Getting Dressed and Undressed

1. 1

   Use the same general sequence each day when helping your baby get dressed or undressed. A familiar rhythm can make the routine feel predictable and secure.

2. 2

   Before changing clothes, place them on the changing table and prepare the clean items. Give a short preview: “Time to get undressed.”

3. 3

   Follow your usual order, such as removing clothes from the upper body and then the lower body. Before taking off a sock, pat your baby’s foot and say, “Foot up. Dad will take off your sock.”

4. 4

   They may kick or lift a foot to join in. Respond to the action: “You lifted your foot. Sock off!”

5. 5

   Pause for a few seconds, then remove the sock. Hold it where they can see it and show how it came off the foot.

6. 6

   Use the same playful cues while putting clothes on so the whole routine becomes familiar.

What to notice

• Lifts or extends a foot while you remove a sock Sense of Identity and Belonging
• Looks back and forth between the sock and their bare foot Initiative and Curiosity

Tips

• Pair each movement with a short phrase, such as “Bend your arm” or “Kick your leg.” This helps your baby notice how their body moves during dressing.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Warm interaction during a repeated dressing routine helps your baby grow familiar with the sequence and take part in a daily family activity.