Getting your baby dressed can lead to a screaming infant and a frustrated parent. Your baby is more concerned with being held and played with than putting on the cute dress you just bought her. Keep in mind that baby fashion shows will just upset your little one. You can keep her calm by simply knowing what you want her to wear and having every part of the chosen outfit together when you get ready to dress her.
Fabrics
Soft, stretchy fabrics are best for baby clothing, according to Gerber. Shirts need to have a stretchable neckline and armholes to make clothing changes simple. Terry cloth, fleece and heavy cottons will keep your baby warm during cold months while still being soft against his skin. Breathable cotton will keep him cool during the summer months; sensitive babies can easily tolerate it against their skin. The backs of zippers and snaps must be covered with one of these soft fabrics.
Layers
Instead of placing your baby in one layer of thick clothing, layer her in many thin layers of warm clothing. A t-shirt, long-sleeved onesie and a soft sweater offer three different layers to remove if she begins to get hot. Leggings and jeans or khakis offer two layers of pants that are removable. If you are dressing a little girl in a dress, put her in tights and leggings so that two layers are still keeping her legs warm. Layers are also ideal if you are traveling in a vehicle since bulky clothing can reduce the effectiveness of your baby's car seat, according to the Child Passenger Safety Technical Encyclopedia.
Safety
Gather diapering supplies and clothing before picking your baby up. Always get your baby dressed on a flat surface where you can keep a hand on him at all times. Never dress an infant in an item that has strings or small embellishments that he can place into his mouth, as these are potential choking hazards. If you are warm, it is more than likely that your baby is also and needs to have a layer of clothes removed so that he does not become overheated.
