CLOTHING AND CARE FOR THE BABY
The importance of natural fabrics
Design and simplicity of clothing and surroundings
Swaddling
Bedding
SWADDLING
For the first weeks and months it can calm the baby to keep them wrapped tightly and snugly in a blanket. It often gives them a sense of security, giving them the held feeling of the womb, and it can help them sleep and not be surprised by their own startling reflex. Sometimes the pressure from the snugness can help ease the pain of digestion in the first weeks. Even up to six months, it can help soothe a baby for sleep.
BEDDING
As with clothing, it is good to surround the baby with all natural fabrics as much as possible. Cotton flannel sheets and wool blankets are very cosy and warm and allow the baby's skin to breathe well and help to regulate the body temperature. A baby usually spends most of her first months and at least half of the first year sleeping, so the materials of the bedding are very important.
Crib mattresses often contain numerous toxic chemicals such as fire retardants and materials found in plastics and foams. If you have a crib, you may want to find an organic mattress, a wool mattress or mattress cover, or other natural, non-toxic materials. A wool mattress is particularly warm and wicks moisture away both in cold and hot weather.
A wonderful portable mattress for the first months is a sheepskin that can be laid in a cradle, a basket, in the crib, or even in the bed with you, to give the baby a little bit of extra warmth.
Mother and child
WELCOME ABOUT PRE-CONCEPTION PREGNANCY PREPARING FOR BIRTH BIRTH THE FIRST MONTHS
CLOTHING AND CARE FOR THE BABY THE FIRST YEAR FROM ONE TO THREE RECOMMENDED READING, LINKS ARTICLES
Mother and baby
Conscious Parenting Guide www.consciousparentingguide.com 2009
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Copyright © Julie Le Gal Brodeur 2009 Updated July 28, 2010