Originally published December 3, 2019 · Updated for 2026
This guide was first created for baby’s first Christmas in 2019 and is carefully updated every year to reflect current styles, fabrics, and safety standards.
Short on time → Jump straight to the best baby first Christmas pajamas for 2026
Looking for the best baby first Christmas pajamas? Whether you’re planning cozy Christmas morning photos, matching family outfits, or just want something soft and safe for winter nights, these baby first Christmas pajamas are cute, comfortable, and perfect for making sweet holiday memories.
It’s time to plan the very first holiday season with your baby — and somehow, everything feels a little more magical.
I have to admit: even though I’ve always loved Christmas, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Christmas outfits. But everything changed when my baby arrived. Almost overnight, I became a fan of matching mommy-and-baby pajamas and cozy family sets with sweet Christmas patterns.
Since then, buying Christmas pajamas has been high on my list every single year. Just recently, I bought a new matching pajama set for our family, and it instantly brought back all those warm memories from our first Christmas.
Christmas morning is still my favorite part. We gather in the living room, open presents, sip hot cocoa, and simply enjoy being together. If that sounds like your kind of tradition too, choosing a special pair of first Christmas pajamas for your baby feels like a small but meaningful must.
To help you choose something truly special, I’ve rounded up the best baby first Christmas pajamas for this season. Together with my team, we selected pieces that feel gentle on baby skin, photograph beautifully, and turn simple moments into memories you’ll treasure for years.
How I Chose These Baby Christmas Pajamas
As a mom, I’ve learned that Christmas pajamas need to be more than just festive. Every pick below was chosen with these things in mind:
- Soft, baby-friendly fabrics: I always look for cotton or cozy fleece that feels gentle on sensitive baby skin, especially for newborns.
- Easy diaper changes: Zippers or well-placed snaps are a must. When you’re changing diapers late at night or during a busy Christmas morning, the last thing you want is to wrestle with complicated buttons.
- Safe, snug fits: I prioritize snug-fitting pajamas that follow sleep safety guidelines, without feeling tight or uncomfortable.
- Cute but not over-the-top designs: I love festive prints, but I skip anything too loud. These are the kinds of pajamas that still look sweet in photos years later.
- Options for newborns and older babies: Because babies grow fast. Every stage deserves something cozy and special.
I also included different styles — for girls, boys, gender-neutral families, extra-warm winter needs, and breathable cotton lovers.
Best First Christmas Pajamas for Photos
If you’re planning baby’s first Christmas photos, pajamas with a clear “My First Christmas” message tend to photograph best. They instantly tell the story and feel extra meaningful when you look back years later.
This year, most of the best options are unisex, which I actually love. They’re easier to shop for, work beautifully for any baby, and still feel just as special.
My First Christmas Pajamas (Photo-Ready Picks)
These are my favorite first Christmas pajama-style outfits for photos this season. Both options are soft, comfortable, and designed with details that really shine in pictures — whether you prefer a classic Santa look or a simple “My First Christmas” statement.
Option 1
Classic Christmas Coverall with Santa Hat
This is a timeless first Christmas look. The velour texture photographs beautifully, and the matching Santa hat adds instant holiday charm without needing extra accessories.
Details:
- Material: Velour blend (80% cotton, 20% polyester)
- Sizes: 0–3M up to 24 months
- Includes: One-piece coverall + matching Santa hat
- Design: Classic Christmas motifs (Santa face or Christmas tree)
- Closure: Snap closure for easy diaper changes
- Fit note: Footed in smaller sizes (0–9M), non-footed for older babies
Best for:
- Cozy first Christmas photos
- Christmas morning at home
- Parents who love a traditional holiday look
Option 2
“My First Christmas” Waffle-Knit Romper
If you want the moment spelled out clearly in photos, this waffle-knit romper is a sweet and simple choice. The “My First Christmas” print instantly tells the story and works especially well for milestone pictures.
Details:
- Material: Waffle-knit blend (95% polyester, 5% elastane)
- Sizes: Newborn to 6–12 months
- Includes: One-piece footed romper
- Design: “My First Christmas” text with a clean, minimal holiday look
- Closure: Snap closure for quick changes
Best for:
- Milestone-style first Christmas photos
- Keepsake pictures for albums or announcements
- Parents who prefer a simple, modern holiday style
These styles also work well as baby’s first Christmas outfits, especially for milestone photos and keepsake pictures.
