Mittens For Newborns: Safety And Comfort Essentials

Newborns often wear mittens to prevent them from scratching their skin with their sharp fingernails, as well as to protect them from temperature changes. However, there is some debate about whether mittens are necessary for newborns. Some sources claim that mittens can hinder a baby's development by preventing them from exploring their sense of touch and using their hands to soothe themselves. Additionally, mittens may not stay on well and can be replaced with regular nail maintenance. On the other hand, mittens can provide protection from scratches and temperature changes, especially during the first 24 hours after birth when babies are adjusting to the temperature of the outside world. Ultimately, the decision to use mittens for newborns depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

To prevent newborns from scratching themselves

Newborns have sharp fingernails that can easily scratch their skin, especially if their nails need cutting or filing. Newborns also tend to move their hands towards their faces as they develop their motor skills. These unintentional movements can lead to nicks and cuts. By putting mittens on while your baby takes in their new surroundings, they will avoid accidentally scratching themselves.

Alternatives to baby mittens

Some parents prefer to use clothing with built-in hand covers, such as long-sleeved T-shirts and bodysuits, to prevent their newborns from scratching themselves. Others opt for socks or soft-soled shoes. However, baby mittens are more secure than these alternatives as they have elasticated wrists, ensuring they stay on.

When to stop using baby mittens

According to paediatricians, mittens are only necessary for the first 24 hours after birth. This is because newborns are used to the warmth of their mother's womb, and it takes a couple of days for them to adjust to the temperature in the outside world. After this initial period, mittens can be removed to allow the baby to explore their environment and develop their motor and sensory skills.

How to prevent scratching without mittens

To prevent your newborn from scratching themselves without mittens, you can keep their nails short through regular nail maintenance. This can include filing or clipping their nails.

To keep newborns' hands warm

Keeping Newborn Hands Warm

Newborn babies are sensitive to temperature changes. They lose body heat more rapidly than older children and adults because their body surface area is disproportionate to their weight. Many newborns also do not have a lot of body fat, which means they have poor insulation and an underdeveloped ability to regulate body temperature. As a result, their fingers may turn red or even blue, even inside a comfortable home.

Mittens are therefore important for keeping tiny hands warm during the day and at night. They are usually made of soft cotton, so they are light and versatile, and can be worn indoors, during naps or in the car.

Alternatives to Mittens

Long-sleeved T-shirts and bodysuits with built-in hand covers can be a good alternative to mittens. These allow newborns to keep their hands warm while also having access to their hands for soothing and exploring their sense of touch.

When to Stop Using Mittens

According to paediatricians, mittens are only necessary for the first 24 hours after birth, as this is when newborns are adjusting to temperature changes outside of the womb. After this period, mittens can be removed so that the baby can use their hands for motor and sensory development.

Some paediatricians recommend letting babies wear mittens for no longer than two weeks, while others believe that mittens are rarely needed for newborns at all.

To soothe newborns

On the other hand, some sources suggest that mittens may not be necessary and could even hinder development. Babies use their hands for sensory exploration and self-soothing, and mittens can restrict their access to their hands. Regular nail maintenance, such as filing or clipping, can also help prevent scratching without the need for mittens. Some paediatricians recommend removing mittens after the first 24 hours, as babies adjust to temperature changes quickly and mittens may interfere with sensory and motor development.

Ultimately, the decision to use mittens or not depends on individual preferences and the specific needs of the baby. Some babies may benefit from mittens to prevent scratching, while others may do fine without them. It is important to consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of using mittens and make an informed decision based on the baby's well-being and development.

To prevent choking hazards

Baby mittens are protective gloves designed to keep newborns' hands warm and snug. They are usually made from soft and breathable materials, such as cotton, and feature an elasticated wristband to prevent babies from pulling them off. While baby mittens are not considered a necessity, they offer several benefits, including preventing scratches and reducing the risk of choking hazards.

Baby mittens can help prevent choking hazards by keeping newborns' hands covered and protected. Newborns have a strong sucking reflex, and they often put their hands in their mouths for comfort and exploration. By wearing mittens, newborns can safely explore their surroundings without the risk of putting their hands or fingers in their mouths, reducing the risk of choking.

Additionally, the elasticated wristband on baby mittens ensures a snug fit, preventing the mittens from slipping off and becoming a choking hazard. It is important to choose plain mittens without any strings, tassels, or other decorative items that could pose a choking risk. Even plain mittens can become a choking hazard if the baby manages to remove them, so it is crucial to ensure the elastic wristband is tight enough to keep the mittens securely in place.

To further minimise choking hazards, it is recommended to only use baby mittens during the first two weeks after birth. After this period, newborns become more curious and start exploring their surroundings with their hands. Removing the mittens allows them to touch, grasp, and develop their sensory and motor skills.

In summary, baby mittens can help prevent choking hazards by keeping newborns' hands covered and protected. However, it is important to choose plain mittens without any decorative items and ensure they fit snugly to prevent accidental removal. Baby mittens should only be used during the first two weeks, after which newborns need to explore and develop their senses through touch.

To aid development

Newborns have a variety of reflexes, including the palmar grasp reflex, which is the instinctive tendency to grasp anything placed in their palm. This is one of the reasons why mittens are not recommended for newborns. By covering their hands, mittens prevent newborns from using their grasp reflex and exploring their sense of touch. This can hinder their motor and sensory development.

Babies also use their hands to soothe themselves. In the womb, babies use their hands to touch their faces and soothe themselves. In the outside world, they will want to continue doing this, and mittens can cause frustration by preventing them from doing so.

Touch therapy is important for infants as it aids their emotional and mental development. Since newborns cannot see clearly yet, they rely on their sense of touch to explore their surroundings. Allowing them to touch their parents' skin, for example, can be beneficial for their development.

Babies also need to use their hands to explore the world around them and learn about textures, colours, shapes, and weight. This exploration provides language learning opportunities and can influence their problem-solving abilities and sensory-motor development.

Therefore, it is recommended to remove mittens after the first 24 hours of a baby's life, as this is when they have adjusted to the temperature change outside the womb. Keeping their hands free will enable them to use their grasp reflex and explore their surroundings, aiding their development.

Frequently asked questions