Baby's First Christmas Ideas: What to Wear, Photos & Keepsakes

A baby's first Christmas only happens once, and most of what you will remember comes from small moments: the first photo by the tree, a tiny Santa hat, a stocking with a new name on it. These baby's first Christmas ideas cover what to dress your newborn in, how to choose the right size, easy photo ideas and keepsakes you can save for years.

What should a baby wear for her first Christmas?

The best first Christmas outfit is soft, warm and quick to change. Newborns spend most of the day sleeping, feeding and being passed between relatives, so comfort comes first and photos come second.

• For a newborn (0–3 months): a knit set is the easiest choice. It is soft, warm and has snap buttons for diaper changes. Our Baby's First Christmas Knit Set comes with an embroidered onesie, Santa hat, mittens, socks and a cable-knit blanket, in cream or red.
• For a Santa photo: the Newborn Santa Outfit has a Santa Claus onesie and a pom-pom Santa hat. The Christmas Tree Knit Set has a tree and "My First Christmas" embroidered on the front.
• For an older baby girl (3–24 months): a holiday dress set looks lovely at Christmas dinner and in family photos. Merry Red is red plaid velvet with a lace collar, plaid beret and shoes. Merry Green has a smocked bodice with embroidered reindeer and a red satin bow. Merry Scottish is a red-and-green tartan dress with a reindeer bib, hair bow and shoes.

See all our baby's first Christmas outfits in one place.

What size should she wear?

Choose the size she will be on Christmas Day, not the size she is when you order.

• Born in November or December: 0–3 months. Our knit sets are made in 0–3 months only.
• Born in late summer or fall: she will usually be in 3–6 or 6–9 months by Christmas. Look at dress sets, which run from 0–3 months to 18–24 months.
• Between sizes: choose the larger one. Babies grow fast in the first months, and a little extra room is more comfortable.

Check the measurements in our size guide before you order.

Baby's first Christmas photo ideas

• Under the tree: lay her on a soft blanket under the tree with the lights on. Turn off the room lights and use window light from the side.
• Tiny next to big: photograph her small mittens, socks or shoes next to a parent's hands or a big ornament.
• Her first stocking: place her stocking next to her, or hang it in the background with her name in view.
• With grandparents: one photo of every grandparent holding her will be one of the most treasured pictures you take.
• Meeting Santa: go early in the day and right after a nap. A Santa outfit or Santa hat makes the photo even sweeter.

Keepsake ideas to remember her first Christmas

• Save the outfit: wash it gently, fold it with acid-free tissue paper and keep it in a memory box. Many families bring it out again for her own children.
• A photo ornament: put this year's photo in an ornament and hang it on the tree every year.
• Hand or footprint: a salt-dough or clay handprint ornament is quick to make and keeps for years.
• A letter to her: write what this first Christmas was like and put it in the memory box with the outfit.
• The same photo every year: take a photo in the same spot by the tree each Christmas and watch her grow.

First Christmas traditions to start this year

• Read the same Christmas book on Christmas Eve every year.
• Choose one new ornament for her each year. By the time she leaves home, she will have her own collection.
• Wear matching family pajamas on Christmas morning.
• Record a short video message to her and watch it together when she is older.

When to order

Orders ship the next business day from Lafayette, California and usually arrive within 1–3 business days in the US. Carriers are busy in December, so order early in the month to have the outfit in time for photos and family visits.

Frequently asked questions

What does a baby wear on her first Christmas?

Newborns are most comfortable in a soft knit set with snap buttons, a hat and a blanket. Older babies can wear a holiday dress set for dinner and family photos.

What size is a first Christmas outfit for a newborn?

Most newborns wear 0–3 months on their first Christmas. If she was born in the summer or early fall, she will likely need 3–6 or 6–9 months.

What should I do with her first Christmas outfit afterward?

Wash it gently, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and keep it in a memory box with a photo and a short note about the day.

Find her outfit: browse our baby's first Christmas outfits and dresses, from newborn knit sets to holiday dresses up to 24 months.