Singlet
Jumpsuits and tops
Tights or pants
It is always a good idea to make sure the nappy is on before putting on clean clothes. This saves any 'accidents' that could mean changing your baby's clothes again! If you are dressing in stages, then place a clean nappy on when dressing their 'lower half'.
Singlet. Place your baby's singlet on by stretching the neck opening wide and putting the back section of the singlet over the back of your baby's head. Keep the neck of the singlet stretched open to pull the front section over, clear of your baby's face.
For ease and comfort, always work from the back of your baby's head to the front when putting clothes on.
The singlet should be now sitting bunched around your baby's neck. Put your hand through the outside of the armhole of the singlet and gently grasp your baby's hand to guide it up and out through the armhole.
Repeat this with the other hand.
Image 11-44 shows the baby's singlet being stretched over their head.
Image 11-45 shows the singlet going over their head, clear of the baby's face.
Jumpsuits and tops. You can either lay the jumpsuit out and place your baby directly on top of it, or manoeuvre the jumpsuit around your baby, placing each limb into the sleeves and leg sections of the suit. The following describes putting on the top of a jumpsuit but can also be applied to jumpers, nighties and tops.
For long sleeved jumpsuits or tops, scrunch up the sleeve, as you would when putting stockings on, (rather than trying to force the arms down the entire length). Start with one scrunched-up sleeve and use both hands to stretch open the cuff and gently guide it over your baby's hand. Alternatively, you can guide their hand up through the sleeve, and when her hand reaches the cuff, use your fingers to gently grasp their hand and pull it through. This last technique can also be used for short-sleeved tops.
Image 11-46 shows the baby's hand being guided through the sleeve.