Babies wear mittens primarily to protect themselves from unintentional scratches and to provide extra warmth for their tiny fingers.
Protection from Scratches
One of the most common reasons babies wear mittens is to prevent them from scratching their delicate skin. According to research, mittens can act as a mini shield, preventing those unintentional baby scratches. Newborns often have little control over their movements, and their fingernails can be surprisingly sharp.
- Unintentional scratches: Babies can accidentally scratch their faces or other body parts while moving their arms or rubbing their eyes.
- Skin sensitivity: Babies' skin is very delicate and prone to irritation, making even minor scratches potentially problematic.
- Preventing infection: Open scratches can also become entry points for infection.
Providing Warmth
In addition to preventing scratches, mittens also serve a practical purpose in keeping babies warm, particularly during cooler temperatures. Mittens are often used to provide an extra layer of warmth for those teensy-tiny fingers on chillier nights.
- Temperature regulation: Babies, especially newborns, have difficulty regulating their body temperature, and their extremities can easily become cold.
- Extra layer: Mittens provide an additional layer of insulation to help keep their fingers warm.
- Comfort: Warm fingers can make the baby feel more comfortable, leading to better rest.
Types of Baby Mittens
There are different types of baby mittens available, designed to suit different purposes:
| Type | Features | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton mittens | Breathable, soft, suitable for daily wear | Everyday protection from scratches |
| Fleece mittens | Warmer, ideal for colder weather | Extra warmth during cold weather |
| Stay-on mittens | Elasticated or with Velcro to prevent them from falling off | Extra security and less frustration for parents |
When to Use Mittens
Mittens can be used in various situations:
- Newborn stage: Especially helpful during the first few weeks when babies are most prone to scratching themselves.
- Cold weather: Necessary to keep babies' hands warm during colder days and nights.
- During sleep: Can help prevent babies from scratching while sleeping.
Summary
In summary, babies wear mittens both to prevent unintentional scratches and to keep their tiny fingers warm. These two purposes make mittens an important accessory for newborns and infants.
