Dressing
Dressing Tips
Dressing and undressing your newborn can be challenging at first . After your baby grows older and can roll and crawl , you will discover a new set of challenges . Use these tips as you learn to dress your baby :
Pull clothing over the head starting with the back ( crown ). Stretch the shirt opening so the fabric does not rub across baby ’ s face . When undressing , do the reverse .
How to Swaddle
Swaddling calms newborns and mimics the feeling of the womb . Specially designed blankets with Velcro or snaps make swaddling very simple . If using a regular blanket , follow these steps :
1
Lay the blanket flat and fold down the top corner . Place baby face up in the center with their arms at their sides .
Wrap one side of the
2 blanket around them
Preview
and tuck under their side .
3
Bring the bottom of the blanket up over your baby ’ s feet and tuck it behind their shoulder . Allow hips and legs to move freely .
Newborns tend to keep their limbs pulled in .
For sleeves and pant legs , reach in from the outside and gently pull their limbs through . If your baby pulls away , it is not because they are fighting you . Go slowly and be gentle . Support your baby ’ s head , neck and back while dressing or undressing . If your baby becomes extremely upset , stop and provide comfort , then resume dressing when your baby is calmer .
Wrap the last corner
4 across baby and tuck snugly ( but not too tight ) into blanket fold .
38 Caring for Your Newborn