Having skin-to-skin time with your baby is an incredible way to bond. It offers mental and physical health benefits, and you will likely find that your baby is much calmer when against the skin of a parent.
That’s why some companies are marketing to moms and dads who want to make skin-to-skin time easy at any time.
Are skin-to-skin tops worth it? While every parent will have their own opinion, skin-to-skin tops can absolutely be worth it for parents who want to cuddle their little ones easily. These tops are designed with you and your baby’s needs in mind, and they stretch to allow room for your baby to rest while you stay covered.
Not all skin-to-skin tops are created equally, so you need to find the best one for your needs.
Skin-to-Skin Tops
Skin-to-skin tops are designed with comfort in mind. They allow a parent to snuggle a baby without worrying about being topless.
Purpose of Skin-to-Skin Tops
Skin-to-skin tops make it easy for parents to hold their babies against their bodies, and both parent and child get benefits from this.
They enable you to practice skin-to-skin with other people around without being topless or stretching out a shirt that isn’t meant for skin-to-skin wear.
Skin-to-Skin Clothing Pros and Cons
Like any item on the market, skin-to-skin clothing has pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| Keeps you covered during skin-to-skin time | They can be expensive. |
| Stretches naturally without ruining the top | You have to be careful when using them to ensure your baby can breathe easily. |
| Helps support the baby while you carry him | Your body will change after birth, so the tops may not fit for long. |
| They can make breastfeeding easier. | Some babies love them, but some don’t like feeling this constrained. |
| They are made for both men and women. | There are different styles, so you may need to try a few to figure out which one works for you and your baby. This can get expensive. |
Skin-to-Skin Benefits for Mom
You will notice when you have skin-to-skin time with your baby that you feel calmer. That’s the magic love hormone, oxytocin, being released.
Skin-to-skin time can also help your milk come down (more on let-downs here) and lower your chance of dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety.Â
Skin-to-Skin Benefits for Dad
Dads who want to increase the bond with their baby should practice skin-to-skin time. This bond can help dads feel more confident in their paternal duties, even if they can’t breastfeed.
Safe Skin-to-Skin Positions
When enjoying skin-to-skin time, make sure your baby’s head is turned to the side so he can breathe. The adult holding the baby should sit in an upright position and stay awake during this time to monitor the baby.
It’s okay to put blankets over your baby’s back so he won’t get cold, but keep them away from his face, and make sure you don’t fall asleep this way.
When To Stop Skin-to-Skin With Baby
There’s no set age when skin-to-skin time has to stop. It should start right after your child is born and continue for at least the first six months to a year of a child’s life. After that, it can continue if mom and toddler are receiving benefits from it.
Are Skin-to-Skin Tops Necessary?
Skin-to-skin tops are not necessary, but they are wonderful to have. They can make it easier to get in that important skin-to-skin time each day.
Skin-to-Skin Shirt for Moms
There are plenty of skin-to-skin tops on the market made with mom in mind.
Kindred Bravely Organic Skin-to-Skin Wrap Top
This soft top allows you to adjust it with ties that wrap around your body. You can breastfeed easily while wearing this top, and it can cover the back of your baby’s head to ensure he stays warm.
Moby Bump & Beyond T-Shirt Wrap
Moby is known for the amazing baby wraps they make. I wore all of my babies in Moby wraps as long as they would let me.
The Moby shirt allows moms to have a shirt that supports the belly while pregnant. It then transitions to a skin-to-skin top that helps mom and baby bond. It’s a great two-for-one opportunity.
Nuroo Pocket Hands-Free, Skin-to-Skin Baby Carrier
Unlike many other skin-to-skin tops, Nuroo says their product will allow you to move around with your child easily while wearing them.
Of course, you should keep your hands ready just in case, but the support from this shirt is designed to make it part shirt and part carrier, all while keeping your baby against your chest.
Skin-to-Skin Shirt for Dads
Dads should be getting in on skin-to-skin time as well, and these tops make it easy.
Men’s Skin-to-Skin Kangaroo Care Bonding T-Shirt
This washable top allows dad to tuck the baby against his chest while the baby is resting. It’s soft and will help the baby stay warm while also relaxing.
Kangaroo Skin-to-Skin Bonding Care T-shirt for DAD
It’s easy to unsnap the top buttons to kangaroo the little one right against dad. Though dad will still need to securely hold the baby if moving around, this shirt is fitted enough to hold the child in place when dad is standing and assisting.
The Dadware Bonnaroo
The Bonnaroo comes with long sleeves so dad can stay warm as he cuddles his baby. The lightweight design makes it perfect when it comes to comfort.
Related Questions:
Do Babies Like To Be Naked?
Yes, babies love being in the nude! In fact, my kids learned to pull their diapers off as soon as possible and went streaking through the house as toddlers.
Being naked allows a baby to move easily, and it can also help clear up diaper rashes or other skin issues that may be exacerbated by diapers or clothes.
You can also hold your baby skin-to-skin when he’s nude as long as you know this may result in some cleanup later. Babies don’t care if they are or aren’t wearing diapers when it’s time to go!
Do Babies Like To Cuddle?
Babies are born cuddlers. Being close to you helps them feel calm and safe, and that can result in better physical and emotional health for your little one.
Babies who want cuddles are not trying to manipulate you into holding them; they genuinely seek and need that comfort to thrive.
Closing Thoughts
Whether or not you invest in skin-to-skin tops, make sure you do prioritize skin-to-skin time. It’s essential for you and your baby.
Kristy is the mother of four, including identical twins. With a background in education and research, she is constantly learning more about parenting and raising multiples. When she has spare time, she enjoys hiking into the woods with a great book to take a break.