As parents are looking over their precious newborns, most notice baby's hands are bluish in color or feel cold. For some, baby may have long, sharp fingernails that accidentally scratch skin. Mittens seem to be a good solution for both of these problems.
The reality, however, is that mittens are rarely needed for newborns. Bluish and cool hands and feet are normal on healthy infants, and the cool sensation of extremities likely do not bother baby at all. Plus, good early nail trimming can avoid scratches—avoiding the need for mittens altogether. Some hospitals now discourage mitten wearing, so don't be surprised if you notice this trend in the hospital where you deliver.
Additional Information from HealthyChildren.org:
FAQs
The next thing you might be wondering is how long your little one should wear mittens. It's recommended to only use mittens until Baby is up to 2 weeks old. Mittens are indeed a helpful item that can prevent scratching and regulate your little one's temperature during sleep.
How long should newborns wear mittens? ›
Generally, pediatricians recommend stopping mitten use at night when the baby demonstrates better control of their hand movements and can self-soothe without the risk of scratching themselves.
How to keep baby mittens on? ›
Let's make it work for little hands and pass on this info to colleagues and families that you work with.
- Short Mittens and a pair of children's socks.
- Cut the toes off the socks.
- Cut a slit in the heel of the sock.
- Mittens on first and then add the adapted socks.
There is no risk to baby of having her hands covered, as long as she is not sucking on the mittens & the fabric starts to deteriorate. Red Nose recommends the following when baby is rolling & sleeping on tummy. Use a sleep bag with arms out - ie cease swaddling.
How long do you keep a newborn's head covered? ›
During their first few weeks of life, babies may need to wear a hat as they adjust to temperatures in their new surroundings. However, a hat should only be worn under supervision, and it may not even be necessary, especially if the temperature indoors is within a range that is comfortable for the baby.
When should we stop swaddling your baby? ›
When to Stop Swaddling. You should stop swaddling your baby when they start to roll over. That's typically between 2 and 4 months. During this time, your baby might be able to roll onto their tummy but not be able to roll back over.
Do mittens hinder development? ›
Mittens stop them from being able to use their hands to explore. This result in frustration and can delay fine motor development because the gloves or mittens prevent them from using their hands as they usually would during their development.
Are mittens a SIDS risk? ›
An infant loses most heat through their head, so make sure it's covered. Don't forget mittens and booties. When indoors, take off your child's hat and mittens, especially when it's time for sleep. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.
At what age do you stop covering baby's hands? ›
Dr Stephanie Hemm, a paediatrician from Maryland, United States, thinks that it is better to let babies wear mittens for no longer than two weeks. After that, it is important for the baby to be able to use his bare hands to explore his environment.
How to tell if baby is cold at night? ›
If your baby is too cold at night, the core of their body (chest, neck, back, and tummy) would feel cool to the touch. It's important to know that your baby's fingers and toes are not a good indicator of warmth. Your baby could be dressed perfectly yet still have cooler fingers or toes.
I would, however, not kiss your baby's mouth or hands when they are very small. This will help reduce the spread of germs to your baby (their hands are constantly in their mouths). You can kiss their head, their forehead, feet.
Should I cover my newborns head at night? ›
Keeping your baby's head and face uncovered during sleep reduces the risk of sudden and unexpected death, including SIDS. “This is because it reduces the risk of suffocation from head coverings slipping down over your baby's face,” explains Loren Rushton, Red Nose's National Health Promotion Manager.
When should I stop covering my newborn? ›
To reduce the risk of SIDS: place your baby on their back to sleep, in the same room as you, for the first 6 months. keep your baby's head uncovered – their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
Can a newborn sleep with mittens on? ›
Are Mittens Safe for Newborns? Mittens are practical for regulating your baby's temperature and preventing scratches during sleep. However, it's crucial to choose mittens without strings or tassels to avoid SIDS risks. Opt for safe, simple designs that ensure comfort and safety for your little one throughout the night.
How many pairs of mittens does a newborn need? ›
Hats and Mittens (2-3 sets): Keep your baby's head and hands protected from the elements with soft, breathable hats and mittens. Socks and Booties (4-6 pairs): Tiny feet can get cold easily, so make sure you have enough socks and booties to keep them warm and cozy.
Can newborns wear 0 3 months? ›
Each baby is different and grows at their own pace, so don't be alarmed if your baby quickly outgrows Newborn sized clothes. If your little one is in a higher percentile for weight or height, they may even be wearing 0-3 month clothes home from the hospital!
Should babies wear mittens outside? ›
Cogen: In general, it's best to dress your baby in layers – leggings and long-sleeved onesie first, then pants and shirt, then jacket, hat, socks, booties and mittens. Your baby should wear the same thing you would comfortably wear plus one additional layer.
