When you’re preparing for the arrival of your baby, there are many different items that you’ll need. You’ll need diapers, wipes, a crib, and many other practical things. Clothes are also an essential part of any baby registry or list since they can help your little one stay warm.
As parents, we want our children to have only the best, so before they arrive, we make sure we have what we need to care for them. We also do plenty of research to ensure everything that enters the nursery is top-notch.
A onesie is a popular and helpful part of a baby’s closet. Onesies are both practical and cute items of clothing that can help infants stay warm and comfortable, and they can make cleaning up a bit easier, too.
Children’s Clothing: From Past to Present
Western-style clothing for newborns has changed dramatically over time. Early infant clothes were meant to restrict movement until 1693 when John Locke published the importance of letting babies crawl and wiggle.
Babies were often seen in long dresses (both girls and boys) until “creeping aprons” emerged in the 1890s. Creeping aprons looked like rompers and were basically the original onesies — letting babies explore the world around them.
What Is a Onesie?
Before we look into the practical uses of onesies, we need to discuss what a onesie is. There are a lot of different uses for the word “onesie,” so what type of onesie are we referring to?
Onesie is the general term used to describe something that is one piece, like footie pajamas or an item that looks like a long t-shirt with snaps at the bottom that cover a baby’s diaper. (Some onesies are made for adults, although those are more along the lines of novelty footie pajamas without the feet.)
Although the term onesie can be used to refer to footie pajamas for babies, “onesie” is more commonly used to talk about a t-shirt that’s long enough to be fastened in between the legs.
It’s essentially a bodysuit, and you can find ones that have long sleeves, short sleeves, or sleeveless.
Why Should I Buy Onesies for My Baby?
Onesies are often listed as a must-have item on baby registries. But, if a onesie mimics a shirt, why not just slip on a t-shirt and call it a day?
Although a regular t-shirt can be an excellent option for an adult or older children, a onesie is made for babies. It considers their comfort and needs (as well as yours).
Ideal for Any Season
Most onesies are made with a thin material, usually cotton. Although it often gets too cold in the wintertime for your little one to wear only a onesie, it can be a starting point for other parts of your baby’s winter outfit.
Onesies can make a great first layer in a winter outfit, providing some insulation to keep the heat in and the cold out. They can provide a layer of protection against any winter clothing that might irritate your little one’s skin.
Onesies can be used in the summer too. Since it gets hot outside, your baby usually only needs one lightweight layer, which can help keep your baby cool and covered.
Helpful for Diaper Changes
As a parent, one thing you will be doing a lot of is changing diapers, so you need clothes that will make diaper changes go a little smoother, and a onesie is a fantastic option.
Although technically speaking, a t-shirt would give you access to your little one’s diaper, there are other issues that make onesies a better option.
Another common part of parenthood is diaper blowouts. Although a shirt won’t be able to prevent them either, a onesie provides a layer so that the bowel eliminations won’t have direct contact with any furniture (although there may be some less solid leakage).
A second reason a onesie is better than a shirt is that it protects the diaper. Once your baby gets old enough to control their hands a little better, they will be able to mess with their diaper.
Sometimes, younger babies might play with the flaps on the diaper because they are an engaging new surface to touch. Older babies, on the other hand, may attempt to take their diapers off so they can run around naked.
This may be adorable, but it can also be dangerous for your furniture and flooring. The best way to prevent any baby nudist accidents is to put your baby in a onesie and button up the snaps.
Stays On No Matter What
One of the issues with wearing shirts for babies is that it’s easier for them to ride up. While your baby is a newborn, this won’t be as much of a problem since they can’t move around on their own. However, once your baby starts to be able to roll and crawl, it’ll be more likely to ride up.
Once your baby starts being able to soldier crawl (pulling themselves across the floor with their arms and hands), a onesie will be able to protect their stomach and back better, especially if you have carpets.
Comfortable
One of the many things that parents want is to make sure their kids are comfortable. Onesies are comfortable clothing for babies. They should be made with soft cotton fabrics, like the Tabeeze Bottom-Up Bodysuit, which is 100% GOTS Certified Organic.
Babies (especially preemies) have sensitive skin. Even if a child hasn’t expressed any allergies or sensitivities, certain materials like nickel, phthalates, and solvents can prove irritating.
Onesies are usually made with fabrics that shouldn’t bother your little one. They’re stretchy enough that your little one can move around in any way they choose without being loose.
When waiting for a newborn’s umbilical stump to fall off, a onesie is key. It can protect your baby’s cord from outside irritants. If the onesie itself seems to be bothering this spot, you can unclasp the buttons and roll the onesie up.
Additionally, easy-on/easy-off onesies can facilitate skin-to-skin bonding easier than any other garment.
Easy To Find
One of the biggest pros of onesie usage is that they’re convenient. A onesie is fairly easy to find, and they come in all kinds of sizes.
Whatever your baby’s needs are, you can probably find a onesie to suit them. There are even adaptable onesies for babies with disabilities or health concerns.
Another benefit is that onesies are easy to pack in a diaper bag, and they can make a great backup outfit, just in case your little one has an accident while you’re out of the house. You can still clean up your little one without needing to return home for some new clothes.
Comfortable and Convenient Clothing
Onesies have plenty of practical purposes, from protecting your baby’s skin to keeping them warm. It’s no wonder they are one of the most commonly bought pieces of baby clothing. They’re easy to locate, and you can use them as a part of some cute outfits for your little one without worrying about their shirt riding up.
Onesies can help protect your baby’s sensitive skin, making diaper cleanup a little easier. Plus, with a onesie snapped up at the bottom, your little one will have less chance to remove that diaper on their own. Add in some skin-to-skin bonding, and your whole family will love your baby’s adorable yet functional wardrobe.
Sources:
History of Children's Clothing | LoveToKnow
The Standard - worldwide leading for organic textile production | GOTS
When do babies crawl? Pediatricians answer all your baby crawling questions | Today
