Finding the right clothing for your baby isn’t easy. You don’t want to spend a ton, because little ones outgrow clothing fast. At the same time, they need onesies and bodysuits to keep them comfortable and warm without irritating their skin.
If you’re looking for help finding the best onesies and bodysuits for baby, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered up our favorite options for 2021.
Plus, our shopping guide will help you figure out how to size properly, what materials to choose, and everything else you need to know.
The Best Onesies and Bodysuits for Baby
Here’s a rundown of our top picks for 2024:
Best Overall – Gerber Baby 5-Pack Solid Onesies
- 100% cotton is soft yet durable
- Machine washable
- Allows for quick diaper changes
- Trusted manufacturer
Gerber’s onesies offer quality and comfort at a price that won’t break your budget. These onesies are made from 100% cotton with an expandable neckline to help create a comfortable, easy fit. They’re soft, breathable, and don’t impair mobility.
Additionally, they’re easy to keep clean. Simply throw them in the washing machine, and then toss them in the dryer. They’re specifically made to withstand repeated washings, so you never have to worry about them falling apart or shrinking.
Softest Cotton – Burt’s Bees Baby Bodysuits
- 100% organic cotton grown without synthetic pesticides
- Ideal for babies with sensitive skin
- Extra-durable construction
- Available in both short and long-sleeved variations
Burt’s Bees is known for their commitment to quality, and their baby bodysuits are no exception. They’re made from 100% organic cotton that’s naturally stretchy and grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
They’re breathable, comfortable, and suitable for sensitive skin. Also, these bodysuits are so durable that they’re practically guaranteed to become hand-me-downs. They’re available in sizes ranging from preemie through 12 months.
Easiest Fit – Simple Joys by Carter’s Long-Sleeve Bodysuits
- Soft and durable 100% cotton
- Tag-free and nickel-free
- Designed to quickly fit over baby’s head
- Reinforced panels help prevent wear and tear
Fitting a bodysuit or onesie on a tiny, fussy baby can be a challenge. If you’re looking for something that fits quickly and easily, check out these bodysuits from Simple Joys by Carters.
They have expandable, overlapping shoulders that help them slip over a baby’s head in seconds. Also, their preemie and newborn sizes have fold-over cuffs.
Finally, you can trust them against your child’s skin. They’re made from 100% cotton and are completely tag-free, so they won’t scratch and irritate. Additionally, each bodysuit has a few reinforced panels, with nickel-free snaps.
Most Fashionable – Hudson Baby Long-Sleeve Bodysuits
- Multiple fun styles for boys, girls, and unisex
- Made from 100% cotton with snap closures
- Machine washable
- Also available in sleeveless options
Add color and style to your baby’s wardrobe with these bodysuits from Hudson Baby. A huge variety of fashionable patterns are available, including Mr. Cool Dude, Pink Penguin, and more.
All of these long-sleeved bodysuits are made from 100% cotton with snap closures. They’re entirely machine washable. However, you do want to note that many people say these bodysuits shrink a full size after the first wash, so adjust your sizing accordingly.
Aside from these long-sleeved bodysuits, Hudson Baby also has a full-line of sleeveless options in the same styles.
Best Value – Hanes Ultimate Baby Flexy Short-Sleeve
- Soft synthetic blend
- Features expandable shoulders
- Affordable price
- Breathable and flexible fit
Why spend big when most baby clothes only last a few months? Fortunately, these bodysuits from Hanes aren’t just affordable, but they’re durable and comfortable, too.
Each one is made from a blend of 60% cotton, 37% polyester, and 3% spandex. They’re breathable, cozy, and flexible. With expandable shoulders and snap closures, you should have no problem getting them on and off quickly.
Easiest Diaper Change – Rabbit Skins Short-Sleeve Bodysuit
- Three-snap closure
- Made from 100% combed ringspun cotton
- Tons of color options
- Easy to take on and off
These bodysuits from Rabbit Skins are easy for parents to manage. They have an expandable neckline, so you can slip them on and off the baby quickly. Additionally, the three-snap closure allows you fast access to full diapers.
Their short-sleeved bodysuits are made from 100% combed ringspun cotton. They’re available in a wide range of soft, solid colors.
Buyer’s Guide for Baby Onesies and Bodysuits
Fortunately, finding the best bodysuits and onesies for your baby or infant is often fairly easy and straightforward. Here’s a closer look:
What’s the Difference between a Bodysuit and a Onesie?
Onesies, bodysuits, rompers, and pajamas are all different types of baby clothes – and the differences are significant. Here’s a rundown:
Bodysuit
It’s easy to remember what a bodysuit is because it covers the entire body — torso, arms, and legs. It’s most commonly used as sleepwear for newborn babies and infants. Bodysuits have a snug, comfortable fit.
Onesie
A onesie covers an infant’s torso but not their legs or arms. It extends beyond the waist. Snaps or buttons close the onesie over the crotch area for quick access to diapers.
Onesies don’t need to be tucked in, so they work like T-shirts. They can be worn with pajama pants or leggings, or they can be worn just as a onesie. They’re also referred to as snap-suits or diaper shirts.
Onesies typically have a looser fit than a bodysuit. They allow for greater freedom of movement, so they’re more commonly worn when the infant is awake, while a bodysuit is for sleeping.
Romper
There’s a fair amount of overlap between what’s considered a romper and what’s a onesie. They’re both one-piece items worn like shirts. However, most rompers have long sleeves and legs, while onesies don’t.
