Creeping age (6 months to one year)

Creeping age ( months to one year) This is the stage when the child begins to show signs of independence. It is very interesting to see babies pull themselves up to the furniture to stand, trying to reach out to objects, to sit or stand on their own. You will notice that all these activities would need clothes for protection and comfort. Apparel for children in this age group has to be such that it allows for free movement.

Thus, the basic clothing needs are loose and non-interfering garments. For clothes to fit loosely, both knitted and bias cut garments are most suited as they stretch allowing for some growth. As this is the stage to develop good posture, care must be taken in selection of right clothes. Too much bulk can hamper motor movement.

Light weight garments are preferred over tightly knitted or woven ones. These would and take-off clothes. The fabrics with sizing are not suitable for the babies as it might scratch the skin. Even all wool flannel fabrics for winters would be irritating to the skin, thus a baby flannel, a mix of wool and cotton or silk is preferred.

Infants grow very fast at this stage so it is advisable not to buy too many clothes in smaller sizes. Diapers are the first and most essential requirement for infants. These have to be soft, absorbent, easily washed and quick drying. It is quite common for families to make cotton diapers at home.

If old cotton sheets are used for the purpose, they need to be well sterilised and disinfected. Many families have replaced home made diapers with ‘gauze’ and bird’s eye diapers that are available in the market. Pre-shaped diapers are also available but one should be certain about the fit for the baby. Undershirts are worn in most climates; depending on the weather and geographical location, the material for the undershirt should be selected suitably.

Cotton undershirt is suitable for warm climate and soft wool-cotton blend shirts are suitable in cold climate. Usually, shirts and diapers form the basic garments for the infant. Cotton shirts in various be easier during play and will also be comparatively warmer to enmesh air, specially in winters. Do not make children wear too many clothes.

The F igure : C omfortable clothes for crawling age F igure : A pparel designs suitable for crawling age clothes should be made of suitable fabric, i.e., one that is soft, smooth and does not collect soil readily. They should be easy to care for, i.e., wash and iron. Some fabrics like knits and seersuckers (crimpled striped material) are excellent as they do not require ironing. Some cottons and rayons are wrinkle resistant as they are treated with special finishes.

As children spend most of their time playing, their clothes may require frequent changes as these would get soiled. It is thus important to look at the feature of convenient openings in the garment to slip off and put on easily. Most suitable garments for this age are rompers and sun-suits made from knitted or woven material. While selecting these garments it is important to keep in mind the features of size and looseness so that the garment does not come in the way of the child’s movements.

During the crawling stage, soft-soled shoes may be worn if protection from the cold is needed. Training pants are often worn when toilet training begins. These are made of fabrics that fit snuggly at the hip.