Can Early Babies Wear Clothes? What NICU Parents Need to Know 💜

If you’ve just welcomed your baby early, you’re probably full of questions—and one of the most common is: can early babies wear clothes?

The short answer is: yes, but it depends on their condition and what your hospital allows. In this article, we’ll walk you through when premature babies can start wearing clothes, what kind of clothes they can wear, and how to choose garments that are safe, soft, and NICU-friendly.

When Can Preemie Babies Start Wearing Clothes?

Most hospitals will suggest that you dress your baby once they are stable and can maintain their body temperature. This often happens when your baby no longer needs to be in a closed incubator and can move into an open cot or heated mattress.

Every NICU has its own protocols, so always check with your baby’s neonatal nurse or consultant. Some units dress babies as early as 30–32 weeks gestation, while others wait a little longer depending on your baby’s weight and overall condition.

💜 Tip from a preemie mum: Even if your baby isn’t ready for clothes just yet, you can still bring some in. It means that you are ready for that special moment when you can dress them for the first time. 

What Clothes Can Premature Babies Wear?

Premature babies need clothes that are:

• Super soft – Their skin is delicate and prone to irritation.

• Easy to put on – Open-flat styles which can be put on around medical lines.

• NICU-safe – 

That’s exactly why we created SuperDinky’s NICU vests. They're specially designed for even the tiniest babies—from 1.5lbs up—and they open flat for easy dressing around tubes and wires.

👉 Shop our NICU-friendly baby vests here

Why Dressing Your Preemie Matters

Putting your baby in their own clothes is about more than just warmth—it’s a powerful emotional milestone. It helps you bond, gives you a sense of normality, and marks a step closer to bringing your baby home.

Parents tell us all the time that the first outfit their baby wore in NICU holds huge emotional meaning. That’s why we’ve made ours soft, special, and joyful.

Can You Bring Your Own Clothes Into NICU?

Yes hospitals welcome parent-provided clothing as long as it’s clean and suitable for NICU care. Units often have a stock of second hand clothes which are suitable if you do not wish to buy new. These are often donated items which are washed in the hospital laundry system. 

If your unit is short on joyful preemie-sized NICU vests, or if you’d like to donate some to say thank you, SuperDinky also offers a “Gift Your NICU” service so other families can benefit too.

💜 Find out how to donate a vest to your NICU

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Final Thoughts: Yes, Early Babies Can Wear Clothes – And It’s a Big Deal

The day you dress your baby for the first time is one you’ll never forget. If you’re wondering “can early babies wear clothes?”, the answer is yes—when they’re ready, and with the right garments, it’s a beautiful and bonding experience.

At SuperDinky, we know how hard the NICU journey can be, because we’ve lived it too. I waited weeks to dress my 31 week baby and it was a beautiful moment. We’re here to support you with clothes that are as special as your baby.

💜 Browse our full NICU collection here
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