Additionally, many rompers also have buttons, snaps, or zippers around the legs to allow for quick diaper changes – although some rompers don’t have an opening. Generally, rompers are made for older toddlers, while onesies are made for infants.
Creeper
A creeper combines elements of both the romper and the onesie. They have pant legs with snaps that run from the upper legs to the feet. It allows you quick access for diaper changes with the extra warmth of pant legs.
Pyjamas
Pajamas are pants with an elastic waist. They’re typically worn with a t-shirt or similar top. They’re usually worn by infants either when sleeping or for play around the house.
Size
Generally, selecting one size larger is a good idea. That helps it fit comfortably with just a slight amount of give. Additionally, look for onesies with wider head openings, as they’re usually easier to take on and off.
Use these measurements as a general guideline:
- Newborns under seven pounds – Smallest sizes available in the brand
- Babies between seven and 12 pounds – 23 inches
- 12 and 17 pounds – 27 inches
- 17 and 22 pounds – 29 inches
- 22 to 27 pounds – 31 inches
Of course, babies grow quickly, so check the tightness of the fit frequently.
Fabric
Fabric influences the onesie and bodysuit’s comfort, breathability, ease of washing, and other important factors.
Cotton
Cotton is the most popular option and generally considered the best choice. It’s soft, non-irritating, breathable, and generally unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. For parents, cotton is durable and machine washable.
Blends
You can also find clothing made from polyester or spandex blends. Sometimes, they’re slightly less soft than 100% cotton but often have increased stretchiness and overall durability. Fleece is another fabric to consider if you live in colder temps.
Regardless of what fabric you choose, make sure the inside of the clothing has no scratchy tags or unfinished seams. When looking at snaps and buttons, nickel-free is usually the best option, because nickel can sometimes irritate the skin.
Style
Style refers to the basic design of the clothing. Generally, simpler is better. You want to avoid any clothing with strings, fringe, and other purely decorative material, as it increases the risk of choking.
Buttons, both snap and magnetic, are typically superior to zippers. While zippers aren’t terrible, they do pose an increased risk of pinching the skin.
Metal fasteners have pros and cons. Metal buttons, snaps, etc., are far more durable than plastic ones. However, metal is a fairly common allergen, especially nickel. If your child shows any redness, itchiness, or other signs of skin irritation, you’ll want to avoid clothing with metal fasteners.
Easy Fit
Despite their small size, babies and infants can put up quite a fight when you’re attempting to dress them. Look for a few helpful features, such as the following:
- Large neck areas
- Easy-snap buttons
- Enveloped shoulders
Enveloped shoulders have overlapping materials in the shoulder area. They allow you to pull the shirt or bodysuit down for removal, instead of up over the baby’s head. It’s an easier, cleaner way to remove clothing following a blowout or other messy situation.
How Many Do You Need?
You’ve probably noticed that onesies and bodysuits are rarely sold individually. Fortunately, that’s not some marketing gimmick to get you to buy a bunch of onesies. You actually do want that many!
You’ll want about five to seven onesies/bodysuits for your child at any given time. That should help you keep your baby in clean clothes regardless of how much spit-up, poop, or spills might occur.
However, you usually don’t want any more than seven at one time. Babies grow quickly, so you’ll likely need to replace their wardrobe every three to six months.
How to Keep Infant Clothing Clean
Almost all onesies and bodysuits, including all of our recommendations listed above, are machine washable. You can toss them in the machine like any other article of clothing. While not strictly necessary, many parents prefer to wash them with non-fragrant or sensitive skin detergent.
You can also dry them in the dryer; there’s no need to hang them on a line. However, keep in mind that cotton clothing (and synthetics, to a lesser extent) can shrink. Buying clothing one size larger is usually a good idea.
Finally, most parents prefer washing clothes before putting them on their kids. Washing helps soften the material. Plus, it removes any dirt and other potential irritants.
Is a Onesie Safe for Sleeping?
Generally, a onesie is safe for sleeping.
Infants regulate their body temperature differently than adults. Their sleep environment has specific needs to keep them comfortable and safe.
Most medical experts recommend that babies sleep in one layer more than what you wear at night. A onesie plus a swaddle is usually appropriate (of course, you’ll want to check with your pediatrician for specifics). Onesies are usually considered safe for sleeping because they can’t ride up over the baby’s face.
Additionally, because they don’t cover the legs, arms, or feet, they help keep the baby cooler, making them popular sleepwear during the summer. During colder months, bodysuits, rompers, and creepers provide extra warmth.
As a general rule, underdressed is safer than overdressed. If your baby sleeps in too many layers, they’re subject to an increased risk of overheating, potentially leading to SIDS.
Conclusion
You want your baby to have the very best. At the same time, you don’t want to spend a fortune on clothing that your baby will only wear for six months or so. Fortunately, it’s easy to find affordable, well-made onesies and bodysuits.
All of the recommendations listed above are comfortable, durable, easy-to-dress, and simple to keep clean. If you’re looking for the best all-around option, Gerber Baby Solid Onesies is our favorite overall.
Of course, it’s not the only option. If you want clothing with color and style, check out Hudson Baby Long-Sleeve Bodysuits. If a low price is your main priority, Hanes Ultimate Baby Flexy Short-Sleeve Bodysuits can help you save.
Choosing the best onesies and bodysuits helps your baby stay comfortable and content – and look cute, too!
Read more:
