Key Points to Note: When dressing or undressing your baby, do so gently and in a manner that makes the baby feel comfortable to avoid resistance or crying.
A baby’s body is soft, with limbs mostly in a flexed position, and they have weak immunity, making them prone to catching cold, especially during the chilly winter months. The biggest challenge is that the baby may not cooperate with the mother, so it’s essential to master certain techniques for dressing and undressing.
★ How to Dress Your Baby
First, give your baby some cues, such as gently stroking their skin or speaking softly to them, saying, “Sweetie, let’s put on your clothes, okay?” This helps relax their body. Also, check if a diaper change is needed.
Front-opening clothes: Unbutton the garment and lay it flat on the bed. Place the baby on top of the clothes. With one hand, guide the baby’s arm into the sleeve, while the other hand reaches inside the sleeve from the cuff. Gently pull the baby’s hand out of the sleeve while pulling the sleeve up. Repeat for the other arm. Finally, straighten the clothes and fasten the buttons or ties. Use the same method for outerwear.
Pants: Dressing pants is relatively simple. Insert your hand into the pant leg, hold the baby’s foot, and pull the pants upward. In very hot weather, pants may be omitted.
Onesies: Unbutton the onesie and lay it flat on the bed. First, put the baby’s legs into the pants, then use the same method as above to guide the arms into the sleeves. Fasten all the buttons. Onesies are convenient to put on and take off, comfortable to wear, and provide excellent warmth.
T-shirts and shirts: Remember, a baby’s head is oval-shaped. If the neckline is small, lift the hem of the shirt into a loop, place it over the back of the baby’s head, and then pull it forward. When passing over the forehead and nose, hold the shirt up to prevent it from blocking the nose. Once the head is through, guide the arms into the sleeves.
★ How to Undress Your Baby
Most babies dislike being undressed—partly due to the cold, and partly because undressing can squeeze their bodies, causing discomfort. Therefore, the mother’s movements should be gentle and swift.
Onesies: Place the baby on a flat surface. Unbutton the onesie from the front and gently pull out the legs. Change the diaper if necessary. Then, lift the baby’s legs and push the onesie upward toward the back until it reaches the shoulders. Gently pull out each arm.
T-shirts and shirts: Hold the baby’s elbow, roll up the sleeve cuff, and gently pull the arm out. Open the neckline of the shirt, and with your hand inside the shirt, carefully pull it over the baby’s head, ensuring it doesn’t cover or scratch their face. Remove the entire shirt.
★ Precautions for Dressing and Undressing Your Baby
When dressing or undressing your baby, always lay them on their back on a soft mat or towel. By the time the baby is 4 months old and can slightly control their head, you can place them on your lap for dressing and undressing.
Mothers should keep their nails short to avoid accidentally hurting the baby. Be gentle when dressing or undressing. Follow the order of shirt, pants, socks, and shoes, then wrap the baby in a small blanket or quilt, ensuring their legs have enough room to move.
Babies have active metabolisms and often sweat. If you can’t bathe your baby every day, make sure to change their underwear and close-fitting clothes frequently—ideally daily.
★ Tips
Baby clothes need to be washed often, but avoid using strong detergents. Regular soap is sufficient, but ensure it’s thoroughly rinsed out to remove any residue. Sun-dry the clothes to disinfect and sterilize them. Once dry, avoid storing them with mothballs or other preservatives, moisture-proofing, or insect-repelling products.
