As parents are looking over their precious newborns, most notice baby's hands are bluish in color or feel cold. For some, baby may have long, sharp fingernails that accidentally scratch skin. Mittens seem to be a good solution for both of these problems.
The reality, however, is that mittens are rarely needed for newborns. Bluish and cool hands and feet are normal on healthy infants, and the cool sensation of extremities likely do not bother baby at all. Plus, good early nail trimming can avoid scratches—avoiding the need for mittens altogether. Some hospitals now discourage mitten wearing, so don't be surprised if you notice this trend in the hospital where you deliver.
Additional Information from HealthyChildren.org: