Clothing the Newborn

Tips on dressing a newborn

Babies are considered a bundle of joy in every household. Studies show that average American couples and their families are spending huge amounts of money for baby products. They always associate the best quality materials with the most expensive items in the market.

Welcoming a baby can be the most exciting time of a woman's life. However, dressing an infant can be one of the greatest challenges for first time Moms.  Here are some tips on how to properly dress a newborn:

1.      Change the diaper.

Lay the baby on a mat or onto a changing table. Remove the pins on the sides to unfasten the diaper. Lift the baby's feet while holding them together, pull the soiled diaper, and discard it.  Get cotton balls and dip them in warm water, clean the genitals and buttocks starting from front to the back. To prevent diaper rash, apply powder or rash cream. Put a new diaper underneath the baby's buttocks and fasten the diaper under the baby's stomach.  The same procedure applies for disposable diapers with the only exception being the fasteners which are normally self adhesive.

For pull up diapers, put them on like regular undergarments. This kind of diaper has been introduced in late 2005 and gradually increasing its market due to convenience and quality.

2.      Dress the baby using clothing made from cotton with short sleeves or as they are popularly known "onesie."   Additional clothing may be added depending on the weather.

3.      To prevent the baby from getting cold, socks, pants, or leggings may be used.

4.      If going outdoors put on a jacket and a hat.

Dressing a baby is easy once mastered. A new mom can learn the task very quickly.

Here are some tips on how to make sure the baby will feel comfortable and safe when being dressed:

1.      Before dressing the baby, wash your hands thoroughly.

2.      35% of babies all over the world cry when being dressed. Experts suggest that mothers should incorporate this task in any game that the baby seems to enjoy. Another tip is to let the baby hold any colorful toy to divert the attention until the baby is fully dressed.

3.      Be careful when trying on clothes for the baby.  Do not try to and force a fit if the baby's head or arms appear to be a bad fit.  Instead of forcing into a smaller size replace with a larger size.

4.      Choose colorful clothing. Studies show that babies enjoys bright colors and this will make the dressing task fun and easier. In addition, pick clothes that are comfortable and easy to put on. These are commonly stretchable and ideal for regular changes.

5.      When dressing a baby for a special occasion like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter, pick a theme that will match the baby's personality.  Some healthy babies will look good in a Santa Suit while others might do well as angels or elves.

6.      To protect babies from cold weather, keep them warm by dressing them using several layers of clothing. Be sure to use light materials that are easy to remove if the temperature suddenly heats up.

7.      Prepare all the materials before dressing babies.  This includes diaper, bodysuit, onesie, booties, jackets, etc. Most mothers sing or talk to their babies while changing their clothes to make them happy and comfortable.

8.      To be more organized, use dressing tables. These are equipped with drawers that are great in keeping all the baby's things in one place.

9.      For safety reasons, never leave babies unattended on a changing table or bed.

10.     Hold the baby's hand and gently pull it through the sleeves instead of pushing the arms in the garment's sleeves.

11.     For new moms, it is recommended to get help from friends or their own mothers in dressing the baby for the first time. This will teach the new moms proven techniques that they can use for at least 1 year and it will ensure the safety of the newborn.

12.     Mothers should be 100% focused when they are dressing their babies. They can't be distracted. Presence of mind is very important in completing the task to make sure the babies are safe.

Dressing an infant can be really hard for new moms who are afraid in accidentally hurting their babies. However, with correct information and support from other moms and family members, this task can be one of the most enjoyable with your baby.