Sublimation printing is a favorite technique among DIY t-shirt decorators and custom apparel pros alike — and for good reason. When done right, it delivers crisp, vibrant designs that don’t peel or crack and last through endless washes. If you’re looking to decorate a baby onesie, bodysuit, or toddler t-shirt with a design that truly becomes part of the fabric, sublimation might just be your new best friend.
Whether you’re running a custom shop or starting your first heat press project at home, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to sublimate a toddler t-shirt and baby garments with ease.
What Is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation is a heat transfer method that uses special ink and paper to permanently embed a design into fabric. The key is heat: when the printed transfer is exposed to high temperatures using a heat press, the ink turns into gas and bonds with polyester fibers at the molecular level. The result? A vibrant, long-lasting image that feels like it’s part of the garment.
But here’s the catch: sublimation only works on polyester or polyester-rich blends—and light colors only. Cotton won’t absorb sublimation ink without a workaround (like a special coating or HTV base), and dark colors will block the design from showing up.
Why Sublimate Baby and Toddler Apparel?
Parents and resellers love personalized baby and toddler apparel, especially when it’s soft, safe, and high-quality. Sublimation lets you create bright, durable designs without stiff prints or heavy layers. Whether you’re adding names, quotes, or full-color art, sublimation is perfect for creating boutique-style items, baby shower gifts, or custom outfits for retail.
The Laughing Giraffe® sublimation blanks are a popular choice among decorators, offering one of the largest selections of polyester baby and toddler garments in the U.S.—from bodysuits and t-shirts to hats, blankets, and more.
What You’ll Need for Sublimation Printing
Here’s a quick checklist of tools and supplies:
- Polyester Baby Onesie or Toddler T-Shirt
- Choose 100% polyester or at least a 65% poly/35% cotton blend for best results.
- Sublimation Printer
- Brands like Epson and Sawgrass are widely used. Make sure it’s equipped with sublimation ink.
- Sublimation Ink & Transfer Paper
- Use high-quality sublimation dye and coated paper that releases the ink when heat is applied.
- Heat Press Machine
- A flat press is ideal for garments. Mini presses work well for small designs.
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Keeps your transfer paper locked in place when pressing.
- Lint Roller
- Removes dust and debris that could cause unwanted spots in your print.
- Protective Paper (e.g., silicone or butcher paper)
- Prevents ink bleed and protects your heat press.
- Scissors or Cutting Tool
- Trim the edges of your design to avoid transferring stray ink.
How to Sublimate a Toddler T-Shirt and Baby Onesie
Step 1: Design Your Artwork
Use a design program like Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or Illustrator. Keep your resolution high (300 DPI minimum) and always mirror the image before printing, especially if your design includes text.
Step 2: Print on Sublimation Paper
Load your sublimation printer with sublimation ink. Print your design onto the transfer paper using the highest quality setting. Let the paper dry completely.
Step 3: Prep the Garment
Lay the onesie or t-shirt flat on your press area. Use a lint roller to clean the fabric and pre-press it for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
Step 4: Apply the Transfer
Place the transfer paper face down on the garment. Use heat-resistant tape to secure it. Cover with protective paper and press at 375°F to 400°F for 40–60 seconds with firm pressure.
Step 5: Reveal the Design
After pressing, carefully remove the transfer paper and let the garment cool. Avoid washing it for at least 24 hours to allow the design to set.
Tips for Flawless Sublimation on Baby Garments
- Always pre-press your fabric to prevent moisture from interfering with ink transfer.
- Secure the design with tape to prevent “ghosting” (a double-printed effect from shifting).
- Trim the transfer paper closely around the design to avoid excess ink marks.
- Use protective paper every time you press to protect both your garment and your press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Sublimate on Cotton Onesies?
Not directly. Sublimation doesn’t bond with cotton fibers. You’ll need to apply a polyester coating spray or sublimate onto a layer of white heat transfer vinyl first.
Can You Sublimate on Dark Fabric?
Sublimation only works properly on light-colored garments. For dark fabrics, use a white HTV base or special dark sublimation paper.
What Fabric Is Best for Sublimating Baby Apparel?
100% polyester gives the most vibrant, permanent results. Blends (like 65% polyester/35% cotton) will result in a more faded or vintage look, great for certain styles. The Laughing Giraffe® offers both types of CPSIA-compliant options that are safe for babies and toddlers.
Final Thoughts
Sublimating baby onesies and toddler t-shirts opens the door to endless customization. With the right setup and a little practice, you can create high-quality, personalized apparel for retail, gifts, or special events — all from your workshop or home studio. Share this How to sublimate a toddler t-shirt guide your friends and family.
Ready to start? Stock up on sublimation-ready baby bodysuits and toddler tees from trusted brands like The Laughing Giraffe® and start pressing designs that last a lifetime!