How to dress a newborn

Whether the weather is hot or cold, here's how to keep your baby safe and comfy.

DRESS NEWBORNS FOR WINTER

Baby, it's cold outside! When it comes to bundling up your bundle of joy, the best guideline is this simple one: Dress your newborn in the same number of layers you’re wearing yourself, plus one. So if you’re heading out for a walk in boots, warm socks, jeans, a sweater, coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf, your baby should wear the equivalent, which, at his size, amounts to a toasty inner layer, a snowsuit or bunting that covers his hands and feet, and a hat. His plus-one can be a blanket and/or his stroller’s rain cover, which will keep out the elements and keep in some heat.

But beware of overdoing it, particularly when you’re indoors — like at the mall or in a warm car. Babies dressed in too many layers (of blankets or clothing) are at greater risk for overheating and for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). If you’ve been out, remove your critter’s winter clothes as soon as you come inside (yes, even if he is asleep!). Putting your sweetie to bed or down for a nap? Keep his room cool — being too warm or too cold can interrupt newborn sleep. Dress him in a warm sleeper or sleep sack, but skip the blankets (loose bedding is also a risk factor for SIDS). In the winter, try to keep the room temperature between 68ºF and 72ºF. 68ºF is usually ideal, but all babies are different. If yours wakes during the night or after a nap, check his neck to make sure he’s not too sweaty. A little dampness goes with the baby territory, but pools of perspiration definitely do not.

DRESS NEWBORNS FOR SUMMER SUN

Overheating isn’t just a cold-weather condition — hot and humid days can also be dangerous for newborns, who can’t yet regulate their own body temperature. To protect your child from the heat, avoid extra layers when the temperature soars and you’ll greatly reduce the risk of pesky prickly heat (an itchy, red rash) or in extreme cases, heatstroke. While rare, you should know the signs and seek medical help ASAP if your newborn suddenly develops these symptoms:

Hot, dry skin

Very high fever

Diarrhea

Agitation

Lethargy

Convulsions

Loss of consciousness

So show off (and air out) those dimply knees and elbows in warm weather — but do protect them from the sun. A lightweight sun hat is an adorable must, preferably paired with a sun-blocking parasol attached to your stroller. If your baby is younger than six months old, protect his face and hands with sunscreen, but overall it’s best to keep him indoors or lightly covered, especially at midday when the sun is strongest. If you’re wearing your newborn in a sling or carrier, be sure the material is breathable so your little passenger doesn’t get too hot.

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Source: www.whattoexpect.com

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