DRESSING UP BABY

With floppy arms, stubbornly curled up legs, a head that invariably seems larger than the openings provided by most baby clothes, and an active dislike for being naked, an infant can be a challenge to dress and undress. But there are ways of making these daily tasks less of a chore for both of you:

1. Select clothes with easy-on, easy-off features in mind. Wide neck openings or necks with popper closings are best. Poppers or a zipper at the crotch make dressing and nappy changes easier. Sleeves should be fairly loose, and a minimum of fastening (particularly up the back) should be necessary. Clothes made of stretch or knit fabrics are often easier to put on than stiff garments with less give.

   2. Make changes only when necessary. It you find the odour from frequent spit-ups offensive, sponge the spots lightly with a baby wipe rather than changing outfits every time baby has a productive burp. Or try guarding against such incidents by putting a large bib on baby during and after feedings.

   3. Dress baby on a flat surface, such as a baby dressing table, bed or cot mattress. And have some entertainment available.

   4. Consider dressing time a social time. too. Light, cheerful conversation (a running commentary on what you're doing, for instance) can help distract baby from the discomforts and indignities of being dressed and make cooperation more likely. Making a learning game out of pulling on clothes will team distraction with stimulation. And punctuating your commentary with loud kisses (a smooch for each adorable hand and foot as it appears from the sleeve or trouser leg) can add to the fun for both of you.

   5. Stretch neck openings with your hands before attempting to get baby into a garment. Ease, rather than tug, them on and off. keeping the opening as wide as possible in the process and trying to avoid snagging the ears or nose. Turn the split second during which baby's head is covered, which might otherwise be scary or uncomfortable, into a game of peekaboo (Where is Mummy? Here she is!' and then, as baby gets old enough to realize that he or she is equally invisible to you. 'Where is Daniella? Here she is!').

   6. Try to reach into sleeves and pull baby's hands through rather than trying to shove rubbery little arms into limp cylinders of cloth. A game here, too ('Where is Brandon's hand? Here it is''). Will help distract and educate when baby's hands temporarily disappear.

   7. When pulling a zip up or down, draw the garment away from baby's body to avoid pinching tender skin.