Finding the Right Fit for Your Newborn’s Pajamas

Ideally, baby pajamas should fit snugly enough to prevent suffocation and choking hazards. However, they should not be loose and floppy, which can cause discomfort. Look for PJs with snaps or zippers for easy access during late-night diaper changes. Also, consider whether the fabric is soft and breathable.

Size Charts

There are more numbers in fashion than the glamorous creative stereotype lets on, and for a brand that doesn’t spend all day dealing with these figures, it can be overwhelming, especially regarding sizing. Creating and maintaining a size chart requires a significant investment of time and money, but it is one of the most essential tools for your brand to have. In general, clothing is sized by age, with newborns being marked as NB and infants being marked as 0-3 months or 6-9 months. This can make it challenging to determine how many sizes of each baby item you need. It’s also difficult to predict your baby’s exact size at a given time. Newborns increase and will go through growth spurts, meaning they may fit into a different size before growing out of their current one. To help make the process easier, online retailers like Carter’s offer features that can compare their sizing to other brands. They can ask you a few questions about your height, weight, and waist to help you find the best fit, and they will let you know how their sizing varies from the norm. If you need help deciding what size to buy, it’s often better to err on caution and get a bigger size. Babies can outgrow clothes quickly, and even if they don’t fit right away, a little room ++will allow them to roll up their sleeves and pants and wear them comfortably.

Fabric

If a newborn feels uncomfortable while they sleep, it can affect their overall mood. This can cause them to cry inconsolably and prevent them from sleeping properly. Dressing babies in comfortable pajamas is essential to help them sleep better. Choosing a suitable fabric is also important. Cotton is a good option because it is soft, breathable, and lightweight. It will keep your baby cool in warm weather and warm in colder temperatures. Muslin is another good choice for newborn clothes because it can be layered over cotton for extra warmth or as a light blanket. Generally, buying clothes a size up for your newborn is wise. For example, if the garment is labeled as newborn size, it may be more appropriate for a 3-6-month-old, especially if they were born on the larger side of the average weight range. Keeping a few different sizes of newborn pajamas on hand can be helpful for new parents. If you notice the waistbands becoming snug or the sleeves and ankles are too tight, this could indicate it is time to move up a size. Additionally, looking for any red marks or rashes on the skin from the clothing or fabrics is essential. If the clothing is cutting off circulation or causing discomfort, it cannot be very reassuring for your newborn.

Design

Newborns cannot yet regulate their body temperature and must use their clothing, bedding, and environment to stay warm. Sleepwear made from breathable fabrics that help control body temperature is essential. Look for pajamas that are snug-fitting but not tight. This will keep the baby comfortably warm during the night without restricting their movements. Avoiding PJs treated with flame retardants or other chemicals is also a good idea. These may irritate the skin and cause allergies. Instead, choose snug-fitting cotton or natural-fiber pajamas with a low TOG rating. This means the fabric is thin enough to be comfortable but provides a layer of insulation to keep infants warm. As you shop, remember that newborn sizes only fit babies up to 8 pounds. Most infants are ready to move up to a 3-6 month size by the time they are two months old, so be prepared to size up slightly. If your baby’s footed pajamas are getting stretched or have an area of worn fabric by the toes, it is a sign that they need to be replaced. Also, if their onesie snaps open across the chest or it is difficult to get over their head, they grow out of it and need to switch to a different size.

Measurements

Pajamas are a great way to help newborns sleep better by regulating their body temperature. However, they must be snug enough not to ride up to cover the nose and mouth and cause suffocation. They also should not have strings or ribbons that could be pulled and strangled on. Sizing can be tricky, especially when buying clothes for newborns that will likely be outgrown fast. Generally, it is a good idea to buy slightly larger sizes than what your baby needs. The extra length will allow your baby to grow and not become too short in the long run. The fabric and cut of the pajamas you choose is another important factor. It is best to look for natural materials that breathe and do not contain chemicals that can irritate your newborn’s sensitive skin. This can lead to rashes and other issues preventing your baby from sleeping well. A soft, breathable fabric such as Pima Cotton will help keep your baby’s skin healthy while providing them the warmth and comfort they need to fall asleep. Babies lose heat mainly through their hands and feet, so choose footie pajamas with warm material or layer with a warmer sleep sack when temperatures drop at night.