Caring for Your Newborn - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Clothing
HOW SHOULD I DRESS MY BABY?
Dress your newborn in the same way that you would be comfortable plus one extra layer.
Clothes should not be too tight or too loose.
• If you would be comfortable in a long sleeved T-shirt, then your baby will be comfortable
in a long sleeved T-shirt and a light sweater or blanket.
• Don’t wrap your baby in lots of layers if it isn’t cold. But don’t dress your baby in just
a T-shirt if you need a sweatshirt to stay warm.
• Your baby does not need to wear shoes. Socks or booties can keep his feet warm
• Do not overdress your baby. This can cause your baby to be too warm. Babies who are
too warm have more of a chance for crib death (also called SIDS or Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome) when they sleep.
Sleeping
WHERE SHOULD MY BABY SLEEP?
Have your baby sleep in his own crib without any pillows or heavy blankets in the crib
with him.
• If you like, bring the crib or bassinet into your bedroom so you can have your baby close
to you.
• Your baby should NOT sleep in the bed with you or other children.
– He could suffocate from the pillows or blankets.
– He could also be injured from someone rolling on him.
• Your baby should also NOT sleep on a couch or chair.
– He could suffocate from sliding between the pillows.
– He could also be injured from rolling onto the floor.
It is OK for your baby to fuss a little before he falls asleep. If your baby is fussy before
sleeping, talk to him and pat him. You don’t need to pick him up every time. It is good
for your baby to learn to soothe himself to sleep.
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