Overalls are pants with a bib, a panel of the same cloth over the chest, and two straps over the shoulders that clasp or button to it. In the UK they're called dungarees.
They're never a must, since pants and a top do the same job. What they add is the straps: no waistband presses on a round tummy, and the diaper stays covered at the back when your baby bends over a toy. They're easiest from the time your baby sits up until potty training starts.
- For ages0–3years
- You'll need2–3per size
- Wear themAll year
Types of overalls
Denim and twill
The classic: woven cotton with clasps on the straps and often a pocket on the bib. Twill is the same sturdy weave in plain colors instead of jeans blue.
Corduroy
Ribbed cotton that's warmer than denim and wears well at the knees. It's the fall and winter pair, over tights or leggings.
Knit overalls
Soft jersey, French terry (soft loops on the inside) or a sweater knit, usually with buttons on the straps. It stretches like pajamas, so it's the comfiest pair for crawling and for the first months.
Shortalls
Overalls with short legs that end above the knee, for warm days.
What goes under overalls
For a baby, a bodysuit. Overalls are open at the sides above the waist, and a bodysuit snapped under the diaper keeps the tummy and back covered there, even when you lift your baby. A toddler can wear a T-shirt instead.
Then dress for the day. On a warm day, a short-sleeve bodysuit goes under shortalls. On a cool one, a long-sleeve bodysuit goes underneath, cotton tights or light cotton leggings go under the legs, and a cardigan or a sweatshirt goes over it all. For snow, snow bibs go over everything.
Diaper changes in overalls
Most overalls in baby sizes open with snaps down the inside of both legs, so they can stay on for a diaper change. Many toddler sizes, from 2T (the US size for two-year-olds), have none. Either way, a change takes longer than sliding soft pants down, which is why pull-on pants suit daycare days better.
A diaper change in overalls
Find the snaps
A line of snaps runs along the inside of one leg, across the crotch and down the other. Undo them all, from ankle to ankle.
Good: Fold the front up
Fold the front of the legs up onto the tummy, and open the bodysuit's snaps under it. The straps stay fastened and the back stays under your baby, so the top half never moves.
- Straps stay done up
- Arms and top untouched
With care: Straps off, bib down
Without leg snaps, undo both straps, fold the bib down and slide the overalls down over the feet. It works, but it's slower with a baby who wriggles.
- Everything comes down
- Slow with a wriggler
How to choose overalls
1. Snaps down both legs
Without them, the overalls come off for every change. Look along the inside of the legs: the snaps should run the whole way and close firmly, because weak snaps pop open when a crawler kicks.
- Good: Snaps from ankle to ankle
- Good: Snaps hold under a firm tug
- Not good: No snaps on the legs
2. Straps that let out
Overalls get too small in the length from the shoulder to the crotch, long before the waist. Long straps with sliding buckles, or two buttons for each strap, let that length out as your baby grows, and make room for a cloth diaper.
- Good: Long strap ends to let out
- Good: Two buttons for each strap
- Not good: Straps sewn at one length
3. Fabric that bends
Crawling and squatting bend the knees and hips all day. Knit, soft washed denim and corduroy give way, while stiff new denim fights every move until it has been washed a few times.
- Good: Knee bends easily in your hand
- Good: Knit or soft washed denim
- Not good: Stiff, board-like denim
4. Flat fastenings at the chest
The clasps sit on your baby's chest, where a carrier holds your baby against you and where the car seat straps should lie flat. Flat buttons or slim clasps press in less than a big metal one.
- Good: Flat buttons or slim clasps
- Not good: Big metal clasps on the bib
Questions parents ask
Can newborns wear overalls?
Yes, in soft knit. A stiff bib rides up toward the chin when a baby lies down, so denim and corduroy are easier once your baby sits up.
What's the difference between bibs and overalls?
Can my baby wear overalls in the car seat?
Yes. The bib is one thin layer of cloth, so overalls can stay on under the harness. Buckle up, check that the straps lie flat over the bib rather than on a clasp, then pinch the strap at the collarbone: no fold means snug (the car seat guide).
Are overalls good for potty training?
Not really. A toddler who needs the potty has to undo two clasps and push the bib down alone, and there's rarely time. Pants with an elastic waist come down in one move, so save the overalls for days when you're there to help.
How do I get overalls off after a blowout?
Downward, so nothing passes the face. Once the overalls are off over the feet, take the bodysuit off downward too, with its shoulders stretched wide.
Do overalls fit over cloth diapers?
Yes, if the seat is roomy. A bulky cloth diaper can stop the snaps between the legs from closing, so go a size up and shorten the straps.
Why do the straps keep slipping off the shoulders?
They're usually too long. Shorten them until the bib sits on the chest. Straps that cross at the back stay on narrow shoulders better than straight ones.
