Dressing a newborn can feel daunting, especially for first-time parents. The onesie, a staple in every baby’s wardrobe, is designed for comfort, warmth, and ease of use. However, putting a onesie on a wiggly little one can be tricky. You and your child will have a smoother and more enjoyable experience when you follow this advice, which will help you through the procedures to ensure your baby is snug, safe, and comfortable in their onesie.

Preparing the Onesie

Properly preparing the onesie before you begin dressing your newborn is crucial. This makes the process easier and ensures your baby’s comfort and safety.

Step 1: Lay the Onesie Flat on a Changing Table or Bed

Start by laying the onesie flat on a clean, soft surface like a changing table or bed. This will give you a clear view of the garment and allow you to prepare it for dressing.

• Ensure All Snaps, Buttons, or Zippers Are Open: Before putting the onesie on your baby, open all fasteners—snaps, buttons, or zippers. This step is crucial as it creates a wide opening for the baby’s body, making it easier to slide the onesie on without unnecessary struggle.
• Check the Onesie for Any Tags or Seams That Could Irritate the Baby’s Skin: Newborns have sensitive skin, and even minor irritants can cause discomfort. Take a moment to inspect the onesie for any tags, seams, or loose threads that might rub against your baby’s skin. If you find any tags, consider removing them or ensuring they are positioned in a way that won’t irritate the baby.

Step 2: Gently Stretch the Neck Opening

Once the onesie is laid out and prepared, focus on the neck opening.

• Make sure the neck opening is wide enough for the baby’s head to fit Comfortably: The neck is one of the most sensitive areas when dressing a newborn. Gently stretch the neck opening of the onesie to ensure it is wide enough for your baby’s head to pass through without catching on their ears or face. This helps prevent discomfort and makes the dressing process smoother.

Dressing the Baby

Once you’ve prepared the onesie, it’s time to dress your baby. This step can be delicate, as newborns are tiny and still developing their ability to support their bodies. Taking your time and handling your baby with care will make the process smoother and more comfortable for both of you.

Step 1: Hold the Baby Securely

The first step in dressing your newborn is to make sure you are holding them securely.

• Support the Baby’s Head and Neck as You Begin Dressing: Newborns have limited neck control, so supporting their head and neck throughout the dressing process is crucial. Use one hand to cradle the baby’s head while your other hand is free to guide the onesie. This support helps prevent strain on the baby’s neck and ensures they feel safe and secure.

Step 2: Slide the Onesie Over the Baby’s Head

With the baby securely supported, you can start putting on the onesie.

• Gently Guide the Baby’s Head Through the Neck Opening: Carefully bring the onesie up to the baby’s face and gently guide their head through the neck opening. Be sure to go slowly, ensuring the fabric doesn’t catch on the baby’s ears, nose, or chin. Stretch the opening slightly if needed, but be gentle to avoid overstretching the material or causing discomfort.
• Ensuring it Doesn’t Catch on the Baby’s Ears or Nose: As you pull the onesie over the baby’s head, pay close attention to their ears and nose. These areas are susceptible, and catching them in the fabric could cause irritation or distress. Gently adjust the onesie as needed to ensure a smooth fit.

Step 3: Guide the Arms Through the Sleeves

After the onesie is over the baby’s head, the next step is to dress their arms.

• Gently Insert One Arm at a Time into the Sleeve: Take one arm at a time and guide it into the sleeve of the onesie. Be sure to hold the baby’s hand as you guide it through, ensuring the fabric doesn’t twist or bunch up around its tiny arm. Using your fingers, you can help the baby’s hand out through the sleeve opening without forcing it.
• Ensuring That the Fabric Doesn’t Bunch Up: As you dress each arm, smooth the fabric along the baby’s arm to avoid bunching. Bunched fabric can be uncomfortable for your baby and can restrict their movement. Take a moment to ensure the sleeves sit correctly and the fabric is flat against the skin.

