| One of the most important
things to keep in mind when sewing for infants and babies, is their
comfort and their safety. Clothes should be made from fabrics
that are soft and gentle, easy to throw in the laundry, and nonflammable.
Usually fabrics are of a soft pale or pastel color for infants.
There should be no bulky seams or heavy zippers or fastenings to cause
discomfort to the baby. Babies only communicate with us through
crying at this point, they can't tell us if something is bothering them so
you want the baby to feel comfortable at all times. The baby garments you
make must be easy to put on and off. Be very careful with closures.
Buttons can fall off and the baby could swallow it. Plus buttons are bulky
and could irritate the baby's skin. Snaps are ideal.
French seams are
a wise decision to use in making infants clothing. With that type of
seam finish, the soft edges won't irritate a baby's tender skin.
Make sure the clothing does not pull
tightly around the babies neck, leg, or arm.
Don't decorate garments with anything
that a baby could swallow, chew off, strangle on, get tangled up in or get
cut by.
As for closures, snaps work well but only
at the crotch and legs. Not at the neck, shoulders, and chest
area.
Do not use drawstrings as a closure
device around hoods and necks for babies or children. Snaps or Velcro
would be a better choice. |