Robyn's Nest - The Parenting Network - Dressing Baby for all Seasons

Dressing Baby for all seasons

Many people believe that you should dress your newborn in lots of layers because babies are colder than adults are. Although it may be true that a newborn or preemie's body may not be mature enough to fully regulate body temperature, we have since learned that babies are just like us when it comes to body heat and temperature. Hot weather, cold weather, inside or outside, dress your baby as you would yourself.

In hot weather, remove clothing but protect from direct sun exposure. Babies are prone to heat rash and sunburn, so keep them cool as you would yourself. Give lots of fluids, dress in lightweight, light colored clothing and use a 30 SPF or higher sunscreen. (Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months of age, so protect younger infants by keeping them out of the direct sun.) Cottons that breath tends to be better in warm weather.

In cold weather, protect baby's skin and body from the cold. Heat from a baby's body tends to escape from the head, so a warm hat would be necessary. The extremities (arms, hands, legs, and feet) will chill more quickly than the trunk of the body, so protect with layers of clothing for cold exposure. Offer plenty of fluids and food prior to venturing out in the cold.

When coming indoors from extreme outside temperatures, add or remove clothing as necessary.

At night, dress your child in appropriate clothing for the temperature in his room.

	If in the summer temperatures are above 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the nursery and your baby is about to go to sleep, dress in light clothing and use a lightweight blanket (although no blanket may be necessary).
	During the winter in colder climates, use a tee shirt under heavy weight pajamas if baby's bedroom temperatures are to fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Footed pajamas or socks are preferred as many babies kick off blankets while sleeping.
	Infants (0-2 weeks) can be swaddled for cooler temperatures as well.

Babies will cry or fuss if they are inappropriately dressed and are too warm or too cold.

Robyn's Nest Quick Link You can also do a Keyword Search

Robyn's Nest

© 1996-2005 by NYBOR, LLC All rights reserved.
All material on this Internet site is protected by U.S. and international copyrights. Only personal use of such material is permitted. By accessing this page and this site, you expressly agree and consent to the foregoing terms and conditions.
Legal Statement
Privacy Statement

Dressing Babies