Winter Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Baby Warm & Healthy

As winter weather sets in, it is important to take precautions to protect your baby from the cold. Babies are especially susceptible to the cold because their bodies have not yet developed fully and they do not regulate their body temperature as well as adults can. There are a number of ways to keep your baby warm in the winter weather, including dressing him in warm clothes, keeping him indoors as much as possible, and using appropriate gear when you have to go outside. Let’s get started!

Dress Your Baby in Layers

One of the best ways to keep your baby warm in the winter is to dress her in layers. This will help to trap heat close to her body and prevent her from getting too cold or overheated. You can start by putting a thin layer of clothing on your baby, such as a thin sleeper or long-sleeved onesie. Then add a layer of warmer clothes, like pants, a sweatshirt, and socks. If it is really cold outside, you can put an additional coat or jacket over the top. Be sure to take off any extra layers when your baby starts to get too hot. When coming back inside, be sure to remove any wet clothing from your baby right away and warm him up with a blanket or by holding them close.

It can be difficult to tell if your baby is too warm or too cold, especially if they are bundled up in a lot of clothes. Here are a few ways to tell if your baby is too warm.

If your baby is sweating, has red cheeks, or feels hot to the touch, they are probably too warm. You can also check their forehead or neck to see if they feel sweaty or cool. If you’re not sure whether your baby is too hot or cold, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dress him in more layers rather than fewer.

Keep Your Baby Indoors When Possible

Another way to keep your baby warm in the winter is to keep her indoors as much as possible. This can be difficult, especially if you have other children to take care of, but it is important to limit your baby’s exposure to the cold weather. If you do have to go outside, try to plan your errands so that you are not out in the cold for too long.

Cold Weather Gear for Baby

Let’s face it, you can’t stay tucked away indoors all winter long. When taking your baby outside in the cold, it is important to use appropriate gear to protect him. This includes a warm coat or snowsuit, hat, gloves, and warm boots. It is also a good idea to put a blanket over your baby’s car seat or stroller to provide extra warmth. And be sure to keep checking your baby’s skin temperature frequently while outside, as they can lose heat quickly in the cold weather.

Another perfect piece of baby gear that’s perfect for outdoor activities is a baby carrier. This keeps baby snug and close to you, where your body heat can help keep him warm.

Keeping Baby Warm in the Car

When winter weather sets in, it is important to take precautions to keep your baby warm in the car. It is dangerous for your baby to wear a coat while in a car seat because the coat can compress in a car accident and may not be able to provide adequate protection for your baby. In addition, coats can make it difficult for the harness to do its job of properly restraining your baby in the car seat. For these reasons, it is important to always dress your baby in warm clothing before putting them in the car, and never put a coat on your baby and then place her in the car seat.

In addition to dressing your baby warmly and tucking a heavy blanket around her in the car seat, it’s a good idea to keep the car seat in the house. This way it’s warm when you first put your baby in it before you head outdoors.

Keeping Baby Warm in the House

While you might be concerned about your baby getting too cold outside, indoor heat can also cause issues. Too much heat causes low humidity and zaps the moisture from the air in your home. This can cause issues for your baby’s skin.

More importantly, a sleeping baby who is too warm is at increased risk of SIDS. Experts recommend dressing your baby in the same amount of clothing you feel comfortable dressed in. A sleeper or a baby sleep sack works best at night. Doctors also recommend that you set your thermostat at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep your baby comfortably warm but not overheated.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your baby warm and safe this winter season.

Coffee Creek Studio is based out of Shelbyville, Indiana, and is owned and operated by Amy Haehl, who specializes in family and newborn photography, as well as mentoring other photographers. Coffee Creek Studio serves Indianapolis, Indiana and all surrounding areas.