Keeping your baby warm during the winter months is important to ensure their comfort and safety, and because their bodies are not as capable of regulating temperature as adults. Babies have a larger surface area in proportion to their body weight, which means they lose heat more quickly than we do as adults. Additionally, their ability to shiver, which generates heat, is not yet fully developed.
To keep your baby warm in the winter, it is important to dress them in warm clothing, including a hat, mittens, and booties when going outside and braving the cold. Additionally, it is important to avoid exposing them to cold drafts, and to keep the temperature of the room at a comfortable level when inside the house, which is anywhere between 68F-72F, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Although going for a walk may be the last thing on your mind when it is 30 degrees outside, you may be surprised to learn how refreshing it can feel to get outside and breathe in the brisk winter air. Here are some tips on how to keep your baby warm during a winter walk:
- Dress your baby in layers: Dressing your baby in layers is one of the best ways to keep them warm. Start with a soft and breathable base layer, such as a onesie, followed by a warmer layer, such as a fleece or knit sweater. Finish with a coat or jacket, hat, and mittens.
- Choose the right fabrics: Use fabrics that are warm and soft, such as cotton, fleece, wool, or down. Avoid synthetic materials, as they may not breathe well and can cause your baby to overheat.
- Keep the head and feet covered: Heat escapes from the head and feet, so it's important to keep them covered. Use a warm hat and socks or booties to keep your baby's head and feet warm.
- Use a warm blanket: A warm blanket can provide extra warmth and comfort to your baby. Choose a blanket made from a warm and soft material, such as fleece or wool. It is important to note that loose blankets are not safe to use for babies when sleeping. Instead, use a wearable blanket like our Swaddle Sleeves Sack as a safe and comfortable option instead (that can also help to reduce the risk of SIDS).
- Use a baby carrier or stroller cover: If you need to take your baby outside, use a baby carrier or stroller cover to keep them warm and protected from the cold.
- No layers inside carseat: If you are taking your baby in the car, although it might seem counterintuitive, make sure to not use a coat or bulky sweater when your baby is in the carseat. Using a coat or a snowsuit compromises the tightness of the car seat harness and can pose a serious safety hazard in case of an accident. Instead, when you take your baby out of the car seat, have a blanket ready to wrap your baby as you arrive to your destination. This way, your baby can stay warm and cozy.