well and are made of a breathable material. They should be wide and soft at the front, have non-slip soles and be stiff at the back to support the foot.

How many clothes does a newborn need?

We’ve put together our top tips on clothes and things to get when you have your first baby. Of course, we are all different with different needs – so consider these as suggestions. When it comes to buying clothes, the following can be useful to keep in mind:

• Always wash new clothes before use. This helps to reduce the content of various substances that may be present in newly manufactured clothes. You can find some general washing advice for baby clothes here.
• Buy second-hand baby clothes if you can. Pre-loved clothes are good for the environment and your wallet. They are soft and cosy because they have already been used and washed before.
• When buying new products, choose organic, eco-labelled or Nordic Swan Ecolabelled products.
• Remember that it may be wise to dress your baby in clothes that are easy to take off for nappy changes, such as trousers or bodysuits that button up at the crotch.
• Tops and bodysuits are easy to pull over your child’s head, with a generous neckline where the fabric is wrapped around – making it easier to get dressed and undressed. Your little baby can’t hold their head up on their own and trying to fit a tight opening over it makes it extra difficult for them.
• You may want to avoid clothes with zips or large buttons that are directly against your baby’s skin. Pyjamas that button at the back can be uncomfortable for babies who usually sleep on their backs.

Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.