How to Properly Dress a Baby for Any Temperature?

Posted on: June 1st, 2017by Ivana Stamenkovic

First-time parents are often scared that their baby will be too hot or too cold since newborns can't regulate their own body temperature. But it's important that you dress your baby adequate to the weather and temperature, no matter whether you're outside or inside. Even though you want to protect your baby from overheating or getting too cold, there's no need to adjust her clothing to every temperature degree change.

While she was in the womb the baby's temperature was about 100°F (about 37,7°C). Once she gets out, her body temperature should be somewhere between 96,8°F and 98,6°F (between 36° and 37°C).

How to Properly Dress a Baby during the Summer?

Infants under six months should be kept out of the sun. But, if that's not possible, be sure to protect your child's skin from the sun. You should check with your pediatrician when you can start using sunscreen for your newborn baby. If you're going from one temperature to another, carry an extra blanket with you, so you could cover the baby when you come inside, and uncover her when you're outside. When it comes to clothes - always choose natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. Also, try choosing brighter colors since they are cooler than the dark ones. Put a hat or a cap with a brim on your baby's head, to protect her eyes and face from the sun. But be careful with hats and socks. Babies sweat only from their neck, hands, feet and head so putting socks and hats will limit their ability to cool themselves down. Parents who choose to wear their kids in a sling or in a carrier should look for the ones made of a breathable material or with a breathable net backrest. Try to avoid going out when the sun rays are the strongest - between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Warning Signs That Your Baby's Overheated

- she's crying
- she looks restless or listless
- she's breathing rapidly
- her skin becomes flushed and dry
- she feels warm to the touch
- she starts perspiring

How to Properly Dress a Baby during the Winter?

Dress your baby in the same number of layers that you're wearing and add an extra layer. There's no need to overdress your baby. Instead of dressing the baby in one extra warm piece of clothing, try dressing her in more layers. That way you can easily adjust the number of layers to the temperature, whether you're inside or outside. It's important to protect baby's feet, hands and ears, so your baby should always wear boots, mittens and a hat or a cap that covers the ears if she's outside. Rain covers protect your baby from rain, but keep in mind that they also hold in the heat. Remove the rain shield as soon as you come inside. Parents who choose to wear their kids in a sling or in a carrier should look for coats that can be worn over the sling or a carrier.

Warning Signs That Your Baby's Too Cold

- she's crying
- her feet, hands, ears and neck are cold

How to Properly Dress a Baby for Sleeping?

Avoid overheating your baby for sleeping. Babies sleep better if they are not overheated. Overheating a baby for sleeping is dangerous since they are then at greater risk for SIDS. Always choose more layers instead of one extra warm piece of clothing or blanket. Babies who co-sleep with their parents need fewer layers than babies who sleep alone in the crib. Avoid using loose beddings.

Safety Tips for Dressing a Baby in a Car Seat

You should always take off your baby's snowsuit and coat before putting her in a car seat. Don't put any blankets or covers under the car seat straps, as well since they can make straps too loose. Think about buying a car seat liner for different weather types, especially if you're planning longer trips.

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Baby Caring Dressing Your Baby Infant Caring Baby Dressing
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