I remember the first time I dressed my newborn. It felt like I was handling the most delicate little being in the world. Tiny fingers, wiggly arms, and that soft, fragile and delicate skin, every movement made me nervous. One of the first things I was told as a new mom was, “Make sure the baby wears mittens!” Apparently, they helped prevent babies from scratching their little faces. But how long do babies actually need to wear gloves? Is it just a few weeks, or should they wear them for months?

If you’re asking yourself these same questions, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down and find out when (and if) babies should stop wearing mittens.

Why Do Babies Wear Gloves or Mittens?

Baby mittens, or gloves, serve a few key purposes:

• Preventing Scratches – Newborns have sharp nails and little control over their hand movements, which means they can easily scratch their delicate skin.
• Keeping Hands Warm – Babies lose body heat quickly, especially in the first few weeks. Mittens help keep their tiny fingers toasty.
• Soothing Reflex Movements – Babies are born with the Moro reflex (also called the startle reflex), which makes them jerk their hands suddenly. Mittens can help them feel more secure.

At first, mittens seem like a must-have. But do babies really need them for long?

When Should Babies Stop Wearing Gloves?

Most pediatricians and baby experts agree that babies only need mittens for the first few weeks—typically until they are about 4 to 6 weeks old. After that, it’s best to stop using them for a few reasons:

Babies Need to Explore with Their Hands

Newborns learn by touch. Their hands are one of the first ways they experience the world. Around 4 to 6 weeks, babies start bringing their hands to their mouths—a crucial step in developing coordination. If they always have mittens on, they miss out on these important sensory experiences.

Mittens Can Be a Safety Hazard

Loose mittens can slip off and become a choking hazard. If they aren’t made from breathable material, they can also cause overheating. Plus, some babies suck on their mittens, which can lead to excessive moisture and skin irritation.

You Can Trim Their Nails Instead

At first, I was terrified to cut my baby’s nails. What if I accidentally cut too deep? What if they wiggled too much? But after a few weeks, I realized trimming nails regularly was a much better solution than keeping mittens on all the time. Using baby nail scissors or a soft nail file can prevent scratches without limiting their ability to explore.

How to Transition Away from Mittens

If your baby has been wearing mittens for the first few weeks, you may be wondering how to transition them out of it. Here’s what worked for me:

• Start with Short Periods Without Mittens – During supervised playtime, let your baby have bare hands so they can feel their surroundings.
• Keep Their Nails Trimmed – Use a baby nail file or clippers every few days to keep their nails short and smooth.
• Dress Them in Sleeves with Fold-Over Cuffs – If you’re still worried about scratches, look for baby onesies that have built-in mittens that can fold over their hands.

After a few days, I noticed my baby was happier without mittens. He started grabbing onto my fingers, exploring his blankets, and even trying to bring his hands to his mouth. It was a beautiful milestone!

Are There Situations Where Babies Should Wear Gloves Longer?

For most babies, mittens are unnecessary after a few weeks, but there are a few exceptions:

• If your baby is born prematurely – Preemies often have difficulty regulating body temperature, so they may need mittens a little longer.
• If your baby has eczema or dry skin – Some babies develop skin conditions that make them prone to scratching. In these cases, mittens might help temporarily.
• In cold weather – If it’s winter and you’re heading outside, baby gloves or mittens can help protect against the cold.

If you think your baby still needs mittens, check with your pediatrician for advice.

Ditch the Mittens and Let Those Hands Explore!

If you’re a first-time parent, it’s easy to want to do everything possible to protect your baby. I was the same way. But in reality, babies don’t need mittens for long. By 4 to 6 weeks, they’re ready to explore with their hands.

Instead of covering up those tiny fingers, help your baby safely discover the world by trimming their nails, using soft fabrics, and letting them feel different textures.