Parenting
Dress Your Baby as You Wish—It’s All About You!
by Mia Johnson
Updated: July 20, 2021
Originally Published: July 20, 2021
Image Credit: mapodile/Getty
Can we all agree that babies are absolutely adorable? Who can resist those chubby cheeks and chunky thighs? The sight and sound of a giggling baby can brighten anyone’s day. And let’s be honest—dressing a baby is a delightful experience. Choosing outfits for your little one is a joy, but does that mean you’re imposing your own style on them? Not at all!
My first child was a boy, and from the moment he was born, I treated him like a little doll. I dressed him in outfits I found adorable, from cute onesies to stylish pants from Target and The Gap. For special occasions, he donned smocked shortalls and crisp white shirts. I adored what my mother referred to as “classic clothing,” while my partner thought it was a bit overboard. He worried our son might resent me for those choices. Fast forward to today—he’s thirteen and has never once complained. Those sailor suits made for some unforgettable photos that I cherish.
I had two more sons who wore many of their older brother’s hand-me-downs. Was it wrong to dress them in used onesies that had likely seen their share of messes before a wash? Not at all! With three boys under five, I was all about saving money while getting good use out of those pull-on pants. Now that they’re all in school, they’ve adjusted just fine, even after sporting footed pajamas with holes. Who cares?
When my fourth child—a girl—arrived, it was a whole new ballgame. She came into the world with a full head of hair, practically begging for a bow, so I put one in her hair every single day. Now at five, she still loves wearing big bows. Did I influence her style? Sure! But she has embraced it wholeheartedly, and if she chose to change, I wouldn’t push it. She enjoys dresses, jewelry, bright colors, and sparkles—her style is uniquely hers.
My four children each have their own distinct personalities. Those three boys may be night and day in character, but they wore the same outfits. I have countless photos showing them in matching clothing at similar ages, even in outfits knitted by my mother. Spoiler alert: none of them have stopped speaking to her over those cute bunny-embroidered outfits from their baby days. Our clothing choices had no lasting impact on them.
Honestly, I never considered how the outfits I selected might shape their personalities. I simply chose what I liked. Dressing them up is a joyous aspect of motherhood. After carrying your baby for nine months, the moment you hold them is pure love—you want the world to see your perfect little angel. And how do you showcase that pride? By dressing them beautifully. Whether you prefer 80s band T-shirts, smocked dresses, or thrifted treasures, it’s your baby to dress as you see fit.
If you’re in your 40s, you might recall the iconic George Michael song “Freedom! ‘90.” There’s a line that rings true: “I just hope you understand, sometimes the clothes do not make the man.” The pajamas you choose for your baby at night don’t define who they are.
As your child grows, they will carve out their own personal style. One of my sons went through a phase where he only wore blue for nearly two years—this was his way of expressing individuality, and we fully supported him. Your child might love your fashion sense or rebel against it by opting for something entirely different. That’s perfectly okay. Allow them to be themselves; they will develop their tastes in food, music, entertainment, and clothing along the way.
There is no right or wrong way to dress a baby, except when it comes to the weather. Keep them warm in the cold and cool in the heat—beyond that, the choice is yours. Relish your time with your baby, dress them in what you love, and ignore any external opinions. Regardless of what they wear, they will always be adorable and full of smiles—just how you see them.
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Summary:
Dressing your baby is a personal choice that reflects your tastes. While there’s no right or wrong way to choose outfits, the key is to enjoy the process. Your child may develop their own style over time, and that journey is part of their uniqueness. Ultimately, it’s all about what makes you and your little one happy.
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