Winter can be a challenging time for parents, especially when it comes to keeping their little ones safe, snug, and happy. As the temperature drops and the winter season approaches, it’s essential to take extra care of your newborn to ensure that he or she stays healthy and comfortable. In this article, we’ll provide you with some practical winter care tips for newborns to help you keep your little one safe and cozy during the cold months.
Your Clothes Plus One
An easy rule-of-thumb for dressing your newborn in the winter is dressing them as you’re dressed, with an additional layer. If you’re wearing a shirt, sweatshirt, and pants, your baby should be in a bodysuit, long-sleeved top, pants, and a light jacket. If it’s cold enough that you also need a winter coat, your baby should be in a snowsuit, bunting, or tucked into a few layers of blankets.
Layering is Key
Layering newborn clothing in cold weather ensures your baby stays warm and snuggly without overheating. Proper layering allows you to easily adjust your baby’s clothing for changing environments, whether lounging inside, playing outdoors, or transitioning between the two.
- Start with a base layer: Begin with a short or long-sleeved cotton or bamboo bodysuit. Cotton and bamboo are soft, breathable, and gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin. The onesie should fit snugly but comfortably.
- Add an insulating layer: A full-length fleece romper or footie can be worn over your baby’s onesie, adding another layer of warmth. Footed options are ideal for keeping those tiny tootsies cozy.
- Consider a mid-layer: On extra cold and blustery days, consider adding a light vest or sweater over your baby’s romper for added insulation. Ensure it’s easy to take on and off.
- Finish with a protective outer layer: Outdoor adventures in freezing weather call for a one-piece snowsuit or bunting—look for suits with fold-over mittens and foot coverings. Waterproof and windproof ones are handy if it’s snow or wet. On milder days, a warm jacket or coat might suffice.
Using this layering “system” makes it easy to add or remove clothing depending on the temperature and your baby’s activity level.
Winter Coats and Car Seats Do Not Mix
The “fluff” in your child’s winter coat—typically down or poly-fill—affects how your car seat performs in a crash. Why? All that extra bulk prevents your child’s harness from fitting snugly, and an adequately tightened harness is a critical component of safe car seat usage.
In a collision, the fill of a bulky coat will compress from the crash forces, making the harness too loose on your child. How loose? By up to four inches, which creates more than enough space for your child to slip out of their harness and be thrown from the seat. Puffy coats (and snowsuits) aren’t the only culprits, either. Thick sweaters, heavy sweatshirts, and fleece jackets can also create too much slack in the harness.
Worried about cabin fever? Don’t sweat it—you don’t have to sacrifice warmth for safety! There are plenty of safe alternatives to winter coats.
- Low-pile fleece jackets. And low-pile is key—thicker fleece can pose the same dilemma as puffy outerwear. If you aren’t sure, do the pinch test.
- Car seat ponchos. These are cozy blankets with a hood that can be draped over the car seat straps once your child is snugly buckled in.
- Blankets. You can safely cover the car seat with a blanket. Just take care not to cover your baby’s face to avoid trapped air and rebreathing.
- Muffs, buntings, or car seat covers. Make sure any cover you’re using does not have a layer that goes under your baby (that’s a layer of fluff we want to avoid). Never use any cover that goes underneath your baby or between your baby and the harness straps, and make sure the product has been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Babies lose heat faster through their heads, hands, and feet, so keeping these areas covered is essential. Choose a warm hat that covers their ears, mittens that are attached to their jacket or coat (baby mittens disappear even faster than socks—it’s science), and socks or booties that fit snugly.
Mind the Materials
When dressing your baby for winter, the right materials can make a big difference. Look for clothes made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, or bamboo, as they’re breathable and can regulate your baby’s body temperature. Avoid clothes made from synthetic fibers—they can trap moisture and make your baby feel cold.
Babywear for Snuggles (And Warmth)
A baby carrier is a great way to keep your nugget cozy (without even trying). Your body heat provides extra warmth for your baby while being worn, and you can forgo that extra sweater. Just remember to cover their head and feet, and ensure their face isn’t pressed too snugly against your chest.
If you live in a particularly frigid region and love babywearing, there are insulated waterproof baby carrier covers that will keep your little one nice and toasty.
Prepare for Strolling
While it’s quick and convenient to toss a blanket over your stroller canopy (or infant car seat handle), it’s also not a safe choice for your baby. Covering your baby entirely with a blanket or other universal plastic stroller cover can compromise your baby’s airflow. Instead, dress your baby appropriately (coat, hat, and mittens) and tuck them under a blanket up to chest level.
Additionally, many stroller manufacturers have all-weather accessories that will keep your little one cozy without sacrificing airflow, or you can shop for stroller muffs or bunting bags.
Invest in a Snowsuit
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, invest in a good-quality snowsuit for your baby. Look for one that’s waterproof, windproof, and has insulation. Make sure it’s not too bulky so your baby can still move their arms and legs freely.
Prevent Dry Skin
Winter can wreak havoc on your baby’s skin: Low humidity, cold temperatures, and indoor heat all contribute to dry, itchy skin. Avoid daily baths—bathing too frequently can dry out and irritate sensitive newborn skin. Bath water should be warm but not hot (right around 100 degrees, and it will feel cooler than what you’d prefer your shower to be, most likely).
Soaps and cleansers will dry out your baby’s skin, so make sure to use them sparingly. As long as you thoroughly clean your newborn’s diaper area during changes and manage spit-up, there’s usually no need to lather your little one up fully.
To keep your baby’s skin from drying out, make sure to apply a fragrance-free hypoallergenic lotion after you get your baby dried off before getting dressed. If an everyday cream is inadequate, upgrade to a balm or salve and apply it as needed throughout the day.
Read more: How Often Should You Bathe Your Newborn?
Don’t Crank the Heat Indoors
While safeguarding your baby against chilly outdoor temps is the priority, also be mindful of your temperature while indoors. Set the daytime thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher can dry out your little one’s sensitive skin.
More importantly, lower your thermostat overnight to prevent overheating—between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only will your baby be more comfortable, but it also decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Dress your baby in breathable pajamas and use a lightweight sleep sack (wearable blanket) to keep them warm. Remember, never place loose blankets or bedding in a crib or bassinet while your baby is sleeping.
Keeping your baby happy and healthy during the winter doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your little one warm and comfortable all season long. Remember to layer up, take extra care of your baby’s skin, mind indoor temperatures, and dress your baby appropriately for the car seat. With a bit of preparation, you and your baby can enjoy the colder months without any worries.
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you feel empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or [email protected].