Do you use mittens for your baby?

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A post shared by Dr Debmita Dutta - Parenting Expert (@debmitadutta)

Do you use mittens for your baby?

You should not.

Babies don’t need mittens.

Don’t worry about their cold hands. That is normal. If the environment is warm, you need not worry.

Don’t use mittens to prevent scratches. It is much better to file and buff nails.

There are several problems with using mittens.

1. Mittens don’t allow your baby to touch and feel you. This makes them feel lonely and scared and they cry more.

2. When babies wear mittens, they cannot suck their fingers to self-soothe and they therefore cry more.

3. Not being able to see your baby put their fingers in their mouth makes you miss hunger cues and results in more crying.

4. Wearing mittens does not allow your baby to explore their environment. This hampers brain development.

5. Mittens hamper the development of motor skills because the hands are restricted.

6. Because babies cannot feel their hands, they cannot bring them to their mouth. This hampers the development of hand to eye coordination.

7. When babies wear mittens, they cannot touch your breasts during breastfeeding. This makes breastfeeding difficult.

8. If your baby puts the mittens in their mouth, they may end up eating the mitten fibers which could be toxic.

If you are using mittens – stop now.

It is doing more harm than good.

Well meaning friends and family often give the wrong advice when it comes to newborn care.

Attend my prenatal newborn care class if you are pregnant (available both online and offline) to prepare yourself for birthing, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

Or GIFT the prenatal class to a loved one on their baby shower.

Please connect with me on 9611739400 on WhatsApp for details.

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