Dressing the new-born
“Swaddling the baby” is the term that is used for wrapping and dressing the new-born.
How to swaddle the baby?
Soon after delivery, the new born is spread on a blanket and swaddled in it. The blanket is folded above the head , the arms are straightened and the blanket is tucked around , while the blanket is folded loosely and tucked under the baby, keeping the hips loose. Do NOT pull the legs straight or force the joints as this can cause injury to the hip joints.
Do babies benefit from swaddling?
Babies have a startle reflex which is normal in the new born period. This could make them suddenly jerk awake during their otherwise peaceful sleep. Swaddling helps to keep the new-born warm , reduces the sudden startles that may occur ,and resembles the safe confines of the womb. Swaddling helps to provide a sense of safety and protection for the new-born, similar to the mother’s womb.
Is it necessary to swaddle all babies?
Swaddling is an easy way of keeping your baby comfortable and snug while asleep. It encourages a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep without disturbances due to the involuntary startle reflex. However, some babies do not like to be restricted by the tight layers of cloth . they would resist the swaddling. For these infants, it is a good idea to avoid swaddling and just cover them in a manner that keeps them comfortable.
When to stop swaddling?
It is important to know when you must stop swaddling your baby, as it can cause a hindrance to the baby.
Swaddling can interfere with the baby’s motor development around the age of two months. Hence it is a good idea to stop swaddling the infant around this time . this will allow the baby to move comfortably and develop the various age appropriate motor skills.
What sort of clothes are comfortable for new-borns?
It is essential to dress your baby according to the weather and temperature. In the new-born period, it is a good idea to clothe the baby in something that will cover the entire body, especially the back and legs. A single dress, called a onesie or a wrap shirt is a good way to cover the baby. Also, the head must be covered, as it contributes to a large surface area of the infant. Covering the feet with socks may be essential in case the onesie does not include the toes. The baby must be wrapped with a blanket or a thick sheet, depending on the weather conditions.
Dressing for the winter
It is best to layer the infant, in order to keep the baby warm. An undershirt with a shirt and a sweater is a good way of dressing. A sweater or a proper fitting jacket will ensure that the baby is comfortable. A warm blanket may be used especially while transporting the baby.
A pair of mittens or gloves are essential to ensure that the hands are kept warm. A woollen cap is needed to prepare temperature loss from the scalp and head.
Summer dressing
It is best to use soft cotton clothes during the summer. It is best not to layer the baby too much, as it would make the baby sweaty and uncomfortable, besides raising the body temperature. The garments should be light weight and loose but not interfere with the baby’s movements. Use cotton or light weight caps for the head and cotton socks to cover the feet.
Avoid clothes with buttons at the back or in places that can press the skin and produce discomfort.
Bed Time clothes
Make sure that your baby’s bed time clothes are comfortable. There are temperature fluctuations that occur through out the night. Make sure you dress your baby to accommodate these changes.
It is a good idea to dress the infant in a manner that will maintain the body temperature even without the use of a blanket. Blankets are not recommended as they are considered a risk factor for suffocation. Also, the baby may kick off the blanket or roll over and get out from underneath the warm blanket.
Avoid covering the baby’s head while asleep as it can make the baby uncomfortable due to the increase in the body temperature.
You could use a sleeping bag that is of the correct size for your baby. This will help to maintain the body temperature, as well as prevent the baby from rolling over on his stomach while asleep. It will also avoid the need for several layers of clothing
.