Ashwin Lewis
Whether or not newborns should sleep with mittens is a divisive topic among parents. Some parents use mittens to prevent their newborns from scratching themselves and to keep their hands warm. However, others believe that mittens are unnecessary and may hinder the baby's movement and development. While mittens can provide benefits, it is important to prioritize the baby's safety and comfort. Pediatricians recommend that mittens should only be used until the baby is up to two weeks old, as they may hinder the baby's movement and development as they grow. Additionally, mittens should not have strings, tassels, or ties to prevent choking hazards. Ultimately, parents should make informed decisions based on their baby's needs and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevent scratches | Yes |
| Regulate temperature | Yes |
| Suffocation/choking hazard | Yes |
| SIDS risk | Yes |
| Hinder movement and development | Yes |
| Provide warmth | Yes |
| Safe | Depends on design and age of baby |
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What You'll Learn
Scratching and self-soothing
Newborns have sharp nails and may end up scratching themselves unintentionally. Mittens can act as a protective barrier, preventing these accidental scratches. They can also provide extra warmth on cold nights. However, mittens that are too thick, such as wool-knitted mittens, may cause discomfort and unsettle the baby by making them too warm. Mittens with strings, tassels, or ties can pose a choking hazard, so it is crucial to choose plain, safe, and simple mitten designs.
Mittens are recommended for newborns for the first two weeks, after which they can hinder movement and development as the baby becomes more curious about their surroundings. Pediatricians advise against constant mitten use to allow babies to develop motor skills and tactile sensitivity naturally. Instead, mittens should be used selectively during specific activities or times of the day, such as outdoor outings or during sleep, to prevent scratches or injuries.
To transition away from mitten use, parents can gradually reduce the duration of mitten use each night and introduce alternative soothing techniques, such as providing soft comfort items or implementing a calming bedtime routine. By reducing reliance on mittens, babies can become accustomed to sleeping without them over time. Encouraging babies to explore their hands freely during supervised playtime and providing age-appropriate toys that encourage grasping and manipulation can help strengthen hand muscles and improve fine motor skills.
Some parents opt for sleepwear with built-in mittens or fold-over mitten cuffs to keep their baby's hands warm and prevent scratching. These options eliminate the concern of mittens falling off or being pulled off by the baby. However, it is important to ensure that the baby's environment is safe and free of hazards that may cause scratches, reducing the need for constant mitten use.
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Temperature regulation
Newborns' hands and feet may feel cold to the touch, but this does not necessarily indicate that they are uncomfortable or cold overall. A paediatrician's advice is to feel the back of the newborn's neck to determine whether they are warm enough.
It is generally recommended to stop using mittens at night when the baby can demonstrate better control of their hand movements and can self-soothe without the risk of scratching themselves. This allows babies to develop their motor skills and tactile sensitivity naturally through sensory exploration.
To promote healthy hand development, it is beneficial to encourage newborns to explore their hands freely during supervised playtime. Providing age-appropriate toys and activities that encourage grasping and manipulation can help strengthen hand muscles and improve fine motor skills.
Some alternatives to mittens for newborns include:
- Fold-over mitten jammies or sleep sacks
- Built-in mittens on onesies or sleepsuits
- Socks
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Safety and suffocation risks
The safety and suffocation risks of letting newborns sleep with mittens are a major concern for parents. While mittens can prevent newborns from scratching themselves and provide warmth, they can also pose potential hazards. Some sources cite the risk of mittens falling off and becoming a choking hazard, especially if they have strings, tassels, or ties. This is a crucial consideration when choosing mittens for newborns.
To prevent choking hazards, it is recommended to opt for plain mittens without any decorations. Cotton mittens are preferable as they are soft, breathable, and help regulate the baby's temperature. It is also important to ensure that the mittens are not too thick, as this can cause discomfort and unsettle the baby. Additionally, mittens should be removed if they restrict the baby's hand movement and hinder sensory exploration, as this can impact their motor skill development and tactile sensitivity.
The risk of suffocation is another serious concern. Hats, for instance, can cause overheating and increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Similarly, mittens can also pose a suffocation risk if they come loose and cover the baby's face. To mitigate this risk, some parents prefer sleep sacks or suits that cover the hands, ensuring that no loose items of fabric can become a hazard.
