When winter arrives and the temperatures start to drop outside, us parents can understandably start to worry about whether our baby is keeping warm enough. Whilst little red baby noses can be cute and endearing, babies are far more sensitive to the cold than you or me, and as such, it’s important to make sure that your baby is safe and protected from the elements. Here are our top tips on how to keep your baby cosy and content during the long, cold winter months.
Layers are your friend
When it comes to dressing your baby appropriately for winter, layers are your best friend. Warm and cosy snowsuits, whilst ideal when walking outside in the rain or snow, should not be kept on indoors as babies can quickly overheat in warmer environments. Instead, layers that can easily be added or removed are preferable, ideally made from breathable fabrics such as cotton or muslin. When you head outside, layers can be added on for additional warmth, but easily removed or taken away when you return to warmer surroundings.
Cover their head – On babies, most of their heat is lost through the top of their head- so when the temperature dips, bring out the knitted hats, super cute pom-pom hats or even hats with ear flaps. Not only do they look adorable, but also stop the tops of their ears from catching a chill too. As soon as you get indoors, make sure you remove their hat allowing them to lose any excess heat and re-regulate their temperature.
Don’t forget the rain covers – When heading out with the stroller, don’t forget the rain cover – even when the clouds look clear. There is nothing worse than getting caught in an unexpected almighty downpour and relying on the stroller hood to protect your baby from the elements! We can’t promise that your baby will love being captured under these clear covers, but trust me – rather that than a soaking wet change of clothes.
Embrace the Baby Wearing – If you prefer to leave the stroller at home, why not embrace the baby wearing trend instead? When the temperatures dip, your baby may become a little fractious or want more cuddles than normal. There is no better way to keep your baby warm and content than sharing your body temperature! Carrying your baby on your chest keeps them calm and cosy whilst protecting them from the wind chill too. Don’t forget to keep their head and feet covered, as these areas will still be exposed.
Remove the coats before travel – Don’t forget to remove your baby’s outerwear layers before placing them into the car seat. Whilst it might feel counter intuitive to remove clothes when it’s cold, or be tempting to allow them to stay in their slumber when you head back to the car, do not be tempted to leave thick coats and jackets on during their journey in a car seat. Not only is there a real risk of your baby overheating, but bulky coats and jackets can compress in the event of an accident, meaning that the car seat harness won’t be as tight and protective as it should be. This could leave your baby at risk of serious injury. Instead of taking that risk, gently remove their jacket or coat, strap them back in and then place the coat gently over their lap or add a light blanket to keep their legs warm instead.
Sleep bags / sacks – If your baby wriggles at night time, it can be frustrating when they keep kicking the blanket off on a night where you want them to stay warm and cosy. Quilts are also not recommended, as they come with the risk of suffocation if they accidentally cover your baby’s face. For a safe night’s sleep, sleep sacks are a great option, encasing their feet and ensuring they covered all night long. You can even buy different togs or thicknesses depending on the temperature of their room. They are relatively cheap to buy, but can make all the difference when helping you all get a good night’s sleep!
