A long-sleeve dress is a dress with sleeves to the wrists, for cooler days. A bodysuit goes under it and keeps the diaper and tummy covered when the skirt rides up. Tights or leggings go on the legs.
Indoors, the long sleeves often make a cardigan unnecessary. When the room is cool, add one, and check warmth at the back of the neck, not the hands.
- For ages0–3years
- You'll need2–3per size
- Wear it below24°C75°F
Types of long-sleeve dress
Jersey dress
The stretchy knit of a T-shirt, made into a dress. It is the easiest one to get on a wriggling baby, and it washes without fuss.
Sweater dress
Knitted from chunky cotton or wool yarn, like a baby sweater, so it is warmer than jersey on a chilly day. Pick soft cotton or fine merino, because coarse wool prickles.
Pinafore
A dress on straps, with no sleeves of its own. It goes over a long-sleeve top or bodysuit, so the top underneath sets the warmth.
Tights or leggings under a dress?
Cotton tights
Smooth coverage from waist to toes, with no socks to kick off. A good choice for cool outings in the stroller.
Light cotton leggings
Easier to pull down for diaper changes. Pair with socks on cool outings, or leave feet bare indoors for better floor grip.
How to choose a long-sleeve dress
1. Sleeves with room
Tight sleeves are hard to get over a baby's hand. Look for stretchy cotton jersey or wide cuffs that slip on easily.
- Good: Your hand fits inside the sleeve
- Good: Cuff gives when you stretch it
- Not good: Narrow cuff with no stretch
2. A wide neck opening
A dress goes on over your baby's head, and a small neck with no opening is a struggle.
- Good: Opens at the shoulder with snaps
- Good: Overlapping shoulders that stretch wide
- Not good: Small neck with no snaps or flaps
3. A short, soft skirt
Tights or leggings keep the legs warm, so the skirt does not need length. Pick a short, soft one.
- Good: Soft skirt that moves with the legs
- Good: Knees free when your baby kneels
- Not good: Hem caught under crawling knees
Questions parents ask
Do tights go over or under a bodysuit?
Usually over the bodysuit and under the dress, so a diaper change means sliding the tights down and opening the snaps. Some parents put tights on first and snap the bodysuit over them, which stops the waistband rolling down on a crawler.
What is a jumper dress or pinafore?
A pinafore is a sleeveless strap dress worn over a top or bodysuit. In the US it is called a jumper dress. It is not a baby jumper (a bouncer seat) or a UK jumper (a sweater).
How do you wear a baby dress in winter?
Over a bodysuit and cotton tights or light cotton leggings, a long-sleeve dress is often warm enough for a heated home. Outside in the cold, a warm jacket or a pram suit goes over it, with a hat.
How do you get long sleeves on a baby?
Gather the sleeve up like an accordion, reach through from the cuff to hold your baby's hand, and slide the sleeve gently up the arm. Never force a closed fist through.
