Few events are so impressive and life-changing as a baby. In the midst of excitement and lack of sleep, new parents quickly discover that babies do not come with instructions. New parents are suddenly confused by diapers, car seats and all the equipment that a baby needs to arrive. These include baby sleepers who should consider more than just the basics of sweetening.
Expectant parents rarely consider the logistics of baby co-sleepers when planning a new arrival. However, you soon realize that not all garments are the same. They may look adorable, but some are impractical or even non-functional.
Before you spend a fortune on designer clothes to find out how frustrating they may be, consider the following tips on how to choose baby co-sleepers:
1) Make sure they have easy access
Diapers need to be changed frequently, sometimes more than a dozen times a day. Baby sleepers, who are fussy to put on and take off, become cumbersome after the second or third change of the day. One-piece foot-to-neck zip-through styles from neck to toe are ideal for infants. The attachment and release take only seconds and allows easy access to the diaper.
2) Check for suffocation hazards
Baby sleepers should not have any parts that could easily come off the fabric. They pose a choking hazard when they come loose and end at the baby’s mouth. Avoid clothes with buttons, appliqués, or other parts that might come off unexpectedly. For sweaters, which are fastened with snaps or zippers, there is usually the least danger of suffocation.
3) Make sure they are flame retardant
All children’s clothes sold in North America must be flame retardant. This is especially important for babies who are immobile and can not help themselves with a domestic fire. Most brands are reliable, but check the tag if you are not sure.
Beware of clothes made in non-industrialized countries, especially factories that are not owned by American companies. You must not use a flame-resistant fabric, even if the label says so. Go with brand names that you trust. It is also important to note that homemade clothes (including those purchased from craft/gift shops) may not be flame retardant.
4) Think about mobility
One-piece baby sleeping with feet are ideal for newborns. However, they can be frustrating for older, mobile babies, especially those who are crawling. One-piece and too-footed clothes are pulled too loosely in all directions when the baby crawls. The baby can end up pulling his feet straight out of the sleeping person’s legs. This can cause the baby to become tangled and cause injury.
Older, mobile babies should be equipped with one-piece baby sleepers that fit snugly (but not snugly). Another alternative is the choice of baby co-sleepers without feet or two-piece clothes.
5) Choose a baby-friendly fabric
Infants and toddlers have sensitive skin. Baby sleepers made of synthetic fabrics sometimes irritate the skin. Stick to clothing made entirely or predominantly of natural fibres. Cotton is usually an excellent choice of fabric. (Try brushed cotton that feels extra soft.) Make sure you choose fabrics that match the season.
6) Look for laundry and wear
You will hardly have time to shower as soon as a baby comes, let alone baby clothes. For special occasions, it is okay to have a few fancy sleepers. However, choose baby co-sleepers most of the time, which you can wash at home in your washer and dryer.
Choosing the right baby co-sleeper results in less work for overworked new parents. It also gives new parents the certainty that the baby is safe, cuddly and healthy.