Infants are very susceptible to cold.  Their ability to generate heat is at an absolute minimum.  Selecting suitable clothing is imperative to a baby’s health.  The material and quantity of the clothes should be sufficient to warm the body, dictated by the season of the year and the delicacy or strength of the infant’s constitution.  Too much clothing will keep the child too warm and possibly making him or her sensitive to cold, and too little can and will inhibit the baby’s ability to keep warm. 

Infant clothing should not put restrictions on the free movements of the child’s body.  All muscles ought to have full liberty to act, as their free exercise promotes both their growth and activity.  Loose and easy clothing will also allow perspiration to evaporate properly and not be held in contact with the skin which can cause irritation. 

In quality and construction, parents should look for softer fabrics that do not irritate newborn skin.  Also look for clothing that can be put on and changed quickly.  Dressing can sometimes be a bit irritating to an infant.  Nothing is more fun that having a simple dressing routine become a crying event. 

Change clothing daily.  Good health usually follows good hygiene and habits.

As for shoes, like the rest of a child’s body, their feet are developing as well and proper fitting footwear is important.  Flexible and non-skid soles help with balance and proper foot use.  Breathable materials are great as well.  Babies perspire just like everyone else.

Best not to buy too large.  Shoes are the one thing that should be bought as close to current size as possible.  Resign yourself to the fact that you may be replacing them every 60 days or so.  The worst thing you can do is have a shoe that is too large that either has to be over-laced to hold in place or risk having the child’s foot slide around and cause them to loose balance, trip or develop poor walking habits and posture.  Flexible ankles are helpful with high top shoes, and soft leather provides good freedom of movement.  If you can fit you pinky between the child’s heel and the back of the shoe, that is a descent indicator of size.  Regardless, overall good fit is important for your baby’s health and development.

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