One of the greatest joys of motherhood is shopping for baby clothes. How could you not love that adorable jumper, or the pink dress, or that cute soccer shirt? However, when dressing your baby, cuteness is not the only basis for choosing clothes. More than making your baby look cute and adorable, the most important consideration is protecting your baby from all kinds of weather.
When shopping for baby clothes, three things should be considered: function, comfort, and protection. It is imperative that your baby is comfortable yet ably protected whatever the weather is.
You may have read and heard a lot of recommendations when it comes to dressing your baby, but perhaps the most sensible is to make sure that you know your baby well enough so you’d what clothes he is most comfortable in. It is also important to watch out for any signs of discomfort.
Soon, you’ll know what your baby likes to wear and what makes him comfortable. For now, you could use these tips when shopping for your baby:
For Warmer Months
During warm weather, choose clothes that are loose and lightweight. Look for fabrics that are breathable. Light colors are the perfect choice for the summer months.
Let your baby wear shoes that don’t need socks since babies have the tendency to take off their socks during the warmer weather.
If you have a baby who is less than 6 months old, dress him in long sleeves and long pants to serve as protection from the sun. A hat with brim also helps to protect his face from the sun.
During the summer months, temperatures abruptly change, like outdoor heat to indoor air conditioning. Make sure you have an extra blanket handy or a light sweater for your baby.
Be alert to immediately take the cue when your baby is too hot. He may appear to be restless. He will visibly have flushed skin that is hot when touched. He will be sweating profusely and he would appear to be constantly catching his breath.
For the Colder Months
Proper layering is the key, without causing discomfort for the baby. Some parents make the mistake of overdressing their babies during cold weather. You can begin by dressing your baby with the same of layers that you have. You can just bring a blanket and an extra sweater if the weather becomes too cold for the baby.
During the winter months when the weather is freezing, avoid dressing your baby with one warm garment. Simply continue with the layering because it is easier to add and remove pieces of clothing when you need to switch from outdoors to indoors and vice versa.
Mittens, booties, and a hat will come in handy, to protect your baby’s hands, feet, and head.
Watch out for signs that the baby is feeling too cold: listless, crying, and the face, fingers, or toes feel cold to the touch.
General Tips
There some helpful tips to remember, regardless of the temperature.
To ensure that the baby is comfortable, refrain from buying clothes with scratchy tags or appliques. Do not let your baby girl wear tight headbands. Look out also for velcro with rough edges.
Do not overdress your baby when indoors, aside from the house, indoors include a warm car or the mall. Having too many layers of clothing poses a risk of sudden infant syndrome or SIDS. If you are coming in from a freezing winter weather, strip off your baby’s winter clothes. Dress your baby in a warm sleeper.
Baby clothes should generally be soft, comfortable, and easy to care for.
Babies easily become irritable. Choose clothes that button up at the front or with zippers, especially for jumpsuits, to make putting on and removing easier. Tops which have envelope necks are comfortable and easier to get over the baby’s head. Remember to look for something that is easier to get over your baby’s head.
You have to take extra care when it comes to washing your baby’s clothes. You can wash them with th rest of your laundry. However, make sure that you don’t use strong detergents and fabric softerners, these products might contain chemicals that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
Soiled cloth nappies with poo should be soaked in a mild sanitizer before washing. There are nappy sanitizers that is available in the market today.
Lastly, keep in mind that babies grow up fast, do not spend a lot on baby clothes that have the smallest sizes.
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