How do you keep your baby warm in winter? It’s easy to say, but hard to do! Babies are sensitive to the cold, so it’s important to keep them bundled up and warm during the colder months—but even more so when they are little. Winter can be tough on babies who are still developing motor skills and growing out of their clothing fast, so here are some great tips on how to keep baby warm in winter.
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Warming Baby’s Car Seat
The temperature inside a parked car can easily drop by 20 degrees within minutes, so if you’re going somewhere with your baby, take his or her car seat with you and park in a shady spot.
If your baby does have to sit in a freezing car for any length of time, cover him or her up with blankets, and make sure that nothing is blocking the vents under their feet. (Your baby’s feet are especially sensitive.)
It also helps to put another layer of clothing on them while they wait—something like tights underpants work nicely. And no matter how cold it is outside when you get where you’re going, keep your little one out of drafts. Cold air can be just as dangerous as cold temperatures on bare skin.
Warming Baby’s Room
In addition to dressing baby in layers such as a short onesie from Spunky Stork underneath these adorable knotted gowns, warming her room is also important.
The first step is making sure she isn’t being exposed to drafts or cold air from windows. If it’s too chilly for you, it’s probably too chilly for your infant.
The next step is investing in a few heating elements for her nursery that can keep her warm.
A space heater can help regulate temperatures and should be placed out of baby’s reach—not only because it poses a potential fire hazard but also because it has hot elements that could burn baby if she touches them and starts gnawing on them.
Clothing Options
Winter is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about dressing warmly for those colder months. As a new parent, you might not know where to begin and you don’t want your baby getting cold or sick.
Your best bet is to go with all-natural fibers for your baby’s clothing. Wool sweaters are popular be sure that they aren’t too scratchy for your little one. Include items made from softer fabrics like cotton and thermals that do well with insulation to keep baby warm.
Many babies also prefer wearing footed pajamas so they can stay warm while kicking around at home or out on walks with their parents. You can always add a pair of socks underneath their footed pajamas if you feel they need the extra warmth.
Another way to keep baby warm is by transfer of body heat from mommy to baby. Lots of tummy time against your chest or placing baby in a baby sling can help baby stay warm, cozy, and close.
Warm Activities
One of the best ways to keep your baby warm during winter is through active play. Bundle up baby with a hat, mittens, and a scarf and take him out for walks in cold weather (keeping in mind that babies shouldn’t be left outside for extended periods).
When you’re back inside, put on some music, turn up the heat to create body warmth, and get down on his level: crawl around on your hands and knees. Or roll around on a towel or blanket on top of cushions or pillows.
You’ll both have fun getting exercise while creating extra body heat! If it’s too chilly for outdoor walking trips – or if you want something different – try singing songs together as you shake maracas made from paper towels filled with dried beans.
If your baby is old enough to eat solids, this would be a great time to work on how to introduce solid foods to baby. Heating up some homemade apple sauce is a yummy treat that most babies enjoy and another way to keep warm at home.
Make sure baby’s first winter is a fun one with tons of enjoyable activities that will allow him to stay warm and cozy.