Among the most popular gifts for infants, newborn baby caps and baby mittens top the list. This is because new parents find these things useful, especially in the first few months after childbirth. Why do babies wear mittens in the first place? Do babies really need mittens? In this article, we will talk more about mittens and why babies need them.
There are many reasons why do babies wear mittens. It may come in different designs and styles, but these items are popular for a reason. Before we get there, let us discuss what baby mittens are first.
What Are Baby Mittens?
Baby mittens or baby gloves are protective gear for infants. These are just like the mittens we wear during winter or when cooking; it protects our hands from extreme temperatures. Baby mittens protect the baby’s face from their own fingernails and from accidental scratches that can lead to wounds. Because their skin is so sensitive in the first few months after birth, precautions are necessary for a baby’s security.
Baby mittens are usually made from soft cotton, making them light and versatile. The baby can wear them anywhere from indoors, in the car, or during naps. The gloves are lined with a thin elastic strip to make a snug fit. The elastic strip is essential because it keeps the mittens secure while babies move around, ensuring that they don’t fall off during these times.
Baby mittens are available in different colors, patterns, and fashionable prints. A colorful design of the mittens also helps the baby practice their visual senses, which is crucial in the early stages of development. Baby gloves are available online, in the mall, or at your local baby supply shop.
Why Are Mittens Necessary For Babies?
There are several reasons for finding out why do babies wear mittens. Having gloves on your baby is helpful in many ways, not only for the baby but also for the parents. Babies tend to have sharp fingernails that can easily scratch and wound their skin, which is not easy for the parent to deal with. These nails are still hard to cut or file because of their soft, delicate, and tiny state.
Having mittens on the baby provides the parent’s peace of mind; they’re sure that their little one is free from wounds and scratches. The baby is still practicing its motor skills, so movement in their arms and feet is still uncontrollable. Babies tend to move their hands close to their delicate faces during these stages, and having mittens can prevent unwanted scratches from happening.
Medical experts say that babies are sensitive to temperature changes. This is because a baby loses more body heat rapidly than older children and adults. Babies have a body surface area disproportionate to their weight and size, making them prone to more gradual changes in the temperature of a room, and that is why do babies wear mittens.
Babies also do not have a lot of body fat, which helps provide heat to their bodies. A baby’s fingers can turn red or blue during poor room insulation paired with underdeveloped body temperature regulation. These are essential reasons why do babies wear mittens, even indoors.
Purchasing The Best Mittens For Your Baby
Comfortable mittens are what you want to purchase to keep your baby more relaxed with their outfit. It is essential to choose high-quality gloves that are made from hypoallergenic material, without chemicals, and have an excellent design. The design is also necessary because patterns and colors enhance the visual stimulation of an infant. Because mittens are being worn daily, these patterns can improve your baby’s cognitive development and help with hand-eye coordination.
There are a lot of different baby mittens for sale in the market right now. To protect the baby’s skin is one of the reasons why do babies wear mittens. Wearing soft mittens acts as a barrier between your baby’s skin and harmful objects. Some gloves even have sleeves you can pull down to cover the whole arm of a baby for optimum protection against friction and the cold.
Things To Look Out For When Purchasing Mittens
When buying mittens for your baby, make sure to have all these things in check.
- Garter – It is vital to check the garter line of the mittens you are buying. Make sure that the mittens are comfortable to wear and are not to tight for the baby. Having mittens that are too tight can hinder blood circulation, which can be dangerous for babies.
- Material – Make sure the mittens you buy are made of hypoallergenic materials. Because the gloves are in close contact with your baby’s skin, there are possibilities where certain fabrics can cause itchiness, redness, and irritation. Check on your baby’s hands for these signs, especially if they are wearing the mittens for the first time.
- Choking Hazard – Lastly, check for excess, dangling, or loose fabric on the mittens. Fabric can be a choking hazard to infants. Newborn babies tend to put their hands on their faces, and the hands usually end up in the mouth. It is best to have a precise inspection of the mittens before letting the baby wear them.
Conclusion
There are many precautions to take when caring for a newborn baby, which is why do babies wear mittens. Mittens are there to keep a baby safe and to prevent them from scratching or touching their face. Scratches may lead to wounds and bacterial infections that can severely affect a newborn’s sensitive skin and immune system. It is essential to take these necessary precautions when dealing with a newborn for a parent’s peace of mind. Know more about baby clothes.