Dressing Your Baby Washington DC

Some tips to make the dressing process quick, safe, and interactive for both you and your baby.

Local Companies

Open Sesame Kids
240-715-2905
10404 Welshire Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD
Kids Are Us Learning Center
(202) 562-7118
800 Southern Ave., SE #110
Washington, DC
Sunshine Early Learning Center, Inc.
(202) 561-1100
4224 6th St., SE
Washington, DC
Dawn Price Baby
(202) 543-2920
325 7th Street SE
Washington, DC
E.C. Mazique Parent Child Center, Inc
(202) 462-3375
1719 13th St., NW
Washington, DC
GAP Community Childcare Center
(202) 462-3636
3636 16th St., NW
Washington, DC
Sacoto Pediatrics
703-820-1951
5555 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA
Downing David MD
(202) 877-6933
Washington Hospital
Washington, DC
Landy Helain J MD
(202) 687-8531
3800 Reservoir Rd NW
Washington, DC
Washington Continence Center At Washington Hospital Center
(202) 877-6526
106 Irving St NW
Washington, DC



Some babies are wigglers, some go totally limp, and others cry. When dressing your baby, one thing is for sure: Babies aren't very interested in the whole process! So if just getting a T-shirt on your child seems to take superhuman skills, relax. Once you've dressed your baby a few times, the whole process will become second nature.

Tips for a quick change of clothes

  • Be prepared. Set out your baby's clothes on the changing table or bed before you begin.

  • Be cautious. Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table or bed -- even if she's never rolled over before and even if she's strapped on.

  • Look for easy-to-dress clothes. Buy clothes that have large head openings and are made of stretchy fabrics.

  • Stretch the clothes, not the baby. Stretch the neck opening in the garment before you try to place it over your baby's head. For example, put a shirt on your baby by stretching the neck opening over the back of her head first, and then down over her face. Reach into sleeves and pull her hands through rather than pushing her arms through. And be careful not to bend her fingers and toes the wrong way. Remove the shirt by gently taking her arms out one at a time and then lifting the shirt over her face.

  • Be well grounded. Always dress your baby on a sturdy, flat surface like a changing table, the floor, or a bed. Never attempt to change your baby's clothes while you're riding in a car, even if you're in the back seat. For safety's sake, secure your baby in a car seat whenever the car is in motion.

  • Don't overdress. Babies can become overheated if they wear too much clothing. Here's a good rule: Dress your baby with the same amount of clothing you're wearing plus one additional thin layer.

    Have some fun
    Cherish these special one-on-one moments with your baby. When it's time to change clothes, it's time for nurturing, too. Sing songs, make funny noises, keep up a cheerful banter, and maintain eye contact while you slip your baby into something clean and dry. It may not seem like much at the time, but every little interaction between you and your baby contributes to her growth and development.

    When you dress your baby in a zippered garment, pull the opening away from her body when you move the zipper up or down to avoid catching her skin. Be especially careful near the folds of skin at her neck and chin.

    About The Author
    Julianne Deveraux travels frequently between Atlanta and Boston as a freelance writer and Your Baby Today contributor.
  • Featured Local Company

    Open Sesame Kids

    240-715-2905
    10404 Welshire Drive
    Upper Marlboro, MD

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