As a new parent you probably have a lot of questions and one of them might be why do babies have to be kept warm? Even during the middle of summer you see newborns with caps on and socks and blankets and wonder what is all the fuss about? If its warm outside or even inside then why are the babies all bundled up? The answer is that babies do not have complete control over their body temperature until they are older. So, a newborn needs to be bundled up and kept warm while her body is maturing and learning how to self regulate.

Lots of parents are completely unaware of this and simply put their child in whatever outfit they think is pretty. But, parents should realize that new babies need help regulating their body temperature until they are old enough to do it themselves.

Also, babies are accustomed to being warm from being in the womb so long. As a result babies who are warm grow quicker and thrive more than babies who are not kept warm. Did you also know that babies need to be kept warm so they cry less? When babies are warm they feel comfortable and safe. This means they have one less reason to cry or become upset. So, if you dont like the sound of a crying baby or your baby is crying make sure temperature is not the problem.

However, just because babies need to be kept warm does not mean that you should pile on the blankets and outfits. Babies can become too hot and if they do they will be restless, sweaty, and will likely cry. Gauge the temperature outside and dress your baby in one more layer than you have on. Then, if he begins to get hot you can take a layer off. If he remains cool you can add a blanket.

It takes time to learn how to care for a baby, but there are many books and resources out there that can help you care for a newborn and ensure that he is always comfortable no matter what the temperature.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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