Hi everyone. I’m Melissa and welcome back to Cloudmom. I’m going to walk you guys through how to dress a newborn baby in a pajama. Dressing a newborn baby can be challenging since newborns tend to stiffen up due to their reflexes. Most newborns also don’t like the feeling of cool air on their skin. They’re not able to regulate their body temperature well, and being unclothed feels very cold to them, so they get fussy during diaper and clothing changes. Given these challenges, you’ll want to change your baby’s clothing as quickly and efficiently as possible. Below (and in my video), I provide a step-by-step guide to changing your newborn baby’s pajama. First, some general things to consider when it comes to dressing newborns and babies in pajamas, for sleep and for different temperatures and seasons. 

Are Baby Changing Tables Useful?

A lot of parents ask themselves “Do I need a changing table?” and “What can I use instead of a baby changing table?” I would consider investing in a baby changing table (or change table) for your baby since a changing table allows you to organize your baby’s essentials — like diapers, wipes, creams, and baby clothing essentials. Having these baby changing essentials onhand is important since you do not want to leave your baby unattended (and certainly not on a raised surface) while changing them as you go look for something you need. A baby changing table also reduces pressure on your back since the baby will be at the right height. Finally, since you can easily keep the changing table pad surface clean, a baby changing will provide a dedicated, sanitary surface that stays out of the reach of other family members and pets.

Disposable Baby Changing Pad Liners 

In addition to the baby changing table, invest in a baby changing pad and liners, which go on top of your changing pad cover, and greatly reduce the amount of laundry you’ll need to do. Newborns, especially newborn boys, tend to pee freely so having a disposable pad that catches this (and other messes) is a great idea. 

[amazonapi title=”disposable baby changing pad liners”]

Newborn Reflexes: The Moro Reflex

While changing your baby’s pajama, you’ll need to work around your baby’s infant reflexes, and notably the Moro Reflex. 

What is the Moro Reflex? 

Often called the startle reflex, the Moro reflex usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. The baby then throws back his head, extends out his arms and legs, cries, and then pulls the arms and legs back in. This reflex lasts until a baby is about two months old. When your baby stiffens up while you are changing them, just stop and wait for their limbs to soften up. Do not force your baby or try to rush this. Just be patient and use the opportunity to chat with your baby and try to make eye contact. When their limbs have softened up, you can continue changing them. 

What are the Best Pajamas for Newborn Babies 

The best baby pajamas for newborns are front-zip or snap pajamas that are footed. Why? With front-zip and front-snap infant baby pajamas, you can place the pajama down first on the changing table, and then place your baby on top and limb by limb, and string the pajama onto the baby. When pajamas fasten in the back with snaps down the back and over the buttocks area, you have to place your baby on their stomach in order to fasten the pajama. Remember, we adults step into our clothing. With babies, you want to put your fingers into the sleeves of the clothing and string the clothing onto the baby. You’ll do this limb by limb, as I show in my demo and below. 

For newborns are front-zip or snap pajamas that are footed. Why? With front-zip and front-snap infant baby pajamas, you can place the pajama down first on the changing table, and then place your baby on top and limb by limb, and string the pajama onto the baby. When pajamas fasten in the back with snaps down the back and over the buttocks area, you have to place your baby on their stomach in order to fasten the pajama. Remember, we adults step into our clothing. With babies, you want to put your fingers into the sleeves of the clothing and string the clothing onto the baby. You’ll do this limb by limb, as I show in my demo and below. 

[amazonapi title=”pajama for newborn babies”]

How to Dress a Newborn for Winter and Summer

How Should I Dress my Newborn during Winter or for Cold Temperatures 

During the winter, your newborn baby should wear layers: an infant onesie or baby t-shirt (that either snaps at the top of the legs or along the side if it is long-sleeved), a warm footed pajama, socks (which you can put on under the pajama) and a cotton stretchy hat. For baby girls, you’ll find baby girl fleece pajamas in pinks and purples with different patterns and designs and for boys, baby boy fleece pajamas in blues and greens. Yellow and orange are great gender-neutral colors.

, your newborn baby should wear layers: an infant onesie or baby t-shirt (that either snaps at the top of the legs or along the side if it is long-sleeved), a warm footed pajama, socks (which you can put on under the pajama) and a cotton stretchy hat. For baby girls, you’ll find baby girl fleece pajamas in pinks and purples with different patterns and designs and for boys, baby boy fleece pajamas in blues and greens. Yellow and orange are great gender-neutral colors.

How do I know if my Baby is too Hot or too Cold 

Here’s a handy test to make sure your baby is warm enough and not overdressed. Touch their toes and belly. Sweating, damp sweaty hair, flushed, red cheeks, rapid breathing and rashes can all be signs of your baby’s overheating. If your baby’s skin (and especially their belly and toes) feel cold, they probably need to be dressed more warmly.

How Should I Dress my Newborn Baby during Summer

Depending on how hot it is where you live and whether you have air conditioning, you’ll want to have a thinner pajama and potentially a onesie underneath. If it is really hot out, you can skip the pajama and just keep your baby in the onesie. 

How Should I Dress a Premature Baby 

Premature babies who are born earlier and at lower weights tend to have an even trickier time maintaining their body temperature, so you have to pay special attention to how you dress them. I dressed my premies in onesies, socks, and good quality cotton pajamas and fleece pajamas during winter, and I always used a hat. I also swaddled them in the hospital burp cloths or swaddling blankets I received from the hospital for an extra layer of warmth. 

Should I Swaddle or Use a Newborn Sleep Sack?

I am a big fan of swaddling and swaddled my first five babies for the first few months. I found that the comfort of the swaddle really helped them to settle down to sleep. Swaddling also provides an additional layer of warmth. I did not swaddle my sixth baby Bracey since he was in the NICU for six weeks so by the time I got him home, he was used to sleeping with his limbs free. 

Ensuring Baby is Properly Dressed and Safe for Sleep 

Always put your baby to sleep on their back. And be careful not to have any loose blankets near your baby’s face nor in your baby’s crib since that is a SIDS risk. Your newborn’s crib should be empty of blankets, stuffed animals, and other adornments. Experts advise that babies sleep better with cool air, so it is better to dress your baby in warm layers and a hat than leave the heat on high. The optimal temperature for a baby’s sleep is 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20-22 degrees Celsius). Maintaining the proper temperature helps reduce the risk of overheating and SIDS. 

Step by Step Guide to Dressing a Newborn Baby in a Pajama 

• Unzip or unsnap your pajama.
• Place the pajama down on the changing table while open.
• Place your baby down on top of the pajama while supporting their neck and head.
• Gather the foot of one side of the pajama onto your fingers, and then pull that onto your baby’s leg.
• Straighten the pajama underneath your baby and then gather the arm of the pajama into your fingers and string that onto your baby’s arm.
• Now do the other side, first the foot, then the arm.
• Zip up the pajama, fastening the button at the top near the collar. If your baby stiffens up, wait it out.
• Lift up your baby carefully while supporting the head and neck.
• Your baby is good to go!