Chapter 8 – Dressing the Newborn

In the very first months of life, a baby doesn’t need many things in their layette – and certainly not complicated outfits with hooks, buttons, laces, or uncomfortable seams. It’s better to focus on comfort and ease of dressing, choosing simple and soft garments for the baby, easy to wash and made from natural fibers like linen and cotton, which are breathable and gentle on delicate skin. Changes will be frequent, due to unexpected leaks from the diaper, milk, saliva… Essentials include bodysuits, which help keep the baby’s tummy covered even during diaper changes, and socks, especially if the baby tends to have cold feet.

Very convenient are onesies and rompers with snap buttons to speed up and simplify diaper changes. In the hospital and in the first few days, a small hat may also be useful to protect the ears and head from temperature changes (whether cold or hot) and from direct sunlight. A baby’s clothing should always be suited to the season and the specific day: after the first 7–10 days, during which the baby may need a little extra warmth, the newborn can be dressed like an adult, with layered clothing that allows for adjusting based on current conditions. In the final chapter of the book, we’ll learn more useful tips on how to dress babies.