Okay, we’ll get right into it. There are definitely a few things you can do to make dressing your newborn easier, so grab some newborn baby boy clothes from Parnell Baby Boutique and let’s get started.

• Over the head. Whether you’re dressing the little one in a onesie, a shirt, or a singlet, you’ll have to get their head through the collar, and babies don’t like things going over their heads. First, put your hands through the garment from the bottom up, working your hands through until you reach the collar and stretch it wide. Next, put the garment over your baby’s head, starting at the back of the head and then their face. Make sure you take it off the same way; back of the head first and then the face.
• Arms. If you pull a baby’s arm, they’re going to pull back, so you’ll need to gently guide their arms through the sleeves of their shirt or onesie. For longer sleeves, bunch up the sleeve and stretch it to create a wider hole. Reach through the hole to gentle grab baby’s hand and slide the sleeve on. Do one arm first, then the other. If you’re dressing your baby in a onesie, gently roll and slightly lift the baby while sliding the rest of the garment underneath before doing the other arm.
• Legs. The legs are the easiest to dress, as babies are already pretty used to having their nappies changed. If they’re wearing pants, just slide them on over their nappy, gently guiding their legs through. If they’re wearing a onesie, pop their feet into the booties or leg holes and do up the clasps.
• Swaddling. Whether they’re going to sleep or you just want your baby to be cosy, warm, and snug, swaddling is pretty simple to do. Grab a swaddle (typically a muslin blanket) and fold it into a triangle. Place baby in the centre with their shoulders just below the fold. Place your baby’s right arm alongside the body slightly bent. Take the same side of the swaddle and pull it securely across the baby’s chest, keeping the right arm in the fabric. Tuck the edge of the swaddle under the body, leaving baby’s left arm free. Fold the bottom corner of the swaddle up over baby’s feet, tucking the fabric into the top of the swaddle by their shoulder. Place your baby’s left arm alongside their body, slightly bent. Take the same side of the swaddle and pull it securely across baby’s chest, keeping the left arm under the fabric. Tuck this side of the swaddle under the baby.

When you’re picking baby boys clothes in NZ, try to look for organic, soft, natural materials, as they tend to be far softer on your little one’s sensitive skin. Ideally, you’ll also want materials that are breathable, absorbent, and comfortable.

• Cotton. Cotton is one of the most versatile, convenient materials for kids and babies alike. It ticks all the boxes we mentioned above, and when clothes are made from 100% organic cotton, they’re often environmentally friendly and chemical-free. Be careful looking for cotton newborn baby boy clothes in NZ though; there are over 90 types of cotton, and not all of them are appropriate for newborns. Look for lawn cotton, bread cloth, jersey knit, or muslin, as all are cotton blends or 100% cotton materials.
• Bamboo rayon. Ultra-soft and durable, rayon fibre is derived from bamboo plants. It’s hypo-allergenic and is thermal regulating, so it will adjust to your baby’s body temperature to prevent overheating.
• Fleece. Light fleece fabrics are a great alternative to wool. It’s moisture-wicking and keeps baby’s body toasty and warm. Unlike wool, fleece is machine-washable, dries fast, and is very easy to maintain.
• Microfiber fabrics. This kind of fabric is very soft and hypo-allergenic, so it’s great for a newborn’s skin.
• Fabrics with pile/nap. Terrycloth, flannel, velveteen, and corduroy are all highly absorbent, making for great kids and baby clothes.

While you’re shopping for cute baby boy clothes in NZ, make sure you’ve got these five staples ticked off your list.

• Singlets/singlet onesies. This is one of the most versatile pieces in your newborn’s wardrobe. You can leave them in a singlet and nappy during the hot summer months, or you can use them for layering in the winter. Grab a few, so you’ve always got a clean singlet spare.
• Mittens. Babies have sharp little nails and super soft skin, so they’re prone to accidentally scratching themselves. Not only will their hands stay warm in mittens, but their faces will be protected from scratch marks.
• Booties. Baby’s feet should never be cold, so make sure you’ve got a pair of socks or booties to keep them warm. You can also invest in onesies that cover the feet as an extra layer of warmth in the winter.
• Sleeping bag. At Parnell Baby Boutique, we recommend that every baby sleep in a swaddle or a sleeping bag to prevent them from rolling onto their stomach in the night. Of course, they can also wear pyjamas underneath in winter, but a sleeping bag will keep them safe and warm.
• A long sleeve onesie. Even if it’s the middle of summer, have at least one or two long-sleeve onesies available. You never know when a cold, rainy day will crop up, so it’s always good to have something warm to dress your newborn in.