Page 58 - What to Expect

Going home

A baby going home in winter may need a cotton singlet and then a
woollen one on top, plus a gown or stretch-and-grow suit and a cardigan
and booties. Booties are best worn on the inside of the feet of the stretch-
and-grow suit. If wearing a gown in winter a baby may need two pairs of
booties on for extra warmth.
Hats are very, very important for any baby, as a lot of heat is lost from the
head. A baby that is quite small when ready to go home in winter may
still need a hat on most of the time he’s awake, until he adjusts to home
temperatures and gets a bit bigger.

When you go out with your baby to begin with, it may be wise to put
another hat on if he wears one all the time at home. Otherwise it can be
like taking him out without one on at all. Alternatively, a cuddly wrapped
around him will add another layer. Summer babies will probably need a
woollen hat on at first too, at least outside for a while; it can always be
taken off if baby gets too hot. SIDS recommends no hats in bed or when he
is asleep.

This may sound like a lot of clothing, but remember that babies cool down
quickly. If you feel your baby is getting too warm you can always remove
a layer, which is quicker than trying to warm up a baby that has become
cold.
Summer babies still need careful attention as they too cool down more
quickly than their full term and bigger friends. A woollen singlet and a
long sleeved and legged stretch-and-grow and booties will probably still
be necessary at first. Don’t be concerned if your baby appears overdressed
compared to everyone elses baby. Remember how important his warmth
is to his health and growth.

Ensure that his clothing has room to spare for all his limbs to move freely.
Remember not to jam his wee feet into bootees or crawlers that have
become too small.

As your child grows older it is still wise to keep him in woollen singlets
during cold times, including nights in the cot, as this will help to guard
against colds.

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