The Edwardian Baby: Clothes

Diaper – the diaper, or napkin as it was called in the uk, was made of a soft material. By the Edwardian times, they came readymade and sealed in packaging which the mother could buy. They were fastened with pins and washed and then reused.

Stockings – the stockings were long socks coming up to the infant’s thighs. They were either made from a soft material or knitted, and were pinned to the barrow coat to stop the baby from kicking them off. Socks were also used, but as there was no way to stop them being kicked off, stockings were more popular.

Barrow coat – the barrow coat or “pinning blankets” were made of flannel and wrapped around the baby’s body below the arms. Sometimes it had shoulder straps, but usually not. It was fastened at the back with buttons and the part which extended the feet was usually turned up and pinned.

Flannel Skirt – This was usually done in a princess cut and was fastened at each shoulder by a button. There were also button fastenings at the back. The flannel skirt was the first of the baby’s petticoats to be put on and would not be over thirty two inches long. They were made from silk flannel or French flannel. If she so wished, the mother could embroider them to make them a little less plain.

Petticoat – the other petticoats were made of fine cambric or nainsook. These would measure about thirty three or thirty four inches. They were worn over the flannel skirt and under the frock. How many petticoats were worn depended on the time of year and weather.

Frock – The frock was usually white but could come in many different colours. They were between thirty three and thirty six inches long. They were more elaborate than the petticoats. They would be decorated with beautiful hems and fancy yokes. The neck and wrist areas would be adorned with embroidery and lace.

New born infants wore long dresses until they were around five months old. They would then begin to wear “short dresses” These could be bought or made but more often than not, the long dresses were simply made shorter.

Sacque – this was a little knitted cardigan which fasted at the neck with a ribbon. The edges were buttonhole scalloped and they were decorated with embroidery. The kimono style was particularly popular with Edwardian mothers.

Bonnet - Bonnets were made of linen or batiste. They could be plain or fancy, depending on what the mother of the baby preferred. From around 1908 onwards, the general thought was that bonnets with a lot of lace trimmings were grotesque. Most people preferred a more delicate head covering. Because the ties of the bonnet often got dirty faster than the bonnet itself, bonnets were usually made without ties. The ties would be pinned to the sides of the bonnet, hiding it with a pretty rosette of silk, or a flower. They could then be unpinned when dirty and washed separately.

Bib – bibs were made from linen and lace or embroidered linen. Underneath the bib would be the dress shield which was worn like a napkin. Half of the shield slipped into the baby’s dress and half hung outside, between the bib and the dress.

Booties - These could be made from various materials or knitted. They were either plain or decorated with ribbons and lace.

Cloak – the cloak was made of various materials, depending on the climate and time of year. Materials used were vast, but popular choices were cashmere, ottoman silk, albatross and pique. They were often lined with china silk, or batiste and covered the frock well. They could be embroidered to make them more appealing to the eye. Instead of a cloak, some infants would be wrapped up in a knitted shawl.

Night slip – this was made of a very soft material, such as longcloth. Because of how fast babies grow, they were made to be quite large so that the infant could grow into them, and the mother wouldn’t have to spend money buying or making new ones every few months. Night slips were plain garments with perhaps the tiniest row of lace around the neck and sleeve edges.

Flannel wrapper – these were put over the night slip on cooler nights or to keep baby warm during his morning nap. They were made of fine French flannel of a plain colour.

Creeping apron – this little garment was used when baby reaching the crawling age, or “creeping” as it was called. The creeping apron would be worn over the delicate little dresses to keep them clean while the baby crawled around the floor. The waist and skirt were all one piece and came in many interesting patterns such as plaid or gingham.