Securing the Onesie

After getting the onesie over your baby’s head and arms, the next step is to secure it in place. This ensures the onesie fits snugly while allowing your baby to move comfortably. Properly securing the onesie also helps keep the diaper in place and ensures your baby stays warm.

Step 1: Pull the Onesie Down Over the Baby’s Torso

Now that the onesie is on your baby’s upper body, it’s time to pull it down over their torso.

• Adjust the Fabric So It Sits Comfortably on Baby’s Body: Gently tug the onesie down, ensuring it sits smoothly over your baby’s chest and stomach. Ensure there are no fabric wrinkles or bunches that could cause discomfort. The onesie should fit snugly but not be too tight, allowing your baby to breathe and move quickly. Adjust the fabric to lie flat and comfortably against your baby’s skin.

Step 2: Insert the Legs Into the Leg Openings

Once the torso is covered, focus on getting the onesie onto your baby’s lower half.

• Carefully Guide Each Leg Through the Corresponding Opening: Lift one of your baby’s legs and gently slide it into the corresponding leg opening of the onesie. Be sure to support the leg as you guide it through to prevent any twisting or discomfort. Repeat this process with the other leg. The key is to ensure the fabric isn’t too tight around the thighs, providing a snug but comfortable fit.
• Ensuring a Snug but Comfortable Fit: After both legs are in the openings, check that the onesie fits properly around the baby’s lower body. The ideal fit is just snug enough to hold the baby in place but loose enough to allow the baby to kick and move around. If the onesie feels too tight or looks too loose, consider adjusting it or choosing a different size.

Step 3: Secure the Snaps or Zippers

The final step in dressing your baby in a onesie is to secure the fasteners, which will keep the onesie in place and provide easy access for diaper changes.

• Start at the Bottom and Work Your Way Up: Whether the onesie has snaps, buttons, or a zipper, it’s best to start fastening from the bottom. This ensures that the onesie is evenly secured and helps prevent the fabric from bunching up as you go.
• Ensuring All Snaps Are Securely Fastened: As you work your way up, ensure each snap is securely fastened. If the onesie has a zipper, be sure it is fully zipped to avoid any gaps that might expose your baby’s skin. Double-check that all fasteners are secure but not so tight that they restrict your baby’s movement or cause discomfort.

Final Adjustments

After dressing your baby in the onesie and securing it, making a few final adjustments is essential. These last steps ensure that your baby is comfortable, the onesie fits well, and no issues could cause discomfort or restrict movement.

Step 1: Check for Comfort

The first step in final adjustments is ensuring the onesie isn’t causing any discomfort.

• Ensure the Onesie is Not Too Tight Around the Neck, Arms, or Legs: Gently feel around the neck, arms, and legs of the onesie to ensure it’s not too tight. The fabric should sit against the skin without digging in or leaving marks. Too tight a onesie can restrict your baby’s movement and cause discomfort, especially around sensitive areas like the neck and underarms. Consider loosening the snaps or adjusting the fit if you notice any tightness.

Step 2: Adjust for Proper Fit

Once you’ve checked for tightness, it’s time to ensure the onesie fits appropriately overall.

• Prevent discomfort by smoothing out any wrinkles or bunches in the fabric: Wrinkles or bunched fabric inside the onesie can cause irritation and discomfort for your baby, especially if they’re lying on a surface or being held. Smooth the fabric across the baby’s body, ensuring it lies flat against their skin. Pay special attention to areas like the back and stomach, where bunching is most likely.

Step 3: Ensure the Baby is Comfortable and Secure

The final step is ensuring your baby is comfortable and can move freely in their onesie.

• Double-check that the Baby Can Move Freely Without Restrictions: Gently move your baby’s arms and legs to ensure they can stretch and kick without any restrictions. The onesie should allow for natural movement without pulling too tight in any area. If the baby seems uncomfortable or restricted, consider adjusting the fit or trying a different size or style of onesie.

