Dressing my baby
Babies need changing frequently in the first months and, initially, you may not be fully confident about supporting your rather floppy baby and dealing with the clothes at the same time. Don't worry: it's perfectly normal to be a bit awkward at first, and any fears that you have are easily overcome with practice and patience on your part.
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With a new baby, always dress and undress him on a flat surface: a changing mat, on the bed or the floor, is ideal because it allows you both hands free.
Secondly, keep the amount of time that he's undressed to a minimum and don't get flustered when your baby cries as you take off his clothes. Young babies hate being undressed; they're scared of the air on their naked bodies and the removal of the comforting fabric that they were wearing makes them feel very insecure.
When your baby feels like this he's going to cry, very loudly. It's not because of you, so don't think that you're a bad parent. Keep calm and get on with the task in hand, but always have something to attract your baby's attention, like a mobile.
Using your lap while dressing your baby
When your baby has more muscle control and you feel more confident you can sit him on your lap to take off his clothes. If you sit with your legs crossed your baby can sit neatly in the hollow of your legs; your arm should cradle your baby.
Or, you could combine sitting your baby on your lap with using a flat surface. For example, it may be easier to put on the top layer in your lap, but to deal with the bottom half on a flat surface. You'll probably need to distract your baby in some way, so have some toys for him to hold.
Dressing an older baby
Once your baby can crawl he won't want to stay still for long and dressing may proceed “on the move”. However, towards the end of the first year this will be coupled with the ability to help as you put on the clothes.
For example, if you ask your 11-month-old baby to make a fist, or stretch out an arm, he'll probably do so and you'll be able to slide the jumper or jacket on without having to draw his hand through yourself.
Name the clothes as you put them on or take them off, and make a game out of the whole procedure. For example, make it into a kind of hide and seek, peek-a-boo game: “Where's your arm gone, then?” “Oh, look, here it comes now.”
Always try to undress your baby when he's occupied with something else. For example, if your baby has a favourite song that he likes joining in with, always sing it while dressing or undressing him.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
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