Swaddling and Dressing Baby

Swaddling

Wrapping your baby tightly helps your baby feel warm and secure.

To swaddle your baby:

• Lay the blanket in front of you in a diamond shape, with a point at the top.
• Fold down the top point.
• Lay your baby backside down on the blanket so that the head is above the edge you have just folded down.
• Take one of the side points of the blanket and pull it firmly over your baby's chest, tucking it under the thighs.
• Bring the bottom point up over your baby's feet.
• Take the other side of the blanket, stretch it over your baby in the opposite direction, and tuck it under the thighs.

Dressing Your Baby

Selecting Baby Clothes

Wash all new clothes, blankets and linens before they are used for the first time. Use mild detergent for the first year. Double rinse clothes, especially diapers, to protect your baby's delicate skin from irritation.

Keep in mind these pointers about style and design when choosing clothes for your baby:

• Your baby's clothes will require many washings.
• Check for well-made seams and sturdy zippers.
• The inside seams should be soft, not rough or scratchy.

When pulling clothes clothes over your baby's head:

• Bunch shirt up before putting it over your baby's head.
• Look for shirts with side or front openings, shoulder snaps or large, stretchable necklines.

• Choose clothes that permit easy access to your baby’s diaper for changing.
• Purchase only a few clothes of sizes 0 to three months, as your baby will outgrow them very quickly.

How to Dress Your Baby

Dress your baby as you would dress yourself, with one extra layer when your baby is small. Don’t expose your baby to extreme cold for long periods. When inside, keep your baby away from drafts. Babies lose heat very quickly through their head. It is important to cover your baby’s head with a cap or hat and your baby’s feet with socks when outside, especially on cold days.

On hot days, keep your baby away from direct sun. A baby’s skin can easily burn. Protect your baby with long-sleeved, lightweight clothing, a hat and sunshades as needed. If the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above, all your baby needs is a diaper and t-shirt, a hat and shade from the sun. If dressed too warmly, a baby will feel hot all over and may even be sweaty and develop a heat rash. If too cold, a baby will have cold hands and feet and a cold back. When a baby is just right, the hands and feet should feel cool and the body warm.