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Keeping your baby comfortably dressed for the surrounding
temperature is important. Babies cannot
alter body temperatures quick enough to
compensate for temperature changes around
them so remove layers or add them as the
temperature changes so as to guard against
overdressing or underdressing.
Babies
like strong vibrant colors so
do not just buy soft pastels
when choosing clothes. |
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Enough layers?
Your baby is very sensitive to
weather extremes. In general your baby will be comfortable
in the same number of layers that you are wearing.
But remember: he will get hot or cold a lot quicker
than you would if the temperature changes. To make
sure your baby is not feeling too warm feel the
back of his neck or tummy - he should not feel too
warm. Do not depend by touching his hands and feet
as they are colder even when he is warm enough.
| Take
a complete change of clothes with you
whenever you go out. |
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Lots of babies don't enjoy being dressed or undressed
so make the procedure quick and easy. Choose clothes
that are easy to put on and take off. Look for soft
stretchy fabrics that are machine washable; all that
dribbling and possetting and leaking diapers mean
your baby's clothes have to withstand frequent washing.
Until your baby is walking all she needs are socks
or booties to keep her feet warm
The Winter months
When the temperature dips to 0°C or 32°F it
is okay to take your baby outside in the first few
weeks or months of life. However keep the outing short
- it is better to go out twice for 30 minutes per
session. Other tips include:
• Use your own comfort level as a guide to dressing
your baby.
• Help prevent baby's skin against chapping
by applying a thin layer of cream to baby's exposed
parts and face.
• Cover exposed areas such as feet and hand
with booties, mittens and a hat.
• In extreme cold, layer your baby well and
end it with an appropriate sized snowsuit that comes
with a hood.
• Take an extra blanket in case it gets chilly.
| Don't
buy newborn sizes but rather three months
size clothes. |
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The Summer months
Your baby can become overheated easily in the summer
months, in an overheated room if he is too warmly
dressed. It is important to guard against overdressing
since baby is able to keep her body temperature warm
enough.
• Stick to natural fibers such as cotton as
they let the skin breathe.
• You can check the back of baby's neck to see
if he is too warmly dressed.
• Babies need to drink more than usual - offer
baby an additional bottle of formula or breast milk.
• Take off hats, coats, extra clothes and blankets
as soon you come into a warmer atmosphere even if
baby is asleep.
• Never place baby under direct sunlight.
• If child becomes overheated he is bound to
become listless and exhausted. Take baby to a cooler
atmosphere at once; remove his clothes and fan him
and give him a drink. Sponging him down with lukewarm
water will also have a cooling effect. Inform your
pediatrician if necessary.
| Keep
babies under 6 months out of the sun totally.
Always use a sun hat on him (unless it
is very warm) as he will lose a lot of
heat from his head. Use a sunscreen SPF15
for babies over 6 months to help protect
against harmful rays. |
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