Many new parents feel overwhelmed when they bring home their new baby and must learn how to dress him. While choosing appropriate baby clothing feels like a huge challenge in the beginning, and everyone has different advice on how to dress a baby, it does get easier and quicker with time and practice.
Choosing Baby Clothing for Each Season
Dressing a newborn baby in the cold seasons involves placing the infant in as many layers as the parents feel comfortable in and then adding an extra layer. If taking the baby outdoors in the cold, parents should bundle her up in many layers. This may mean long pants, socks and a sweater overtop a onesie, covered with a thick snow suit, hat and gloves. Winter baby clothes should be warm and cover as much skin as possible.
Newborns have trouble regulating their body heat, making it important for parents to worry not only about the baby getting cold but also about her overheating. Summer baby clothes should be light to prevent heat rash. This may mean dressing the baby in a onesie, shorts, socks, shoes and a sun hat. If taking the infant outside in the sun, it is important that she is dressed in cool clothing and kept out of direct sunlight.
Putting on Your Baby's Clothing
For new parents, dressing your baby may seem like a challenge. Parents should be sure to dress the baby on a low surface, such as the floor, or make sure he is strapped down if he's on a changing table. To start dressing a baby, begin with the diaper. Slide it underneath his backside, pull tabs at the back, by gently lifting his legs into the air. Bring the front of the diaper up between his legs and to his stomach. Pull the tabs on each side of the diaper and fasten them securely to the front. If parents use cloth diapers on their baby, they will have to fasten the diaper shut with snaps or Velcro.
To put a shirt or onesie on the baby, gently slide it over his head while supporting his neck, then reach through each sleeve to grab his hands and pull them through. Fasten any buttons once the article of clothing is in place. Slide pants on one foot at a time and then gently pull the waist band around the baby's stomach. Socks and shoes can be pulled at the sides to make room for the baby's tiny feet.
Once parents have dressed their baby a number of times, it becomes quite simple. What once took 20 minutes soon takes only five or 10, leaving parents less of a hassle when preparing to leave the home. As long as the baby is dressed warmly, but not overdressed for the weather, parents can rest assured that she is comfortable and will let them know if something is wrong.
Sources:
About Kids Health. Holding and Dressing Your Newborn Baby (accessed November 14, 2010).
Raising Children Network. Dressing your Newborn (accessed November 14, 2010).
Dr. Paul. Dressing your Baby and Baby's Home Environment(accessed November 14, 2010).
Jayde M. Nichols - Jayde Nichols had a love of writing for many years before beginning to write articles online in 2010. Nichols writes articles for a number ...
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