Chapter 8 – pg

Indoors? When choosing the clothes a baby will wear indoors, consider the temperature in the home rather than the season of the year. A good rule of thumb is to check your own clothing needs. Check the baby’s body temperature by feeling arms, legs or neck (not hands or feet). –Babies too cold will usually begin to fuss –Babies too warm perspire and become cranky

NEWBORN Their clothing needs are minimal Babies wear sleepers (a one-piece stretch garment with feet) for both sleeping and waking.

Climate control with Newborns In warm or hot weather, the baby may only wear a diaper and perhaps a short-sleeved undershirt When taking the baby outdoors in cool weather, add warm outer garments or blankets

Newborn’s Feet Socks and booties are usually not necessary for everyday wear. They may bind, and babies often get them wet or kick them off. If the baby’s feet feel cool to the touch, they should be covered with sleeper feet or stretchy socks (which stay on better than booties or regular socks).

Older Babies When babies begin to creep and crawl, they need different kinds of clothing. Overalls, especially those with legs that snap open for easy diaper changes, are good for crawling babies. Soft, cotton knit shirts are comfortable.

When to wear shoes? Shoes are not really necessary until the baby is able to walk outdoors. Many physicians feel the best way for babies to learn to walk is barefoot. –This leaves the toes free to grip and the ankles flexibility Indoors, on cold floors, slipper-socks or nonskid socks will keep the feet warm and the baby safe.

Dressing Tips When dressing a baby, take the time to give special attention to the baby – NOT just to the clothing. As you dress or undress a baby, do your best to work smoothly and quickly without being rough. Don’t rush. Make sure baby is calm and feels comfortable. Dressing To-Dress-a-Baby

Pullover Garments: These garments have a small, but stretchable, neck opening. 1.Gather the garment into a loop and slip it over the back of the baby’s head 2.Stretch the garment forward as you bring it down past the forehead and nose. 3.Put the baby’s fist into the armhole and pull the arm through with your hand. 4.Be gentle because most babies hate putting clothes on. 5.Many babies may try to get away when they are being dressed. 6.Be patient and take as much time as you can to make the baby feel calm.

Open-front shirt: The “secret” of this method is first laying the baby facedown. 1.Place the baby on his/her stomach. 2.Open the shirt and lay it on the infant’s back. 3.Gently turn the baby faceup so that the shirt is underneath. 4.Put the baby’s arms through the sleeves. 5.Button up shirt.

One-piece garment with feet: Putting on this type of garment is easier when the zipper or snaps go from neck to toes. 1.Put the bottom part of the garment on first. 2.Roll the baby onto one side and pull the garment up under the baby’s shoulders. 3.Then gently pull the sleeves over the baby’s arms. 4. Start to button from the bottom, so you are sure not to miss any buttons.

Choosing Clothes Keep in mind that both comfort and ease in dressing are important. Since clothes are expensive, it is important to look for: –generous hems to allow for height growth –waistbands to allow for rapid growth Clothing today is more simple, comfortable, and meets the needs of most babies. Most provide ease of movement and ease of care.

Infant Wear - Sizes Size of infant wear is indicated by both weight and age of baby. Weight is a more reliable guide. Babies tend to “swim” in clothing. Babies grow quickly! If buying clothes for a mom-to-be, it is a good idea to buy a variety of sizes. Include gift receipts, because you wont know if the baby will grow enough to fit into the clothes.

Newborn child sizes generally adhere to the following descriptors: A newborn child weighing 7-10 lbs and 19”-22” in length would wear size 0-3 months A baby weighing lbs measuring 22”-24” in length would wear 6 months A baby weighing lbs and measuring 24”- 26” would wear a 9 months size. A baby weighing lbs measuring 26.5”-28” wears 12 months A Baby weighing lbs and 28”-30” wears 18 months A baby weighing lbs and 30”-33” wears a 24 months size. _01_archive.html