Somewhere out there is a Christmas card of a baby in a knitted reindeer onesie, beetroot red and sweating through the tinsel. That baby lived in the Northern Hemisphere. Ours get 35 degrees and a backyard lunch, so here is how to dress bub for first Christmas photos in an Australian December.
Australian owned, shipped from Melbourne.
Quick answer
What should a baby wear for first Christmas photos in Australia? Keep the outfit light and breathable, let the accessories do the festive work, and shoot in the shade. A Christmas headband or bow says "first Christmas" without layering bub up in the heat. Take the headband off for naps, and keep babies under 12 months out of direct sun.
The outfit
Light Clothes, Loud Accessories
In the heat, the outfit should be the quiet part: a white, cream or soft linen romper, a singlet bodysuit, or a light cotton dress. Then let one festive piece carry the theme. Our Christmas headbands include Tinsel headbands in candy cane, glitter trees, red reindeer and red Santa designs, and the Festive Joy three-piece set of double bows in rouge, pine green and white.
Coordinate to the family, not to the theme. If everyone is in denim and white, a single rouge bow pops. If the whole clan has committed to red, go white or pine green on bub so they do not disappear into the crowd.
The shoot
Shoot in the Shade
Golden light at 7pm beats midday glare every time, and it is kinder to small faces. Cancer Council recommends keeping babies under 12 months out of direct sun when the UV index is 3 or above, so set up under a tree, a verandah or a big shade umbrella. If you are outside for long, a broad brim hat does more than any headband.
Photographer trick: get the headband shots first, while bub is fresh, then swap to a sun hat or bare head for the candid family shots. Two looks, one baby, zero meltdowns.
The nap
The Nap Under the Table
There is always a nap on Christmas Day, usually in a portacot in a spare room or a pram in the corner. Whatever the setting, headbands and hats come off for sleep. Red Nose recommends no head coverings for any sleep, and that includes bows. Keep the cot or pram clear of soft toys, wrapping paper and the stuffed reindeer Uncle Steve brought.
The gifting
Buying for Someone Else's Baby?
A festive headband makes an easy, photogenic gift that will actually get used on the day. For more ideas, see our newborn gift guide, registry fillers under $20 and the Under a Tenner range. Order early: Christmas post is busy, and nobody wants the headband to arrive on Boxing Day.
Keep reading: Christmas headbands and gifts · Registry fillers under $20 · Are baby headbands safe?
Why Sommerfugl Kids
Christmas headbands, bows and gifts from an Australian owned shop, shipped from Melbourne. Festive enough for the card, light enough for an Australian December.
Shop Christmas Shop All HeadbandsFrequently Asked Questions
What should my baby wear for first Christmas photos?
A light, breathable outfit in white, cream or linen, with a Christmas headband or bow carrying the festive theme. Shoot in shade and keep it short.
Is it too hot for a Christmas onesie in Australia?
Often, yes. In December heat, skip the heavy knits and let accessories do the festive work instead.
Can my baby nap in their Christmas headband?
No. Red Nose recommends no head coverings for any sleep, so take headbands and hats off before naps.
When should I order Christmas headbands?
Early. Christmas post gets busy, so order well before the big day to make sure it arrives in time.