First-time mothers and fathers often have many questions - after all, a baby as small as a newborn has different needs and characteristics than a toddler or even a larger baby. And one of these questions is certainly: how to dress a newborn baby according to the climate, so that he or she feels neither hot nor cold?

Next, Nathália Castro, senior nurse and leader of the Inpatient Unit at Sabará Hospital for Children, in São Paulo, gives all the tips to choose the right clothes for the little ones.

How to dress a newborn baby on cold days?

First of all, you need to know that, due to their own physiological conditions, babies lose heat more easily than adults do.

"Thus, the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, especially in relation to babies up to 1 month old, is to always dress them with one more layer of clothing than you are wearing, precisely because of the difficulty of thermal control that babies have," explains Nathália.

The garments that will be in direct contact with the skin should preferably be made of cotton, since wool or other fabrics can cause allergies and dry out the fragile skin of the newborn.

"So we can start with a bodysuit or long-sleeved t-shirt, a pair of sweatpants and a sweater, preferably with a hood, on top," explains the nurse. If the baby feels hot, it's enough to take off any piece of clothing without having to change the whole outfit.

How to dress a newborn baby in warm weather?

The recommendations for cotton clothes and dressing the baby in layers continue: "In this case, the combination of a short-sleeved bodysuit, pants, and a sweater should be enough in average temperatures", summarizes Nathália.

But keep an eye on your baby's behavior and also on the color of his cheeks: if he is too agitated or quiet, out of your baby's normal range, or if his face is reddened, it may indicate cold or overheating.

On hot days, what to wear for the baby?

Cotton clothes, in light and loose colors are the best options. Many mothers and fathers usually leave the little ones in diapers only. In the case of the newborn, however, this practice is not recommended: "They lose heat very easily and may get cold or even suffer hypothermia", warns Nathália. Therefore, put on a fresh cotton t-shirt or bodysuit.

Can you wear gloves, hats, and socks?

Yes, but always under adult supervision and with caution, in order to avoid asphyxia and overheating in the child. Remember that cold, bluish hands and feet are a cause of fear and concern for most parents, but can be considered normal in healthy babies. If you choose to use gloves, look for simple cloth models, which do not have trimmings, cords or threadsloose.

Hats can be worn on colder days, but never when sleeping due to the risk of suffocation. In addition, the little ones tend to lose heat through the head region, and the improper use of the hat can contribute to the overheating of the child that still cannot regulate itself.

Socks, on the other hand, can help the baby regulate body temperature and keep them warm. Opt for models made of natural materials, without rubber or elastic.

Your finger should fit between the fabric and the baby's skin , which ensures that the garment is not too tight.

How do you know if your baby is hot or cold?

You can touch the torso, back and abdomen to see if they are colder or warmer than the rest of the body. Also, notice if the baby is more irritable and paler than normal.with cold or heat", emphasizes the nurse.

If you notice that your child is warmer than usual, don't despair, because it may be just a normal reaction of his/her body, and not a sign of fever: "First of all, parents should observe if the environment is overheated or if the child is wearing too many layers of clothes", says Nathália. In addition, fever is triggered by a set of reactions in response to external stimuli that can beTherefore, it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as prostration (becoming more tender), loss of appetite, decreased diuresis, among others. In these cases, consult the pediatrician that accompanies the baby.

In summary, what should always prevail is common sense when it comes to dressing the newborn according to the temperature, whether to stay at home or to travel.

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