A baby bodysuit is one of those items that quickly becomes indispensable in a baby's daily life. It's there from the first weeks, accompanies countless nappy changes, and serves as the foundation for many of the little ones' outfits.
But, between different sizes, sleeves, fabrics, and opening types, choosing the right bodysuit isn't always as simple as it seems.
In this guide, we explain what to consider when choosing baby bodysuits, from size and material to the most practical opening type for each stage, so you can find comfortable, easy-to-dress items suitable for your baby's routine.
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What should a good baby bodysuit have?
More than just choosing a bodysuit by its print or colour, it's worth looking at what really makes a difference in daily life: comfort, ease of dressing, and freedom of movement.
A good bodysuit should fit the baby's body without being too tight, be pleasant to the touch, and allow for easy nappy changes. As it's an item worn frequently and in direct contact with the skin, it's also important to pay attention to the fabric, seams, labels, and finishes.
The type of opening is another detail that can make a big difference, especially in the first few months, when dressing a newborn can feel like a small mission. There are models that open fully at the front, others with shoulder openings, and others that go over the head.
The best choice depends on the baby's age, the season, and, above all, what makes the routine simpler for whoever is dressing them.
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What type of opening is best for a baby bodysuit?
The bodysuit's opening might seem like a small detail, but in the first few months, it makes a huge difference. When the baby is still very small, the simpler it is to dress and undress, the better.
Front-opening bodysuit
Front-opening bodysuits are especially practical for newborns. Instead of having to pull the garment over the head, the bodysuit opens completely and can be dressed while the baby is lying down.
They are a good option for the first days and weeks, when you're still gaining confidence with clothing and nappy changes.
Envelope neck bodysuit
The envelope neck has small flaps over the shoulders that make the neck opening wider. This makes it easier to pass the head through and makes the bodysuit simpler to dress as the baby grows.
Another advantage is being able to remove the bodysuit from the bottom, by pulling it down through the legs, which is particularly useful when there's a nappy leak.
Bodysuit that fastens between the legs
Regardless of the type of opening, snap fasteners between the legs are essential to facilitate nappy changes without having to completely undress the baby.
In practice, there isn't one single opening that is best for all families. For a newborn, it might make sense to prioritize models that open fully at the front. Later, models with an envelope neck can become a simple and practical option for daily use.
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How to choose the bodysuit size?
Choosing the right size can be one of the most difficult parts, especially before the baby is born. Indications like “newborn”, “1 month”, or “3 months” are just a reference, and can vary between brands.
Whenever possible, consult the brand's size chart and prioritize the baby's height in centimetres. If you're between two sizes, the slightly larger model can offer more room to move and allow the bodysuit to be worn for longer.
It's also not necessary to buy many bodysuits in the smallest size. Babies grow quickly, and some items may no longer fit in a few weeks.
If you still have doubts, consult our guide on how to choose the right size for baby and children's clothes, where we explain how to interpret sizes and measurements from different brands.
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What materials are best for baby bodysuits?
As the bodysuit is in direct contact with the skin for most of the day, the fabric should be soft, comfortable, and suitable for the season.
Cotton: a practical choice
Cotton is one of the most common options for baby clothes, thanks to its soft touch and ease of use in daily life. In addition to the fabric, it's worth paying attention to the seams, labels, and elastic, avoiding finishes that could cause discomfort or irritation.
What about organic cotton?
Organic cotton can be an excellent option for those looking for a more conscious choice. However, more important than choosing a material solely for its origin is ensuring that the bodysuit is comfortable, well-made, and suitable for the baby's delicate skin.
It's also important to consider the season. A light bodysuit may be sufficient as a first layer in warmer months, while in winter it can be part of a multi-layer system.
Always wash baby clothes before first use. In addition to removing residues from the manufacturing process, it ensures the item is ready to be in contact with the skin.
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Short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuit?
The choice between short-sleeved and long-sleeved depends mainly on the temperature and how you will dress the baby. As newborns still have some difficulty regulating their body temperature, it is important to adapt clothing layers to the environment, avoiding both cold and excessive clothing.
Short-sleeved bodysuits
They are a practical option in warmer months and can also be used as a first layer under other garments when it's cooler.
Long-sleeved bodysuits
In colder months, long-sleeved bodysuits can help keep arms protected and work well as a first layer under sleepsuits, sweaters, or other warmer items.
How many of each?
It's not necessary to choose only one type. Having some short-sleeved and some long-sleeved bodysuits allows you to easily adapt clothes to different temperatures and daily situations.
The most important thing is to observe the baby's comfort and adjust the clothing to the ambient temperature, rather than following a fixed rule for all situations.
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Choosing the right bodysuit makes the first days simpler
In the first few months, it's the small details that make the difference. A comfortable bodysuit, easy to dress, and appropriate for the temperature can make clothing and nappy changes much simpler — for both the baby and their caregiver.
There's no need to overcomplicate things. Choose pleasant materials, the right size, and models that make sense for your baby's routine. As they grow, you'll quickly figure out which items work best in your daily life.
At Smiling Ones, we've gathered a selection of baby bodysuits designed to accompany little ones with comfort, quality, and that special touch that makes each piece even more beautiful.
Discover our selection of [baby bodysuits].