A baby is born without physical protection; they begin their life dependent on the care of their parent. It is vital that a hat and shoes (beanie and booties) are placed on a baby upon arrival into the world and daily until the toddler years. Their body is learning from this very young age to balance heat and cold. As your child grows, s/he has to re-establish warmth if they are to grow as a full and healthy person. This sense of balance is one of the foundation senses that are acquired gradually during the first seven years of life. Often when the child says they don’t want to wear a cardigan/singlet/long pants/long-sleeved top they are saying it from their sense of life. That is, they may not like the “feel” on their skin or the sensation of something around their neck.
Adults need to take responsibility to help a child dress appropriately for the weather. For the child under 7 it is vital they are kept warm, this is when they are working with the development of their organs.
Two points to consider when dressing your child for these winter days are:
1 Layers of clothing – Undergarments: singlet and tights. We often see children running around with bare backs and tummies, the region of the liver and kidneys, so these organs need warmth.
2 – Fabrics – Are they wearing natural fibres or synthetic fabrics? The skin is an organ, the outer boundary of the body. It continuously has a relationship with the body and the surroundings. It needs to be able to breath and it is the organ that constantly experiences the sense of touch. Touch is also a foundation sense that is important to the first seven years.
This may support you in considering why it would be beneficial to choose natural organic fibres rather than synthetics where possible. Clothing has become about fashion more than health. The power is in your hands as the parent for as many years as possible to be practical more than fashionable. Take charge in this area for as long as you’re able!
