Guide To Baby Clothes Names

Baby clothes names left you feeling confused? When I was shopping for my first baby I was totally lost when it came to the difference between onesies, bodysuits and babygrows. Were they all the same thing? Did I need everything? And how many of each should I buy? Do not worry. This article is going to explain exactly what the heck we mean by babygrow, why a baby onesie is different to an adult onesie and why you need both onesies and bodysuits! Let’s take a look at key baby clothing terminology and definitions.

Baby clothes names

The main baby clothes names to consider are babygrow, onesie, sleepsuit, romper and pramsuit. All of these are baby essentials and two of them – babygrow and sleepsuit – are the same thing! The reason why baby clothes aren’t just about tops and trousers or dresses like the rest of us is that babies need layers. They don’t regulate their temperature in the same way so simple layers of cotton clothing – which is gentler on their sensitive skin – is the way to go. The general rule of thumb, as explained to me by the midwives after I had my first baby, is to put the baby in one more layer than you are wearing to keep them comfortable. So if you’re at home wearing a tee you want to dress the baby in a onesie and a babygrow.

What’s the difference between a onesie, sleepsuit, bodysuit and babygrow?

If you’re confused by all of these baby clothes names then don’t fear, we are going to break them all down for you and it’s not a stupid question at all. Search any internet parenting forum and you will see dozens of fellow mamas who are equally confused by what a onesie is. The key thing to know is that there are many terms for baby clothes, but actually some overlap and refer to exactly the same thing! Different baby clothing brands may use different terms, but actually it’s all one in the same.

What is a onesie?

A onesie, also known as a bodysuit, is a top that fits over a baby’s nappy (usually fastened with poppers) and has long or short sleeves but no legs. So a onesie and a bodysuit are the same thing! In the summer on a hot day your baby may be perfectly happy rolling around in just a short-sleeved onesie. It means their legs are free to kick about and they can stay cool. They’re also great as a simple layer for bedtime on very hot, sticky nights. I would often put my kids down in a light 0.5 tog sleeping bag wearing a onesie when the temperature crept above 22C in their room. In winter a onesie, or bodysuit, is used as an extra layer to keep the baby warm. So on a chilly day you may dress the baby in a onesie, topped with a babygrow (more on those in a minute) and then add a cardigan or jumper on top. At night time a onesie may also be worn under pajamas as an extra layer to keep the baby warm. When we talk about adult clothing, a onesie features long legs and sleeves, which in baby terminology would be described as a babygrow.

What is the difference between a babygrow and sleepsuit?

A babygrow, or babygrow, and a sleepsuit are exactly the same thing. They may also be referred to as footies or sleepers. It is an all-in-one, coverall outfit. Most cover the feet, but you can also get footless sleepsuits which are good for warm summer days to avoid feet getting too sweaty. They also make great baby PJs. Most babygrows are made of cotton but you can also find baby grows made from material such as muslin. Some baby grows will do up with poppers, while others may use zippers or buttons. Zippers are much easier to deal with at night when the light is low – it can be easy to get confused with matching up the poppers especially when they extend down the legs too. Many baby grows also come with scratch mitts built into the sleeves of the outfit. All you need to do is fold them over the baby’s hands and they have scratch mitts that they cannot pull off!

What is a romper?

A romper is a one-piece outfit with open feet and hands. Some come with no sleeves or legs, which are fabulous in warmer weather. A romper may also be known as a romper suit or sleep suit by baby clothing brands (confusingly crossing over with the babygrow). Always look at a picture of the item of clothing you are buying if ordering online, just to be sure you know exactly what you are getting!

Baby clothing terminology summary

Onesie or bodysuit – A top with no legs that fastens over the nappy. It may have long or short sleeves. Babygrow (babygro/sleepsuit) – all-in-one outfit with long sleeves and legs, generally covering the feet but some will be footless. Footless sleepsuit – a babygrow with open feet. Romper – a one-piece outfit with open feet and hands. Pramsuit or snowsuit – a one-piece cold weather outfit. Bloomers – Pretty little shorts that cover baby’s nappy. These are for the summer months. Scratch mitts – Soft mittens worn on baby’s hands to stop them scratching their face with their fingernails. Newborn babies tend to take their hands over their face when they’re asleep.