The Story of the Baby Bhoto Set

Steeped in Nepali Tradition

For centuries, the Baby Bhoto Set has been one of the most cherished garments in a Nepali child’s earliest days. Rooted in tradition and shaped by Nepal’s varied climate + yes some seasons very chilly and some baking hot, the bhoto is more than clothing — it is a gesture of care. In mountain villages and in the Kathmandu Valley alike, parents have long relied on these simple, thoughtful layers to keep newborns warm, protected, and comfortable during their first fragile months of life.

The word bhoto traditionally refers to a sleeveless vest, gently wrapped and tied at the sides. Designed without restrictive seams or tight fastenings, it allows a baby to move freely while keeping the chest warm. A typical Baby Bhoto Set often includes the bhoto itself, soft cotton trousers (often called suruwal or pajama-style bottoms), and sometimes a light inner vest and/or cap. Each piece has a purpose. The vest keeps the baby’s core warm. The trousers protect delicate legs from cool air. The cap shields a newborn’s head, which elders have always believed must be kept warm to protect overall health. In earlier generations, mothers and grandmothers stitched these pieces by hand, selecting breathable fabrics suitable for layering in changing weather.

In Nepal, where temperatures can shift dramatically between day and night, thoughtful layering has always been essential. The Baby Bhoto Set became a staple because it balances warmth and breathability — snug, but never heavy. It reflects a cultural understanding that comfort, softness, and freedom of movement are vital in a baby’s first months.

At Kokroma, we honour this heritage with deep respect. Our Baby Bhoto Sets are made from 100% cotton, carefully pre-washed with natural soap nut and sun dried under open skies — a gentle, time-honoured method that leaves the fabric beautifully soft without harsh chemicals. Each piece is lined with the softest malmal cotton, chosen for its lightness and tenderness against sensitive skin.

While carefully preserving tradition, we also introduce contemporary striped collections in lively, joyful colours — a celebration of Nepal’s vibrancy and modern families. These timeless essentials remain at the heart of every Nepali baby’s wardrobe. Many of our customers tell us the same set has been lovingly passed down to younger siblings, a testament to both durability and care.

The Baby Bhoto Set is not simply clothing. It is heritage, protection, and love — wrapped gently around a new life.