How to Dress Your Newborn Properly
July 21st, 2010
There are baby clothes to fit every size of newborn, from the tiny premature baby to the bouncing 10-pounder. Most baby clothes are sized by the approximate age and height of the child. Your baby probably won’t require a great number of first-size clothes and may well grow into the next size within a matter of weeks — some babies are even big enough when born to go straight into second-size clothes.
Dressing and undressing your newborn can be difficult enough without having to worry about doing up complicated fastenings, so keep first clothes simple and save buttons and bows until later. Choose well-designed baby clothes that allow you to dress and undress your baby with the minimum of fuss. Look for garments that have wide, envelope necks that will stretch, so that you can slip them over baby’s head easily. Stretchsuits which have fastenings up the inside leg will allow you to change a nappy without having to remove all your baby’s clothes. All-in-one bodysuits, which fasten between the legs, will prevent your baby from getting cold around the middle and are ideal if you dress your baby in separates.
If you have a girl you may well be tempted to put her in dresses from the beginning, but dresses are not practical everyday wear for a young baby. They ride up and can be uncomfortable to He on, they will allow draughts in around her middle, and they get in the way when she is starting to crawl. It is better to save them for special occasions or for when she’s older.
Lacy jackets and shawls are best avoided too, as little fingers can get caught in the holes.
As your baby grows, colourful rompers and dungarees can take the place of stretchsuits. They are versatile and are suitable for both boys and girls. Rompers, which are really stretchsuits without feet, are easy to wear as they allow your baby freedom of movement. When you buy dungarees make sure that they have generous turn-ups and adjustable shoulder straps so that you get the maximum wear out of them.
When the weather is warm, babies need to be dressed in clothes that will keep them comfortably cool, and you should always cover their heads with a sun hat if you are out and about. Outerwear for cold days should be roomy enough to fit easily over everyday clothes.
Easy-care Fabrics
Your baby is quite likely to get through as many as three or four changes a day so it makes sense to buy clothes made in easy-care fabrics that will wash and wear well. Check the labels before buying and avoid any garments that are going to need special treatment. Choose natural fabrics as these are best for warmth and absorbency. Pure organic cotton is ideal for your baby’s underwear and also her stretchsuits.
Whether you are machine- or hand-washing garments, always follow the instructions on the labels so that your baby’s clothes retain their shape, color, and texture. Avoid using “biological” washing powders as these may irritate your baby’s skin. It is important that all clothes are well aired and completely dry before being put away.
Tags: clothes, newborn
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