How to dress an infant?
When baby arrives, clothing is a fundamental question that can raise a few doubts. Tartine et Chocolat has prepared some advice and tips to help parents find the perfect outfits:
The importance of clothing for infants
It is true that dressing a newborn may seem simple, but there are still a few essential rules to follow to ensure maximum comfort and baby's safety. Their skin is fragile, which is why it requires special attention. Beyond finding what will make them look their best, it is essential to optimise their wellbeing by taking into account their physiological needs, the seasons and materials. The most important thing to know is that little ones' internal temperature does not regulate itself as it does in adults, who tend to adapt to temperatures that are too hot or too cold. In addition, a baby cannot express how they feel, which is why it is necessary to pay attention to these different factors. As an indication, a newborn's optimum internal temperature is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. It is said that ideally a baby should wear one more layer than their parents, but it all depends on the season. So, how should an infant be dressed in different seasons?
A baby covered throughout all four seasons
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Warmer seasons: Spring / Summer
During the warmer period of spring and summer, it is important to keep baby as cool as possible and protect them from the sun's UV rays. Although these can be a source of vitamin C, just as for adults they can be harmful to health. It is therefore best to choose lightweight, comfortable fabrics, particularly cotton or linen. These materials will respect baby's skin and provide sufficient coverage to protect them from the sun without overdressing them. Likewise, short-sleeved bodysuits and bloomers are excellent choices in very hot weather. In the event of light breezes or drizzle, a cardigan or a thicker waterproof jacket will protect baby from the cold. However, it is essential to cover a newborn's head to avoid sunburn.
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Wetter, colder seasons: Autumn / Winter
During wetter, cooler periods, temperatures fluctuate more. That is why it is best to be able to cover and uncover baby easily. The idea is to add layers as temperatures drop. If the weather is wetter than cold, the ideal choice is pyjamas, a jumpsuit, a lovely cardigan, adorable little slippers and a beanie. This is where body heat is quickly lost in a newborn. If the main aim is to protect against severe cold, an attractive little coat or onesie is essential. Materials are once again very important here. We tend to favour luxurious materials such as organic cotton, velvet, wool and cashmere.
A wardrobe by Tartine et Chocolat
With the aim of providing a practical vision of a baby's wardrobe, Tartine et Chocolat has created a list of essentials to accompany baby through the seasons and fall in love with:
Short- or long-sleeved, a soft cotton bodysuit is a wardrobe essential for baby. Ideally, choose bodysuits with a front opening to avoid pulling clothes over baby's head, as they are not yet agile enough for this. Likewise, a press-stud opening at the crotch makes nappy changes easier.
Likewise, pyjamas are a wardrobe essential to have in many versions and materials to cope with any change in temperature. For practicality, press-stud openings are once again ideal. The house of Tartine et Chocolat has imagined a multitude of pieces with iconic prints and a wide palette of colours ranging from neutral to bold tones. This selection is available to allow everyone to find something they love.
It is a practical piece that can be both understated and more playful. The prints, patterns and colours used make the garment adorable and baby irresistible. Baby is both comfortable and reassured by materials such as cashmere and cotton, while also looking very elegant and on-trend. Dressing is once again made easier thanks to front openings that facilitate nappy changes.
In terms of comfort and safety, a sleeping bag is an essential item to have. It is designed to help regulate baby's temperature as effectively as possible. Depending on its thickness, it can adapt to every season. In addition to preventing baby from being too hot or too cold, a sleeping bag is ideal because, unlike traditional blankets, it presents no risk of suffocation or strangulation. Babies cannot cover their heads with a sleeping bag, which considerably reduces risks related to breathing and temperature regulation during sleep. Baby is protected while remaining free to move their legs, which encourages muscular development and mobility while keeping baby comfortably swaddled. It can also help prevent night waking caused by baby becoming uncovered.
It is necessary to plan how to dress an infant when it is much colder outside. To go for a walk while keeping baby warm, a onesie is the best possible ally in winter. It has been designed to protect baby from the elements by covering them from head to toe, notably with a hood, mittens and integrated slippers. For optimum practicality, the onesie does not bulk baby up to the point where it has to be removed during a car journey, for example. Indeed, the onesie has also been designed not to pose a road safety risk. Once again practical and cute, Tartine et Chocolat has taken pleasure in creating fashionable, comfortable pieces for little ones.
Whatever the season, it is essential not to forget the extremities, especially the head, which is the part of baby's body that retains the least heat. That is why a beanie is a wardrobe essential, whether lightweight or thicker. When temperatures become cooler, slippers are far from obsolete. As well as being necessary, they come in different materials and colours. Enough to make you fall in love even more easily …
Precautions to take when dressing:
It is true that it is important to be very careful when dressing baby. Gentleness and caution are essential for this fragile little being who needs all the attention possible. These simple reflexes and habits will make life easier for parents while optimising baby's comfort.
- The first piece of advice would be to organise yourself as much as possible so that everything is within reach, allowing you not to feel overwhelmed by the situation and to manage it as well as possible. Baby will then quickly be dressed in a comfortable outfit made from materials that respect their skin.
- To make this process easier, choosing the right openings is essential. Front openings are preferable, especially for bodysuits, pyjamas and jumpsuits. Likewise, to make nappy changes easier, it is best to choose openings at the crotch so that baby does not need to be completely undressed each time. In addition, press-stud openings are always more practical than buttons. Thanks to this system, there is no need to pull the garment over baby's head when dressing them. As a result, baby is less likely to hurt their neck and head, which remain two very sensitive areas at this age.
- Beyond all this, it is important not to dress baby in clothes that are too narrow or overly tight, because while wrapping them up warmly is a good idea, they should always be able to move as they wish. Letting them move is a good way to encourage muscular development.
Tartine et Chocolat, a leading name in children's fashion since 1977, offers chic and elegant clothing for children from newborn to age 14. With a desire to create fashion that transcends time and ages, Tartine et Chocolat places baby at the heart of its creations to meet the needs of little ones: soft, comfortable yet luxurious materials to make their days as calm and gentle as possible. We hope this article has helped guide all new parents in dressing baby. To discover more about the Tartine et Chocolat world and the different collections, we invite you to visit our website.