Tips and Tricks

With helpful tips and tricks, dressing a newborn in a onesie can be much easier. These insights can make the process smoother, especially when dealing with a wiggly baby or trying to keep your little one warm in colder weather. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind.

Choosing the Right Onesie

Selecting a suitable onesie can significantly affect how easy it is to dress your baby. Here are a few things to consider:

Feature	Description	Benefit
Wide Neck Openings	Look for onesies with envelope necklines or wide openings.	It is easier to slide over the baby’s head without causing discomfort.
Side Snaps	Onesies with side snaps or full-length zippers are ideal.	It makes dressing and undressing simpler, especially during diaper changes.
Soft, Breathable Fabric	Choose cotton or other soft materials.	It helps control temperature and is kind to the baby’s delicate skin.
Proper Sizing	Ensure the onesie is the right size for your baby.	It avoids tightness and allows for comfortable movement.

How to Handle a Squirmy Baby

Dressing a baby who loves to wiggle can be challenging, but there are techniques to help keep them calm and still during the process:

1. Distraction: Keep a small toy, rattle, or pacifier nearby to distract your baby while you dress them. Engaging their attention with something interesting can make them less likely to squirm.
2. Talk or Sing: Your voice can soothe your baby. Talking or singing softly to them during dressing can help calm them down and keep them more relaxed.
3. Gentle Movements: Move slowly and gently when dressing your baby. Sudden or rough movements can startle them and make them more fidgety.
4. Comfortable Position: Ensure your baby is comfortable and feels secure. Laying them on a soft surface or cradling them in your lap can make them feel safer and less likely to wiggle.

Layering for Warmth

In colder weather, keeping your baby warm is essential, and layering is a great way to do this without making them too hot:

1. Base Layer: Start with a soft, long-sleeve onesie as the base layer. This provides warmth and covers most of the baby’s body.
2. Add Layers: Depending on the temperature, add layers like a fleece onesie or a soft cardigan. Make sure each layer is comfortable and not too tight.
3. Focus on Extremities: Keep your baby’s hands and feet warm with socks, mittens, and a hat. These areas lose heat quickly, so keeping them covered is essential.
4. Use a Sleep Sack or Blanket: Consider using a sleep sack over the onesie for nighttime or naps. Since there is no chance of unfastened blankets, it keeps the infant warm.

Layering for Warmth	Recommendations
Base Layer	Soft, long-sleeve onesie
Second Layer	Fleece onesie or soft cardigan
Extremities	Mittens, socks, and hat
Sleep Sack or Blanket	Use over the onesie for added warmth during sleep.

FAQs

How do I know if the onesie is too tight for my baby?

Signs include red marks on the skin after removing the onesie or difficulty snapping it closed. The onesie should fit snugly but not constrict the baby’s movement or breathing.

What should I do if my baby doesn’t like getting dressed?

To keep your baby calm, try talking or singing to them during the process. You can also use a toy or pacifier to distract them.

Can I put a onesie on over the baby’s diaper?

Yes, onesies are designed to be worn over diapers. Ensure the diaper is secured adequately before dressing to prevent leaks.

Is it safe to leave the baby in a onesie overnight?

Yes, as long as the onesie is breathable and fits properly, it’s safe for overnight wear. Avoid onesies with hoods or loose fabric that could pose a risk of suffocation.

How often should I change my baby’s onesie?

It depends on the situation. Change the onesie when it becomes soiled or wet or the baby is uncomfortable. Generally, you may need to change it several times a day.

Conclusion

Dressing your newborn in a onesie may seem challenging initially, but it becomes simple and enjoyable with the proper techniques and a little preparation. By following the steps outlined—preparing the onesie, dressing the baby with care, securing it properly, making final adjustments, and using helpful tips—you can ensure your baby is comfortable, warm, and ready for the day. Remember, with practice, you’ll become more confident and efficient, making this daily routine a bonding moment between you and your baby.