Thursday, October 29, 2009

Dressing Baby, The First Six Weeks

A friend said, the first six weeks of baby's life is simply "delicious." And it is.



You will want your baby to be dressed in soft and simple clothing that will keep baby's body temperature comfortable and warm . Soft to the touch and simple meaning easy on, easy off, easy to change diapers in and finally, perfect for the season. You don’t want to be doing laundry every day, every other day or every second day and the following list keeps that desire in mind. You will want to be resting, getting to know your baby and your new life with your baby.

If your are uncertain about our list, ask close friends and relatives for their advise. They will have plenty of thoughts and ideas on this subject. When you come to your final list, try to stick to it and to your budget. We've tried to be thorough however, your climate may not require any cold weather items. Also babies grow quickly and most of the items on this list will be used during the first six weeks only. Remember you will continue to need to purchase clothing for them for, at least, the next 18 years.

1. Homecoming Outfit
2. 6 to 8 One Piece Underclothing, Onesies
3. 4 to 11 One Piece Sleepers with Feet, Nightgowns or Sleep Sacks
4. 4 to 6 One Piece Rompers with Crotch Snap Up and without Feet
5. 4 to 6 Pullover T-Shirts or Tops
6. 4 to 6 Pairs of Pull On Pants
7. 2 to 4 Pair of Booties
8. 4 to 6 Pair of Socks
9. 4 to 6 Small Sized Bibs
10. 2 to 4 Blanket Sleepers (if required)
11. 1 Snowsuit, Stocking Hat, Mittens (if required)
12. 2 Sweaters
13. 2 to 4 Hats
14. 4 to 10 Receiving Blankets
15. 1 to 2 Pair of Mittens (if required to keep baby from scratching face)


The "Onesie"

Onesie style underwear can be worn over a diaper in the warmer months. They don't have to be pulled over baby's head. They snap down the front and the bottom part snaps across the belly, or the they snap at the crotch. They are made of lightweight 100% cotton. Onesie and other 100% cotton undershirts are meant to wick body moisture away from baby to evaporate which keeps baby dry and warm.

Onsies are essential pieces of under clothing. They will get a lot of wear in the summer when they can be worn over a diaper. During summer they can be worn as a sleeper as well. In the winter, they will be used often as that important first layer, of wicking, for warmth.

Sleepers

One piece, footed sleepers are mandatory pieces of baby clothing. They are soft, warm, and comfortable. Their comfort and ease of use makes them another favorite. Long sleeved sleepers, use loose fitting elastic around the waist and the ankles to keep the close fit. However, there is ample room for baby's feet to move about and grow. Most sleepers have a soft, round neckline that does not promote chaffing.

Sleepers protect your baby’s skin from irritating straps, seats, chairs, swings and chairs. They are easy on and off clothing and they are easy to change a diaper in.

They are typically made of a light weight, 100% cotton or polyester with covered snaps running down the front and one leg, or a soft nylon zipper runs down the same pattern. This light weight fabric breathes easily which allows baby's body moisture to evaporate which keeps baby dry and warm.

IMPORTANT: Always check the manufacturers written materials to find out if your baby's sleepers are flame retardant or flame resistant. Flame retardant or resistant fabrics resist catching fire and burn slowly when in contact with a flame. Some fabrics may even self-extinguish or be easily extinguished by smothering the flame. Sleepers should also be form fitting. Form fitting sleepers do not ignite easily and do not burn well because there is little oxygen to feed the fire.



FABRIC SOFTENER MAY RUIN THE FLAME RETARDENT OR FLAME RESISTANT ELEMENTS OF FABRIC.

Rompers

Rompers are one piece outfits that stretch over baby’s head and snap closed at the crotch. Any one piece outfit whether short-sleeved or long-sleeved is typically a romper.

They are loose fitting and provide ample rooms for "romping" about. They are usually made of 100% cotton, although blends of cotton and polyester can be found. Soft and comfortable even the seams are flattened to prevent baby's skin from chaffing. Again, rompers are easy to change baby's diaper in.

Booties

Keeping your newborn baby's body temperature stable and warm is one of your very important goals; your baby's feet can become easily chilled. Hats keep body heat from leaving through the top and booties keep body heat from leaving through the bottom. They are reasonably priced, easy to put on and take off and they protect and warm your baby’s entire foot and ankle.

Baby booties are sack type socks, with elastic or ties around the ankles to keep the booties on baby’s feet. The elastic or ties should be just snug enough to hold the booties on while kicking. They used to be made of soft cotton, fleece, wool or hand crotcheted. Today you can find them in almost any fabric.

Many commercial booties are lined with a soft cotton or plush to keep baby’s feet cozy and warm. Lined booties are perfect for moderate to cold temperatures.

Booties are a necessity for newborns and infants to keep their tiny feet warm and dry. They are also a necessity for babies during those early walking stages.

Medical experts recommend flexible, soft soled booties for babies learning to walk. Soft booties are the next best thing to bare feet. They allow baby to curl their toes, flex their feet, and grip the floor as they walk. These movements are essential foot movements for learning to walk.

IMPORTANT NOTE: They also promote proper arch formation. Always make sure baby booties for older babies have a skid resistant bottom. This prevents baby from slipping and falling on slick floors when first learning to walk. AND, don't purchase socks that cut off baby's circulation.


Always use your shopping list while preparing for the first six weeks. You will want to have everything that you will need and it will help you to stay within your budget. Consider shrinkage, baby's size and always keep your receipts.

Always purchase machine washable and machine dryable pieces of baby clothing. And ask around about which manufacturers make clothing that is easily washed and wears well over time. This clothing will last longer and will be more affordable in the long run.

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