The decision to use mittens during sleep ultimately lies with the parents, and it is important to consider the specific needs and behaviours of the baby. Pediatricians recommend stopping mitten use at night when the baby demonstrates better control of their hand movements and can self-soothe without scratching themselves. A gradual transition away from mittens is advised, which may include reducing the duration of mitten use or introducing alternative soothing techniques, such as providing soft toys or implementing calming bedtime routines.
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Daytime vs. nighttime use
The decision to make your baby wear mittens during the daytime or nighttime depends on various factors. Firstly, mittens are designed to protect newborns from scratching themselves with their sharp fingernails. They are also useful in regulating the baby's temperature and keeping them warm during cold nights. However, mittens can restrict the movement of a baby's hands, which might hinder their motor skill development.
During the daytime, it is advisable to let your baby have some time without mittens, especially when they are awake. This allows them to use their hands to explore and interact with their surroundings, promoting motor development. Additionally, you can encourage tummy time for your baby during the day to strengthen their back, shoulder, arm, and hand muscles.
At night, mittens can be useful in preventing accidental scratches, especially if your baby tends to scratch their face during sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns wear protective mittens to sleep to eliminate the danger of scratching. However, some parents prefer to keep their babies' hands uncovered at night, focusing instead on keeping their nails trimmed short.
It is important to choose plain mittens without decorations, strings, or loose threads to prevent choking hazards. If you are unsure about using mittens, there are alternative options, such as onesies with built-in mittens or sleep sacks that cover the hands. Ultimately, the decision to use mittens during the day or night depends on your judgment as a parent and the unique needs of your baby.
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Alternatives to mittens
The use of mittens for newborns is a divisive topic among parents. While mittens can help prevent scratches and regulate the baby's temperature, they can also hinder the baby's movement and development as they grow up. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Fold-over Mitten Pajamas or Sleep Sacks
Some parents prefer to use fold-over mitten pajamas or sleep sacks that cover the hands and the rest of the body. These provide a built-in option for covering the baby's hands without the need for separate mittens. They also eliminate the risk of loose items of fabric, such as socks or hats, that could pose a choking hazard.
Built-in Mittens in Outfits
Many newborn and 0-3 month clothes come with built-in mittens or hand flaps that can be flipped over to cover the baby's hands when needed. This option provides convenience and eliminates the need for separate mittens.
Socks
Some parents prefer using socks instead of mittens to cover their baby's hands. Socks are often snugger and less likely to fall off. However, it is important to ensure there are no loose threads that could get caught around the baby's fingers.
Frequent Nail Trimming
Instead of using mittens, some parents choose to frequently trim their baby's nails to prevent accidental scratches. This option eliminates the need for any hand coverings and allows the baby's hands to remain free for exploration and movement.
Swaddling
Swaddling can be an effective way to keep the baby's arms contained and prevent them from scratching their face. However, it is important to note that some babies may be able to "escape" the swaddle and get their arms free.
The decision to use mittens or any of these alternatives ultimately lies with the parents, and it is important to consider the baby's unique needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Mittens can be safe for newborns to sleep in, but they should be plain and made from soft, breathable materials like cotton to help regulate the baby's temperature. Mittens with strings, tassels, or ties can pose a choking hazard, and thick mittens can make the baby too warm and uncomfortable.
It is recommended to only use mittens until the newborn is up to 2 weeks old. After 2 weeks, mittens can hinder the baby's movement and development. Pediatricians recommend stopping mitten use at night when the baby demonstrates better control of their hand movements and can self-soothe without the risk of scratching themselves.
Mittens can help prevent newborns from accidentally scratching themselves and provide extra warmth on colder nights.
Mittens can restrict hand movement and hinder sensory exploration, which is important for a newborn's development. Mittens with strings, tassels, or ties can also pose a choking hazard.
Yes, there are a few alternatives to newborn mittens. Some parents use onesies or sleepsuits with built-in mittens, which can be folded over the hands when needed and folded back when not in use. Socks can also be used instead of mittens, as they stay on better and provide more warmth.
