How to dress baby well and what clothes to choose?
Babies don't really like being dressed and undressed, and many new parents worry about being awkward in the first few weeks. It is however a manipulation to be done several times a day. Here are some rules and tips for dressing baby well and respecting his fragile skin.
The best place to dress baby, as well as to change his diaper, is of course on his changing table! Before laying your baby down in it, you will prepare the things you want to put on it. This way, you will have them to hand, and this will prevent you from going back and forth with baby in your arms if you have forgotten something. Depending on the season, the outfit will not be the same. Here's how to choose the right clothes.
How to dress a baby from 0 to 3 months depending on the temperature outside?
Whether it's summer or winter, here's our first piece of advice: to buy or choose clothes, choose the easy way. Since for your child, clothing does not rhyme with having fun, you will have to go as quickly as possible.
Then, we will choose baby clothes according to the season.
Dress baby in winter during the day
Your baby is immobile and will therefore be more sensitive to the cold than you. Don't know how to dress her? The rule is simple: add an extra thin layer to it compared to you. This technique allows you to add or remove clothes depending on the temperature.
Keep in mind, however, that your child should not be too tight or too covered.
Against the cold, in winter, add in addition to his clothes:
Dress baby in summer during the day
Summer is particularly trying for babies, especially the heat wave, which must be protected! To do this, and so that he doesn't get heatstroke in the summer: just put a short-sleeved bodysuit on him over his diaper. Prefer light colors. Perspiration will play a role in cooling his body.
Otherwise, you can put on an undershirt (simple t-shirt) to promote air circulation.
Another essential rule in summer to protect baby from the sun: put him a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
In spring and autumn, temperatures are less extreme. Adapt to the climate, always checking that baby is neither too hot nor too cold!
Newborn clothes: how to dress a baby at birth?
Generally, a newborn is dressed in a long-sleeved bodysuit, preferably in cotton to respect his fragile skin, as well as in pajamas and a vest over it if it is cold. Don't forget to put socks on him, over or under his pajamas, and a little hat to compensate for the loss of heat from his head.
When it's cold, newborns are very fond of being wrapped in a blanket. But again, remember that baby should not be too tight or too covered.
Read alsoHow to properly dress a baby at night to sleep?
As pajamas, you can put baby in a sleeping bag, a real practical and comfortable little sleeping bag, which replaces pillows, sheets and comforters and avoids the risk of suffocation. Around the age of two, you can replace the sleeping bag with a blanket, and put the child in pajamas. Don't forget to put on socks under or over the pajamas. Check, however, that baby is not too covered!
In terms of materials, prefer natural ones that allow good breathing for baby's fragile skin. The fabric should be loose enough, easily stretchable. You can try to buy some organic cotton bodysuits for example. These garments are made with fewer chemicals than industrial ones.
If you can, avoid putting on synthetic fabrics (terylene, polyester, acrylic) which are less pleasant for your baby. room temperature. Make sure it is always between 18 and 20 degrees.
The technique for putting on your baby's bodysuit
A short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuit can be difficult to put on, especially when you're not used to it. Here are the recommended gestures, which you will adopt very quickly once you have performed them a few times!
Snaps or zippers?
Remember that snaps or zippers will be much more practical than classic buttons. Snaps are also more comfortable when placed in the front and at the crotch. You will only have to undo them simply to change his diaper.
The sleeves must be loose enough so that your baby does not feel cramped or that his blood circulation is hampered. As for the collar, it must also be wide. Check that nothing can irritate or embarrass him. We do not recommend turtlenecks for babies.
Read alsoSleeves and legs: how to dress baby?
Baby's hands and feet are fragile. To put the sleeves on him without risking hurting him, form a kind of accordion with the fabric, like when you put on tights. Grab her hand while sliding the fabric down her arm. Then close the snaps, taking care not to hurt your baby by pressing too hard and not to pinch their skin. Next, do the same.
For pants or overalls, also widen each leg of the pants while pleating it. Put on the first one up to baby's knee before putting on the second one.
When you are at home, and especially when the temperature is low, make sure to cover baby's feet well: especially when he is on his play mat, his crib, or on the cold tiles...
Take advantage of your baby's changing moment to cuddle him
Dressing and undressing are not necessarily very pleasant for your baby. So try to make it a distraction. Do not hesitate to speak to him softly and calmly. You can sing to reassure him, give him a blanket in your hands to occupy him. Show him where his navel is, his nose, give him little kisses.
Do not lose sight of your baby, look him in the eyes all the time when you pass him a garment. It's about reassuring him and not annoying him.
If dressing your baby is a real obstacle course because he's crying, struggling, keep calm. Tell him what you are doing with a soft voice. If you have to put several layers on it, try putting on the t-shirt in the sweater first, for example, so that it goes faster.
During your stay at the maternity ward, do not hesitate to ask the childcare worker for advice on the subject.
Read alsoAuthor: Marilyne ClaracArticle updated by Mathilde Pujol, Health journalist
