How to dress an infant?
When baby arrives, choosing what to dress them in is an important question that can bring a few uncertainties. Tartine et Chocolat has prepared some tips and advice to help parents find the perfect outfits:
Why clothing matters for newborns
Dressing a newborn may seem simple, but there are a few essential rules to follow to keep baby as comfortable and safe as possible. Their delicate skin needs particular care. Beyond choosing clothes that look lovely, it is vital to consider their physical needs, the season and the fabrics used. Most importantly, little ones cannot regulate their body temperature on their own as adults can when it is too hot or too cold. A baby also cannot tell you how they feel, so it is important to pay attention to these factors. As a guide, a newborn’s ideal body temperature is between 36,5°C and 37,5°C. It is often said that a baby should wear one more layer than their parents, though this depends on the season. So how should you dress a newborn throughout the year?
Keeping baby covered through all four seasons
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Warmer seasons: Spring / Summer
During the warmer months of spring and summer, it is important to keep baby as cool as possible and protect them from the sun’s UV rays. Although sunlight can be a source of vitamin C, its rays can also be harmful to health, just as they can for adults. Lightweight, comfortable fabrics, particularly cotton and linen, are therefore preferable. These materials are gentle on baby’s skin and provide enough coverage to protect them from the sun without making them too warm. Short-sleeved bodies and bloomers are also excellent choices in hot weather. If there is a light breeze or drizzle, a cardigan or a thicker waterproof jacket will protect baby from the cold. It is also essential to cover a newborn’s head to prevent sunburn.
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Wetter, colder seasons: Autumn / Winter
During wetter, cooler periods, temperatures fluctuate more. It is therefore best to be able to add and remove baby’s layers easily as the temperature changes. If it is rainy rather than cold, a pair of pajamas, a jumpsuit, a lovely cardigan, adorable little slippers and a beanie make a good choice. Newborns can lose body heat quickly through their heads. If the main concern is severe cold, a charming little coat or a snowsuit is essential. Fabrics matter just as much here: organic cotton, velvet, wool and cashmere are all appealing choices.
A wardrobe by Tartine et Chocolat
To give parents a clearer picture of baby’s wardrobe, Tartine et Chocolat has put together a tempting list of essentials to see baby through the seasons:
Whether short- or long-sleeved, a body made from soft cotton is a basic part of baby’s wardrobe. Ideally, choose bodies that open at the front so you do not have to pull clothes over baby’s head before they are ready for it. A popper opening at the crotch also makes changing easier.
Likewise, pairs of pajamas are essentials worth having in a range of fabrics, ready for changes in temperature. For convenience, popper fastenings are once again ideal. Tartine et Chocolat has designed a host of pieces with iconic prints and a broad palette of colours, from neutral shades to bolder tones. This selection offers something for everyone.
This practical piece can be understated or more playful. Its prints, patterns and colours make it adorable, and baby looks delightful in it. Fabrics such as cashmere and cotton keep baby comfortable and cosy, while looking elegant and stylish. Front openings make dressing and changing easier, too.
For comfort and safety, a sleeping bag is an essential. It is designed to help regulate baby’s temperature and, in different weights, can suit every season. As well as helping to keep baby from getting too hot or too cold, a sleeping bag is ideal because, unlike a traditional blanket, it presents no risk of suffocation or strangulation. Babies cannot pull a sleeping bag over their heads, considerably reducing risks associated with breathing and temperature regulation during sleep. Baby stays protected while remaining free to move their legs, supporting muscle development and mobility while keeping them comfortably snug. It may also help prevent night-time waking when baby becomes uncovered.
It is important to have suitable clothes for a newborn when it is much colder outside. For a winter walk that keeps baby warm, a snowsuit is an ideal companion. Designed to protect baby from the elements, it covers them from head to toe, with features such as a hood, mittens and integrated little slippers. The snowsuit is designed not to be so bulky that it needs to be removed for a car journey, for example, and with road safety in mind. Practical and adorable as ever, Tartine et Chocolat has taken pleasure in creating stylish, comfortable pieces for little ones.
Whatever the season, it is essential not to forget the body’s extremities, especially the head, where baby loses heat most easily. That is why a beanie, whether lightweight or thicker, is a wardrobe essential. When temperatures drop, slippers are useful too. As well as being practical, they come in a range of fabrics and colours. All the more reason to fall for a pair …
Precautions to take when dressing baby:
It is important to take great care when dressing baby. Gentleness and caution are essential for this fragile little one, who needs all the attention we can give. These simple habits can make life easier for parents while keeping baby as comfortable as possible.
- The first tip is to get as organised as possible and keep everything within reach. This helps you stay on top of the situation and manage it calmly. Baby can then quickly be dressed in a comfortable outfit made from fabrics that are gentle on their skin.
- Choosing the right fastenings makes this process even easier. Front openings are preferable, especially for bodysuits, pajamas and jumpsuits. Likewise, openings at the crotch make changing easier without having to undress baby completely each time. Popper fastenings are also more practical than buttons. With these, there is no need to pull a garment over baby’s head to dress them. This makes it less likely that baby will hurt their neck or head, two areas that remain very sensitive at this age.
- Beyond all this, it is important not to dress baby in clothes that are too narrow or tight. Wrapping them up warmly is a good idea, but they must still be able to move as they wish. Giving baby freedom of movement helps support their muscle development.
A leading name in children’s fashion since 1977, Tartine et Chocolat offers chic, elegant clothes for kids from newborns to 14-year-olds. With a desire to create fashion that transcends time and age, Tartine et Chocolat places baby at the heart of its designs, meeting little ones’ needs with soft, comfortable and fine fabrics to make their days as calm and gentle as possible. We hope this article has helped guide new parents in dressing baby. To discover more about the world of Tartine et Chocolat and its collections, we invite you to visit our website.
