Dressing and Clothing

Many new parents tend to overdress their child. Essentially, the mother should dress the baby in the same manner she would dress herself to be comfortable in a given climate, or situation. The mother should use the same number of layers she would use for herself. Infants can overheat easily but can also become cold easily. Finding a balance can be difficult so having extra cloths on hand and layering can be a good idea.

Suggested Clothing for Infants

When first buying clothes for the baby the mother should select a three-month size so that he does not outgrow them immediately. Cotton is both most comfortable for the baby, and easiest to take care of. The mother should also select clothes and sleep wear that is made of flame retardant materials. When selecting clothes, the baby's comfort and simple closures such as snaps, should be sought. This will make dressing easier. Also, buttons can come lose, fall off, and accidentally swallowed and choked on.

The mother should buy the baby:

- five undershirts

- five sleeping gowns

- five receiving blankets to wrap the baby in

- five stretch coveralls (with snaps for closures)

- one sweater; one jacket; and one snowsuit (depending on the climate)

- one dress-up or formal outfit

- toque for winter and hot for summer

- socks and boots

This list is rather comprehensive and perhaps even extraneous. For the most part, the baby will not need much clothing. Most of his time will be spent wearing coveralls or sleepers. When the baby begins to crawl, rompers or overalls may be more appropriate and comfortable for him.

In choosing clothes there are some handy tips to keep in mind:

- the mother will have to change the baby's clothes numerous times each day. Thus, it is important to have clothes that are easily taken on and off, and are quick and easy to wash and dry.

- Buy larger garments with elastic cuffs.

- Buy clothing that provides adequate protection from the sun.

- Make sure the fasteners on the clothing are easy to manage.

- Many mothers choose nightgowns for their infants because they are easily put on and removed.

- Avoid pure wool and other irritating fabrics. Cotton is almost always the best choice.

- There is no harm in buying second-hand clothes. Simply apply the same guidelines given here when buying.

- Only buy machine washable clothes.

- Be sure to buy clothes made of inflammable materials.

How to Dress an Infant

Many babies will fuss and cry when being dressed. However, knowing precisely how to dress the baby can help the mother make the experience less stressful for both participants. The dressing process should begin by laying out the clothes that the baby will be dressed in, undoing all of the closures on the clothes, and laying the baby on a comfortable changing pad. The steps to dressing are as follows:

♦ Putting on Underwear

1. the mother should hold the bodysuit with the front facing her body and gather it into her hands. Position the back edge of the gathered garment at the top of the baby's head.

2. With a gentle and quick motion, the mother should bring the front the garment over the baby's face down to his chin. This should be done in a manner that reduces the amount of clothing dragged along the baby's face which may upset him.

3. the mother should now gently lift the baby's head and pull the back of the bodysuit down so it is around his neck and lying on his shoulders. Gently place the baby's head back onto the mat.

4. If the bodysuit has arms, use one hand to stretch the arm opening wide and the other to guide the baby's hand through the opening. Ease the sleeve over the baby's arm while holding his hand. Pull the shirt down below his arm. Repeat the process with the other sleeve. Be sure to pull the fabric of the bodysuit and not the baby when dressing.

5. Pull the shirt down in place. If it is a one piece suit, secure the snaps at the crotch.

♦ Putting on a Jumper (over underwear/bodysuit)

1. Lay the stretch suit out flat with the snap closures undone and facing up

2. Lay the baby on the out stretched suit, with his neck aligned with that of the stretch suit's

3. Gather the fabric of one leg and guide the baby's leg into the suit. Repeat with the other foot

4. Gather the sleeve material and use one hand to make the opening of the sleeve wide allowing the baby's hand and arm to be guided through easily.

5. Be sure to first pull the baby's hand through very gently, and then pull the remainder of the sleeve material up to his shoulder. This will ensure that the baby's fingers or nails are not caught by the sleeve.

6. Close all of the snaps; starting with those at the crotch of the suit and moving up to those near the neckline.

How to Undress an Infant

Just as many babies fuss and cry when being dressed, many others will show the same emotions when being undressed. Moving from warm, comfortable clothes to exposed skin can be slightly disturbing for the baby. The air can be cold against his warm skin. Thus, undressing the baby requires that the mother make the entire process as quick as safely possible, with the baby's skin exposed for as short a time as possible. Having skin to skin contact with the baby, while undressing him, is invaluable for bonding and helps keep him warm while exposed. Prior to beginning the process of undressing, the mother should ensure that she has a towel, blanket, or a fresh change of clothes to wrap the baby in immediately after undressing him.

♦ Removing Underwear

1. Lift up the baby's shirt and hold his elbow with one hand. With the free hand, gently pull all of the fabric of the sleeve over the baby's fist, completely removing the arm of clothing. Repeat these steps with the other arm.

2. Gather the fabric of the underwear so that there is now spare fabric that may scrape across the baby's face when it is removed from his head.

3. Stretch the neck opening wide enough for the baby's head to comfortably pass through. With one quick, controlled movement, slide the garment over the baby's head.

4. Using one hand to support the baby's head and neck, lift his head. With the spare hand, remove the under garment from under the baby.

♦ Removing a Jumper (over underwear/bodysuit)

1. Begin by undoing the snaps on the jumper. Once undone, grab one foot of the jumper and pull the jumper leg off of the baby. Repeat with the other leg. Ensure to hold the baby's ankle when pulling the jumper suit off. This way his leg does not get twisted, pulled, or caught.

2. Gently grab both of the baby's ankles together and lift his bottom up. Quickly slide the jumper underneath of the baby as far as possible.

3. the mother should then place her hand in one sleeve and gently grab the baby's elbow. With the other hand, the mother should pull off the sleeve of the jumper by grasping it at the cuff. Repeat this process for the other arm.

4. Place one hand under the baby's head and neck, and gently lift his upper body. With the free hand, pull the jumper out from underneath him.

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