Tap to Read ➤

Tips for Dressing Your Baby Appropriately for the Weather

Mia Morales
During the cold winter months, it can be difficult to keep your baby warm. Newborn babies in particular are susceptible to low body temperatures and hypothermia if they are not kept warm enough. It is estimated that a young infant needs about one more layer than an adult needs in order to keep warm.

Layers

One of the best ways to keep your baby warm is to use layers. This provides a lot of warmth for a baby without the risk of overheating. If you notice your baby is sweating or the skin feels too warm, you can simply remove a layer to bring the baby to a comfortable level.

Layers

You might consider a short-sleeved onesie, covered with a long-sleeved shirt and a sweatshirt. In particularly colder environments, a blanket would be beneficial as well.

Car Seat Safety

It seems to only make sense to put your baby in a coat when it is cold out, but this can actually be dangerous in a car seat. In an accident, a coat will likely compress, leaving a large gap between the baby's shoulders and the straps. This can lead to serious injuries. Dressing them in layers can help with preventing this issue.
You can also use a fleece heavy jacket, as the fleece will not compress like a winter coat will. There are also car seat ponchos that can be used to keep the baby warm in the car. It's important to make sure that ponchos or any other materials you use to keep baby warm do not interfere with the function of the car seat.

One Piece Outfits

One piece outfits can be beneficial because they can keep your baby warm from head to toe. A comfortable layette can be a great way to help keep baby feeling warm and snug. They are often made for a baby to sleep in, but are cute enough to function as an outfit as well. Some come in a gown style, which makes diaper changing quick and easy.

Stay Indoors

No matter how warmly your baby is dressed, you should stay indoors as much as possible. Of course, you will have to leave your house from time to time, but try to avoid outdoor activities. Your baby should only be out in the cold for a minute or two at the most. This should give you enough time to get them to the car and buckled in.
If you have a vehicle with remote control start, you may want to warm up the car before you leave, so that the baby is comfortable from the minute they get in the car.

Keep Your Thermostat at a Good Temperature

With climate control, it should be easy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. You don't want to make it too warm, however. Warm environments can lead to overheating, which can increase the risk of SIDS. Ideally, a temperature in the upper 60's to low 70's is where your home should be.
You can dip the thermostat a bit lower during the night, when everyone will be covered with blankets. Everyone will likely sleep more soundly if the temperature is slightly lower.

These Tips Will Keep Your Baby Warm, and Snug

Using layers will allow you to adjust as necessary, and one piece outfits can keep baby nice and comfortable. It's important to keep baby indoors as much as possible. The core body temperature of a baby is not as well-regulated as it is in adults, and so avoiding outdoors is important when it's cold outside. Following these steps should help.