Dressing Your Newborn
Clothing newborn babies can be difficult, especially if it is your first baby and you've never done it before. They are so tiny and fragile. You don't want to hurt them and, often, their little arms or legs just don't want to go where they need to. Here are some tips to help you dress your newborn baby.
Ensure Support of the Head and Neck
Always be aware that your baby needs constant support for his neck and head. Your baby is not able to support his head for a while yet and will need to depend on you. Legs and arms also need to be handled gently when being dressed. Tugging, when needed, during changing or clothing needs to be done very gently and with great care. Gentle handling will also minimize the startle reflex that babies have.
Always place your newborn baby on a soft flat surface when changing or clothing your baby. This could be a changing table, bed, or your lap. This will help support the baby's head and neck during the clothing process and allow you the use of both hands.
Stretchy Fabrics Are Best
Soft stretchy fabrics are best for newborns. They don't like tight or scratchy fabric being pulled over their heads. Clothing with no give in it will just make the clothing process harder than it has to be on the baby and on yourself.
Try to avoid newborn clothing that snaps or buttons down the back. Stick to clothing that snaps at the front instead. Babies are dressed on their backs. Having to flip them over to snap or button them up usually just irritates them. If they were sleepy or groggy before changing, flipping them will just wake them up and make it more difficult for them to sleep afterward.
Cotton onesies or stretchy footed pajama type clothing works very well for clothing newborns. Onesies Are Simple, Functional, and Comfortable for Your Baby. Onesies are one piece cotton construction outfits that have wide neck openings and usually snap at the crotch for easy diaper changing. Most have short sleeves and no legs. They can be used by themselves or as an additional layer in cooler weather.
While there are some onesies that snap down the front and at the crotch, many do have to be pulled over the baby's head. If the one-sie seems small, give the material at the neckline a small tug to stretch it out slightly. Then place the fabric over your baby's head ensuring constant support of the head and neck. Gently pull one of the baby's arms through the one-sie and then the other. Pull one-sie down and flip crotch flap up towards the front and secure the buttons or snaps.
Footie Pajamas Are Easy
Stretchy footed pajama type clothes are also ideal for clothing newborns. Most of these feature snaps, buttons, or zippers that make dressing your baby a breeze. The easiest way to dress your baby in this style of clothing is to place the open garment on the bed first and then lay your baby on top of the pajama. Hold the baby's arms and gently guide them inside the sleeves. Grab one foot at a time and place inside the footies. Tug all the material upwards to the front and fasten the garment.
Distract Baby When Changing
When clothing your newborn in anything other than onesies and pajamas, the same steps need to be taken, however, it may be more difficult as the clothing may not stretch to fit your baby as well.
If your baby has a tendency to flail their arms and kick wildly while changing, you may need to play a game with your child to distract them. Playing Peek-a-boo or blowing a raspberry on their belly may serve to distract your baby just long enough to stuff their arms and legs into their clothing between kicks.
Beware of Lace
Be careful of girl clothes that has lace attached. The lace will tell the world that your baby is a beautiful girl, but lace can be scratchy and irritating to your newborn's tender skin. Make sure than any pretty clothing with lace on it is placed away from your baby girl's skin.
Bib's Prevent Unnecessary Changes
One tip to prevent some unnecessary changes would be to place a bib on your baby even when it's not feeding time. Most newborn babies spit or drool often and the bib will help keep the baby's clothing dry and clean.
How Many Layers Does My Baby Need
When it comes to how much clothing your baby should be wearing, the best way to tell is by looking at what you yourself have on. Your baby will not need to be bundled in two layers of clothing and a blanket if you are wearing shorts and a tank top. Dress your baby appropriately as to the weather. Babies should always have a hat on when going outside in windy and cool weather.
