With the frigid cold, many moms are worried about how to keep their little one warm and withstand the freezing temperatures.
And let’s be honest, after staying warm inside the womb for 9 months, experiencing the cold air is quite the shock to the newborn baby as well!
Some moms struggle to balance when to keep the baby in, and when to take them out, but we’ve got some tips to help you navigate that tricky line!
To start, it’s okay to take your baby outside when it’s cold, but not freezing.
The fresh air is healthy to breathe in not only for the baby, but for you as well!
However, that doesn’t mean walking your baby around in the freezing cold.
So if you’re looking for the best ways to care for your little one this winter, we have some ideas to help you.
Check out our four main suggestions below!
Layers. And More Layers: If you take your baby out, putting your baby in a coat is not sufficient!
Sure, that’s a staple, but that’s only the beginning.
When dressing your baby to go out in the cold (even a quick trip to the store), think layers.
Parents has some helpful additional tips:
“If you are comfortable with a jacket on top of your clothes, you should have your baby in a jacket or snowsuit and a blanket,” says Molly Broder, MD, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. Dressing your infant in layers allows you to adjust to her needs. “The bottom layer can be snug, like leggings and a bodysuit. On top of that, you can put another layer of pants and a long sleeve shirt. Finish up with a jacket, hat, mittens, and warm booties to keep hands and feet warm!” says Dr. Broder.
Remember moms, babies don’t quite adjust to the cold like adults. The lack of fat prevents their tiny little bodies from regulating, so they need extra protection.
And the key is to use discernment, if the temperature keeps dropping with snow, rain, and mush, it’s better to keep your little one in if you can avoid it.
In addition, with your little one in layers, make sure to keep checking on them to make sure they are comfortable and not getting too hot.
Wear Your Baby: Many moms love wearing their little one!
After all, the extra body heat you provide can help keep them warm.
But be conscious if you are wearing your little one, they might be able to get away with one less layer.
You don’t want them to get overheated or too hot.
Of course, remember to be careful if it’s bad out. Avoid wearing your baby if possible if it is icy – the last thing you want to do is slip and fall on the ice.
And don’t forget to check their face and make sure they are getting enough air!
Don’t Forget The Indoor Temperature: It’s also critical to make sure your indoor temperature is set properly.
Having your home too cold or too hot can wreak havoc on your little one.
Experts recommend keeping your home between 68 and 72 during the day, and a bit cooler at night (between 65 and 68).
Of course, make sure to dress your little one in a sleep sack to keep them warm!
Stay Safe And Warm In The Car: It can be difficult to know how to dress your baby for the car.
It is important to follow safety guidelines when bundling up your little ones. Children can be ejected from the car because their 5-point harness was too loose or improperly used.
And winter coats are a major contributor to this.
Mommy Underground previously reported on how to keep your child safe and warm during the winter months.
These guidelines are important for any child still in car seats!
It can be tricky to keep your baby warm among freezing cold temperatures.
Have faith in your motherly instinct – while sometimes you can’t avoid taking your little one out in the cold if it’s an emergency, it’s best to avoid it if at all possible taking them out when it’s freezing or below.
But don’t let the cold air scare you!
You can still dress your little one up in layers and take them out.
What tips do you have for other moms on how to keep their little ones warm in the cold?
How have you personally prepared your little one to stay warm during the cold months?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
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