Winter is the coldest season of the year. Humans, animals, and the whole ecosystem adjust to the coolness of this season. In a cold period like this, babies are even more helpless. They can’t talk to tell their moms and dads how cold they feel. That is why being aware of how this cool period affects your baby, and learning how to dress baby in winter will help make him comfy, warm, and safe.
Baby Care During Cold Days
The main thing that comes into your mind when we talk about how to dress baby in winter is dressing him in layers of clothes. Well, though that may sound correct, there are other things you must consider. One very important consideration is dressing him up in layers, BUT not too much that he overheats. Cases of overheating in babies are linked to babies’ deaths, which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)—worrying about your baby getting too cold leads to indoor heat that may present a problem. Indoor heat lacks moisture on the air, which can dry your baby’s tender skin and sensitive skin. When your baby sleeps in this cold season, setting the thermostat lower will prevent SIDS from happening. That may still be a cool temperature, but tucking your baby in a wearable blanket is enough to keep him warm.
How to Dress Baby in Winter
So you’re anxious about keeping your little one warm this winter. Here are guidelines on how to dress baby in winter, whether you are driving in the car, playing outside, or even just staying indoors.
When in the Car
Bulky pieces of coats, buntings, and sleeping bags are discouraged by experts as these may compress whenever a crash happens and may result in a higher risk of injury to your baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, these pieces are unnecessary. Instead of those articles, replace them with thin layers of clothes then use a blanket after on top of the thin layers. If it’s a very chilling day, a one-piece, long-sleeved fleece outfit will be very helpful. If you have to bring the baby in and out of the car and still have to walk a few blocks, use a coat instead of a blanket. When he’s inside his seat in the car, and the car heats up, remove the coat, especially if your baby already seems warm.
When Playing in the Snow
How to dress baby in winter when they’re snow playing may require more work from you as a parent. But, if it’s for our little one’s enjoyment, why not? This will not hinder your baby’s first happy moments of winter. When your baby reaches six months, he begins to get excited with snow. Because winter is a cold and wet period, the main priority to consider for dressing him up is “staying dry.” Hats and waterproof articles like mittens, snowsuit, or snow jackets, pants, and boots are necessary. Since there is no time limit set to be spent on playing in the snow, parents need to use their judgment as to when they must take these clothes off for some moments to let your baby hold, touch, or feel the snow barehanded. Just don’t forget to dry and warm them quickly! One more recommendation: if you could, provide sunglasses and sunscreen as UV rays from the sun still reflect on the snow.
Clothes When Staying Indoors
Not overdoing things is the principle on how to dress baby in winter, especially when you’re just staying indoors. The ideal temperature is between 68 degrees to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and with this, if your baby usually needs two layers, add one more layer in the winter season. You don’t want your baby to get too warm, especially when sleeping, preventing SIDS. So the best thing to do is tucking him into a sleep sack or a gently swaddled blanket. Make sure that it stays below your baby’s armpits.
Clothes for Taking a Walk
Even if the day is chilly, breathing in fresh air is still beneficial—and one best way to do that is taking a walk for 15 to 30 minutes at 25 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. But here’s one important thing: this is just for babies who were born full-term and at least three weeks old and weigh 12 pounds. (Note: If your baby is born preterm and has existing medical conditions, consult his pediatrician.) Your baby loses heat faster than you do as an adult. How to dress baby in winter when going for a walk outside would mean dressing him one more layer than you would wear him usually when it’s not winter or the weather isn’t that cold. So if your baby’s basic dress up is a long-sleeved top with a winter jacket, you may want to add a sweater, a bunting, or a coat for this purpose. Of course, mittens, boots, and hats are great pieces to protect his other body parts from getting too cold. A windscreen placed on the stroller will protect his skin from windburn. Get more tips on baby clothes.
Conclusion
Whether it’s shining brightly hot or chilling bleak and cold outside, our duty as parents is to ensure our babies’ comfort and safety and protection from the elements that may affect and harm them. In applying the must-dos on how to dress baby in winter, always trust your best judgment, gut, and intuition. Always keep your eyes on them at all times and pay more attention. Your little angel deserves it!