If you've ever tried to dress a squirming baby who's decided that staying still is absolutely not on the agenda, you know that getting clothes on and off can be one of the more challenging aspects of early parenthood. From newborns who seem to have impossibly floppy limbs to toddlers who've discovered that running away mid-change is hilarious, dressing babies requires patience, strategy, and the right clothing choices.
This guide shares practical tips and tricks that experienced parents and childcare workers use to make dressing babies faster, easier, and less stressful for everyone involved.
Choosing Easy-Dressing Clothes
Half the battle is won before you even start dressing your baby—by choosing clothes that are designed with easy dressing in mind.
Closures That Work For You
Zippers: The gold standard for quick dressing. A full-length zipper lets you lay the garment flat, place baby on top, and zip up in seconds. Look for zippers that open at both ends (two-way zippers) for easy nappy access.
Snaps/Press Studs: Good for access points but can be fiddly for full closures. Many sleepsuits use snaps down the legs—helpful for nappy changes but time-consuming to do up. Colour-coded snaps (different colours that match up) make alignment easier.
Envelope Necklines: These wide, overlapping necklines on bodysuits are designed so you can pull the garment down over baby's body rather than over their head. Essential for easy removal, especially after nappy explosions.
Magnetic Closures: A newer innovation, magnetic closures snap together automatically when aligned. More expensive but incredibly quick—especially useful for parents with limited dexterity or during nighttime changes.
Avoid clothes with lots of small buttons, especially down the back. They look adorable in photos but are impractical for daily wear. Save button-heavy outfits for special occasions when you have time.
Techniques for Different Ages
Newborns (0-3 Months)
Newborns can feel fragile, and their floppy head control makes dressing feel precarious. Here's how to handle it:
- Support the head always: When pulling anything over baby's head, use one hand to support the back of the head
- Use the "bunch and stretch" method: For tops, gather the garment into a ring, stretch it wide, and slip it over baby's head quickly
- Arms through sleeves: Reach through the sleeve from the cuff end, grasp baby's hand, and gently pull the sleeve over the arm
- Avoid over-the-head clothes: Stick mainly to front-opening or zip-up garments when possible
Babies (3-9 Months)
As babies gain head control and start moving more, dressing becomes easier in some ways but harder in others as they learn to roll and grab things.
- Distraction is your friend: Give baby a toy, dummy, or interesting object to hold during changes
- Sing or talk: Maintain eye contact and keep them engaged while your hands do the work
- Make it a game: "Where's baby's hand? There it is!" can make arm-through-sleeve a fun activity
- Be quick: Have everything ready before you start—this isn't the time to hunt for matching socks
Mobile Babies and Toddlers (9+ Months)
Once babies are crawling or walking, they often have better things to do than get dressed. Adapt your approach:
- Dress standing up: For older babies and toddlers, stepping into pants while standing can be easier than lying down
- Let them help: Ask them to push their arm through or pull the shirt down
- Give choices: "Do you want the blue shirt or the red shirt?" gives some control and encourages cooperation
- Accept imperfection: A backwards shirt or mismatched socks won't hurt anyone
The fastest way to dress a wiggly baby is to have fewer steps. One-piece outfits (rompers, sleepsuits) are almost always quicker than separates with multiple parts.
Time-Saving Hacks
Pre-Assemble Outfits
Spend 10 minutes on the weekend putting together complete outfits. Stack bodysuit, pants, socks, and any layers together so you can grab one bundle rather than hunting for matching pieces at 6 AM.
The Nest Method
For complete outfit changes, layer the clothes in reverse order before you start: outer layer on bottom, then middle layer, then bodysuit on top. Lay baby on the prepared "nest" of clothes and dress from inside out without having to lift and reposition.
Dedicated Changing Stations
Have everything you need within arm's reach of wherever you change baby. This includes spare clothes, wipes, nappies, and a distraction toy. Never leave baby unattended to fetch something.
Dress for Access
Think about what activities are coming up. Going to a nappy-change-heavy playdate? Skip the romper with back buttons. Heading to a vaccination appointment? Choose short sleeves for easy arm access.
Dealing with Common Dressing Challenges
Baby Hates Having Things Over Their Head
This is extremely common. Solutions include:
- Choose wrap-style or front-opening tops
- Use envelope necklines that can stretch wide
- Be very quick when going over the head—gather fabric, stretch wide, slip over, done
- Practice when baby is calm and fed, not tired or hungry
Baby Stiffens Arms or Legs
Gentle bicycle movements with legs before dressing can help relax stiff limbs. For arms, gently bend the elbow rather than trying to straighten a tense arm. A soft toy or interesting object to reach for can encourage arm extension.
Baby Cries During Dressing
If dressing consistently upsets your baby:
- Check for skin sensitivities—some babies react to certain fabrics or detergents
- Make sure the room is warm enough—babies hate being cold
- Try dressing in smaller stages with cuddles between
- Use warmed clothing on cold days (briefly in the dryer or against your body)
Keeping Socks On
The eternal struggle! Try:
- Socks with fold-over cuffs that grip the ankle
- Booties that tie or velcro
- Tights instead of socks (stay up better)
- Footsuits that have feet attached
- Accepting that sock-loss is inevitable and buying them in bulk
- Zippers or magnetic closures over snaps
- Envelope or stretchy necklines
- One-piece over multi-piece outfits
- Stretchy, forgiving fabrics
- Minimal buttons (especially on back)
- Easy crotch access for nappy changes
Nighttime Dressing Made Easy
When you're changing a baby in the dark at 2 AM, ease of dressing is paramount:
- Use zip-up sleepsuits exclusively: No fiddly snaps to align when you're half asleep
- Two-way zippers: Allow nappy access without fully unzipping
- Keep spare clothes at the change station: Don't stumble to the wardrobe
- Minimal layers: One sleepsuit plus sleep sack is easier than multiple pieces
- Skip outfit changes if possible: A slightly damp patch might not need a full change
Building Confidence
Dressing babies gets easier with practice. What feels awkward in the first weeks becomes second nature within months. Some final encouragement:
- Speed will come—focus on gentle handling first
- It's okay if baby cries—they'll survive a 60-second outfit change
- Choose function over fashion for everyday wear
- Every parent has had to scrub poo off a white outfit—you're in good company
Remember, the goal is a dressed baby, not a perfect process. Whatever works for you and keeps your baby comfortable is the right approach.