Baby's First Christmas Outfits That Can Handle the Pavlova

Her first Christmas. She won't remember a second of it, and you'll remember all of it: the wrapping paper she tried to eat, the nap she skipped, the photo of Nan holding her up to the tree like a trophy.

That photo is the one she'll ask about later, so yes, the outfit matters. It also has to cope with 34 degrees and a dollop of pavlova down the front.

Here's what we'd put her in.

For the Christmas photo: Big Red Heart

Red is the Christmas colour, and our Big Red Heart Baby Playsuit wears it with pink hearts and ruffles on the shoulders. It's lightweight 100% cotton poplin with press studs down the back and reinforced studs at the crotch, so a nappy change doesn't mean starting the outfit again. $44.95.

Fair warning: we're down to the last few in 12M. More baby styles land in late November.

Want to get in the photo too? Mum's Women's Big Red Heart Maxi Dress is the same print, and big sister can match in the Red & Pink Heart Midi Dress. Every matching set is in our Matching Mum and Me Christmas Outfits post.

For a hot Aussie Christmas: Strawberry Fields

Christmas here means prawns on ice and the oven on since 6am. The Strawberry Fields Baby Romper is lightweight 100% cotton voile, so she stays cool while the rest of the family melts. Red gingham ruffle sleeves, a scalloped trim and press studs where you need them. $44.95.

Going for just a nappy and a smile? Pop the Strawberry Fields Ruffle Bloomer over the nappy. Three tiers of ruffles sit right where Nan's camera will be pointing. $39.95.

For three Christmas lunches in one day: the Amelie

It happens. The Amelie Baby Dress is soft 100% cotton jersey with real pockets and a built-in bodysuit with two rows of snaps, so the skirt stays put on the crawl to the presents. Pick Party Pooches (dogs in party hats) or Magical Unicorn. Sizes 6M to 2Y, $59.95.

Finish with a bow. The Pink & Red Mini Hearts and Pink & Red Dots headbands have a wide, soft band that sits gently on a tiny head. $14.95.

Gifts that outlast the wrapping paper

For grandparents and godparents who want to give something she'll keep:

• Baby Quilt, $149.95. Cot-sized, hand-printed and limited edition. A play mat now, a picnic rug later. Arrives in a fabric keepsake bag.
• Small Red Hearts Muslin Wrap, $44.95. Breathable cotton muslin with little birds hand-embroidered by artisan women in Jaipur, in its own gift bag.
• Strawberry Fields Bib, $24.95. Terry towelling on the back for her first go at Christmas custard. Gift bag included.

More ideas in our Christmas gifts for granddaughters guide.

Sizing

Our baby rompers and playsuits come in 6M (about 6-12 months) and 12M (about 1-2 years). Between sizes? Go up. There's a little room to grow, and she'll still be wearing it on Australia Day. Measurements are in the size guide.

When to order

Order by 18 December for Christmas delivery, or 20 December with express. Shop all our baby girl clothes and gifts, or see everything red and festive in girls' Christmas dresses and outfits.