Clothing, Diapers, Accessories, MORE for the 3-6 lb infant

   Babies bring with them lots of responsibility. You have to learn to feed them, care for them, interpret their cries and worry about their future in a vast and scary world.
   But you also get to dress them up in cute little outfits.
   A certain degree of care should be taken in this activity, however, in keeping your little one comfortable and safe, especially as we approach the summer months.
   When it comes spending time outdoors, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents avoid sun exposure and dress babies "lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shins and brimmed hats" to prevent sunburn, according to the Web site www.aap.org. When sun can't be avoided, the site says, parents can use small amounts of sunscreen on the face and hands.
   Kamala Schlafli a manager at Children's Orchard, a children clothing store, says there are some ways to make sure your baby is comfortable in her new outfit.
   "I would suggest cotton, lightweight, no buttons on the back side," she says.
   In the book "Getting Organized for Your New Baby." Maureen Bard and Christine Zuchora-Walske write that cute features like bows, appliqués’ and collars should not be bulky, and should be positioned in such a way that the baby won't be lying on them.
   Other important concerns, according to Bard and Zuchora-Wailske include looking for clothes with minimal seams and trim, making sure features on the inside won't irritate skin, and making sure the clothes aren’t too loose or too light.
   When it comes to sizes Schlafli has a suggestion, too.
   "We always suggest that to make sure that, to make their clothing makes it all the way through the season, you purchase the next size up." she says.
   When preparing to go out she suggests dressing babies in layers.
   "It's always easier to lake something off if they get too hot" says.
   Beyond comfort and general oneness, baby's clothes need to be practical. That adorable little jumpsuit will seem a lot less adorable if you can't get to your son's diaper without major maneuvering.
   "Anything that has snaps is always better than buttons - even though it looks cuter with buttons — and anything that's not too constricting round the waist." Schlafli says.
   Bard and Zuchora-Walske add that clothes should open at the front or the crotch, and fasteners should be easy to manipulate. Since your baby is likely lo have a few mishaps in her clothing be sure it’s machine washable and dry able too.
   Your baby's clothes are going to undergo rigorous abuse, as well, so look for clothes with sturdy construction. Name brands like Gap and Gymboree are more likely to stand up to the task says Schlafli.
   "Those will have the best construction as far as no fading during washing, buttons stay on (and) good seam .stitching that won't unravel.," she says.
   There also are important safely concerns that come into play, according to Bard and Zuchora-Walske. Drawstrings, straps and loose belts are big no-nos according to the pair, because they pose strangulation hazards.
   Also avoid clothing that fits too loosely, as it could gel caught on furniture and in doors, and make sure there are no loose threads. Look for clothing that is flame-retardant, has no loose-fitting buttons or bows, and has plenty of room in the neck, arm and leg openings, Bard and Zuchora-Walske recommend.

Dressing the tiniest kids
   When Linda Dague's granddaughter. Aurianna was born 10 years ago at 4 pounds 2 ounces, she needed lots of care — and clothes that fit properly.
   But the preemie clothes available at the time engulfed the tiny infant so Dague and her husband had to look elsewhere.
   "We ended up at Toys 'R' Us buying doll clothes." she says.
   When they put the doll clothes on Aurianna, however, the baby started screaming. Now, after years of research into the needs of premature infants, Dague knows why.
   "Their skin is so rice paper thin that when you put these clothes on these babies, the reason they're crying is because they hurt." she says.
   Dague strongly believes parents should have choices other than doll clothes and outfits that seem to swallow premature infants whole. That’s why she created her own line of preemie clothing. ANNA'S, designed "specifically for the preemie and to incorporate the things that moms and medical personnel need." Dague says.
   ANNA'S has been in business for about a year and online at www.annaspreemie.com since January, supplying preemie clothing to retailers and hospitals. So far, she's had nothing but praise.
   The clothes are smaller than most manufacturers' preemie clothing, with wrist -to-wrist measurements of 12 inches. (Most preemie clothes measure 17 inches. Dague says.) Several of the ANNA'S designs also include openings for easy access to heart monitors, and all of the clothes use Velcro as fasteners, so that snaps don't make the baby uncomfortable. Velcro loops down the side of the clothing hold tubes and wires out of the way as well.
   ANNA'S clothes are manufactured in Peru and made from soft Peruvian cotton with fine stitching to avoid irritating the baby's skin. Dague created all of the patterns printed on the clothes, as well. She estimates there are 72 outfits available, with more coming — including tiny suits and dresses.
   Other items carried by ANNA'S include pacifiers, bottle nipples, bibs and caps designed for premature infants.
   For more information on ANNA'S, visit www.annaspreemie.com or call 719-244-7000

ANNA'S, LLC

1670 F East Cheyenne Mt. Blvd. Suite 289

Colorado Springs, CO 80906-4050

719.244.7000 / Toll Free 888.266.2770

E-Mail: annas@annaspreemie.com