Why I love them:
They keep the focus on the moment. The “My First Christmas” wording is clear and sweet, the colors photograph beautifully, and the designs feel timeless — not trendy in a way that will look dated later.
Photo tip: For photo sessions, softer fabrics like velour and waffle knit tend to photograph better than thin cotton — they add texture and warmth without looking bulky. If your baby is between sizes, sizing up slightly often looks better and keeps baby more comfortable.
Many parents love pairing first Christmas pajamas with a keepsake, like a baby’s first Christmas ornament, to remember the season.
Best Gender-Neutral Christmas Pajamas
If you prefer neutral colors or plan to reuse pajamas for siblings, gender-neutral sets are a great option.
Best extra-warm winter pajamas
Simple Joys by Carter’s – Set of 2 Christmas Pajamas
These footed pajamas are a winter favorite in our house. You get two festive designs in one affordable set, which makes them great for longer holiday seasons or colder climates.
Why I love them:
They’re warm, soft, and wonderfully practical — a great choice for babies who need extra coziness during December. They work especially well for families living in colder climates or for homes that stay cooler during winter nights.
Details:
- Material: Lightweight poly jersey & super-soft fleece (naturally flame resistant)
- Sizes: Preemie through 5T
- Includes: Two Christmas-themed pajamas
- Patterns: Santa, reindeer, classic holiday prints
- Closure: Full zipper from ankle to chin with cuddle tab
Best for:
- Cold winters
- Overnight sleep
- Long holiday weekends
Best Cotton Christmas Pajamas for Sensitive Skin
Hudson Baby Cotton Sleep & Play Pajamas
If your baby has sensitive skin or you prefer natural fabrics, these cotton pajamas are a lovely choice.
Why I love them:
They’re breathable, soft, and comfortable for overnight sleep — especially in homes that are well heated during winter.
Details:
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: Preemie, 0–3, 3–6, 6–9 months
- Includes: Two- or three-piece pajama sets
- Patterns: Holly leaves, gingerbread men, moose, Christmas trees
- Closure: Snap or zipper (depending on set)
Best for:
- Sensitive skin
- Warmer indoor temperatures
Best Matching Family Christmas Pajama Sets
If matching family pajamas are part of your holiday tradition, a dedicated family set makes everything feel even more special, especially in photos.
One of my favorite options for matching family Christmas pajamas is the Children’s Place Family Matching Christmas Pajama Set. I actually mentioned them earlier in this article because they’ve become a go-to choice in our home.
What makes them stand out is the organic, breathable cotton, which feels gentle on baby skin while still being comfortable for older kids and adults. The designs are festive but timeless, making them perfect for photos you’ll want to look back on years from now.
They’re available in sizes for newborns, toddlers, kids, and adults, so the whole family can match without sacrificing comfort.
Best for:
- Coordinated family photos
- Sensitive skin
- Parents who prefer natural fabrics
Are Christmas Pajamas Safe for Babies to Sleep In?
Yes, as long as you choose snug-fitting pajamas, flame-resistant materials, and avoid loose accessories.
Quick safety tips:
- Skip loose hats, bows, or accessories for sleep
- Choose the right warmth level for your home temperature
- Size snugly rather than loose
- For newborns, softer cotton or lightweight fleece usually works best
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep guidelines, snug-fitting pajamas and appropriate materials are key for infant sleep safety. When in doubt, always prioritize comfort and fit over design — a cozy, well-fitting pajama is the safest choice.
A Final Thought on Baby’s First Christmas Pajamas
Baby’s first Christmas goes by incredibly fast. One moment you’re dressing them in tiny pajamas, and the next, they’re tearing wrapping paper on their own.
Choosing a special pair of Christmas pajamas isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a cozy little moment you’ll remember years from now. Take the photos, enjoy the cuddles, and soak it all in your heart.
If you’re also looking for meaningful keepsakes, you might enjoy my guide to the best baby’s first Christmas gifts, especially sentimental ideas that pair beautifully with holiday photos.