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Tips for Dressing Your Baby Appropriately

Paisley Hansen
Having a baby changes many things in life. You want to do everything you can to keep your baby safe and comfortable. One of the things you have to think about is how to dress your baby appropriately for the weather. You want them to stay comfortable in both warm and cold weather. Here are some things to consider.

Layers

In warm and cold weather, you should consider dressing your baby in layers. Layers are easy to add or remove depending on your baby's comfort level. In cold weather, you should consider three or four layers. A blanket should also be considered when in extreme weather.
Of course, it's important to remember not to keep your baby in extreme temperatures for long. During the cold months, take your baby out only when you need to, and try to expose them to cold elements only for a minute or two.
In the warmer months, layers can be helpful for when you are in and out of stores or climate controlled areas. The air conditioning can make your baby chilly, and a blanket or an extra layer or two can help. This is also true when you are in an air conditioned vehicle.

Hats, Socks and Gloves for Young Babies

Many babies are born with little to no hair. Even ones who are born with a head full of hair need to wear a hat for the first couple weeks, particularly in the cold. It's also important to keep the extremities, such as the hands and feet, covered in cold weather.
When the body gets too cold, it starts taking heat from the extremities to keep the organs and core of the body warm. Keeping the head and extremities covered will help keep your baby warm and comfortable.

Blankets or Ponchos

When you can, warm up the vehicle before the baby goes in. This is most easily achieved with a remote control start, as it reduces the risk of the vehicle getting stolen. Keep in mind, it is illegal in some areas for you to leave your car running unattended. If you have a garage, you should keep your vehicle there to keep it warmer.
When your child is entering a cold vehicle, keep a warm blanket or poncho in the car. Wearing coats in car seats can be dangerous, because the coat can compress in an accident. This can leave a gap between your child's body and the straps.

One Piece Outfits

Putting your baby in a one piece outfit can help keep baby warm. A nice and soft layette can help keep baby comfortable and can give them a good night's sleep.
It is not recommended for babies to have blankets for the first few months of life, as it can increase the risk of suffocation. Putting them in a one piece outfit will ensure they stay warm throughout the night.

Avoid Overheating

Just like it's important to keep babies warm in cold weather, you want to keep them from overheating. Overheating can raise a baby's body temperature and increase risk of SIDS.
Pay close attention to signs of your baby overheating, such as an overly sweaty baby or a baby with a heightened heart or breathing rate. You should also protect baby's skin from the sun. A sun hat or keeping baby in the shade is important.

Prevent Sunburns

These things can help keep your baby at the proper temperature and comfortable. Dressing your baby properly and avoiding extreme temperatures is important for their safety, as their core body temperature is not well regulated yet.
When you dress in layers, you can avoid overheating as well as the baby getting too cold. These things will help you be well prepared for extreme temperatures, as well as air conditioned and heated rooms.