Winters have already crept in, and no one wants to stay all cooped up inside the house. Everyone, even newborns and toddlers, need fresh air. However, it is tricky to maintain a balance between keeping baby warm during winters and not to overheat him. So, find out some wonderful ways to make sure that your newborn doesnt face any discomfort during winters and stays healthy.
Video: How to Keep Your Baby Warm During Winter Tips and Tricks
Keeping Baby Warm in Winter at Night
Unlike adults, babies (especially under 2 years of age) are not capable of regulating their body temperature. And, it is quite important to cover them comfortably while sleeping at night without them getting overheated. Some studies have shown that extra layers of clothing increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Although, keeping the baby warm in winter while sleeping is vital but there are certain key factors to be kept in mind so as to minimize the risk of SIDS.
What You Can Do
- The ideal range for your babys room temperature should be between 16-20 degrees.
- The best way to dress your baby for sleep in winter is asleepsuit with feet attached to keep his toes warm. If your babys room is at the colder end of the scale, put a vest underneath.
- Use a good moisturizer that is rich in butter and milk cream to avoid dryness and itching.
- Keep your windows shut if it is extremely cold outside, but make sure that your babys room stays ventilated too. You can use a room heater or humidifier as and when needed to keep the space warm and comfortable.
- If you think that one-piece suits are not enough for your infant, swaddle him in a soft blanket for a comfortable and restful sleep at nights. In case he kicks off the blanket, you can put him in a sleeping bag.
- In addition, carriers are a great way to use your body heat to add extra cosiness to the baby in the cold winters.
- A fitted cotton sheet and blanket can keep the baby warm in bed. In addition, some extra layers of the blanket can be added or removed depending upon the room temperature. Alternatively, a baby sleeping bag or sleep-sack are the best options to keep a squirmy baby warm and cosy.
- Placing a hot water bag or heating pad in the bed for some time before letting the baby sleep will add some warmth to the cold sheets. It also keeps babys crib warm and comfortable to sleep in.
Safety Tip
- Dont cover your babys head while sleeping in bed or anywhere indoors. This may cause overheating, because an excess amount of heat is produced through the babys head.Once your baby falls asleep, check if he is sweaty, flushed or breathing rapidly. Lower down the temperature of his room or just remove his swaddle or cap.
Dressing Baby while Leaving the House
While heading out in crisp, cold weather with your little one, just adopt the rule of thumb that babies need an extra layer of clothing than you do. From cosy clothes and coats to heaters and humidifiers, there are a lot of things to consider before leaving the house with your baby. Here are some tips and tricks you need to know.
What You Can Do
- Always dress your baby with thin bottom layers of clothing to trap the heat in between. Start with a soft cotton onesize, add a long-sleeved t-shirt and leggings. And if it is extremely cold outside, you can layer him up with a snowsuit.
- Dress your baby in soft and breathable layers of fabric.
- A hat is one important accessory for your little one that can help protect his ear from the bitter winter winds.
- Your babys hand is a good indication to know his body temperature. So, keep his hand warm by putting mittens (for a newborn) or tuck his hands inside the blanket (for toddlers).
- Newborns and especially preemies can be given Kangaroo care while travelling outside. It is a therapy where the baby is placed directly on his parents skin, which is enough to keep him warm and cosy outside.
Safety Tip
- Always make sure that your baby is dry from the inside because a little moisture due to damp clothing can cause hypothermia, even if it is over 40 degrees F outside.
- To keep your baby warm during winters, a car seat is a big matter of concern because bulky fabrics like coats cause hindrance in providing a snug fit on the straps.
Keeping Infant Safe While Staying Out in Cold for Long
Staying out with your baby in the cold for long hours may be a bit scary for new mommies, but a few safety precautions can limit its vulnerable effects. So, to keep your baby safe and comfortable when its breezy cold outside, follow these simple tips.
What You Can Do
- Dress your tiny one in such a way that you can adjust the layers of clothes according to his needs. The bottom layers should be snug like cotton t-shirts and pants, followed by a jacket, hat and mittens. For additional warmth, you can carry blankets or muslin cloths.
- Wear your baby in a carrier to add some extra cosiness in the cold weather.
- You have to very careful while carrying the baby in a stroller, because the abundance of a blanket covering can compromise the air flow to your baby inside the stroller. Otherwise, you can put a jacket, cap, mittens and booties to keep him warm and snuggle inside and try to walk opposite to the direction of the wind.
Safety Tip
- There is no need to put an extra sweateron your baby while a baby carrier is used.
Keeping Babys Skin from Getting Too Dry
The cold weather, lack of humidity and recirculated air can all lead to dry and itchy skin. A few precautions can help you to keep your babys skin clear and moisturised.
What You Can Do
- Did you know that water can also dry out your babys skin? Yes, they dont need to be washed daily, especially in the winters. Use lukewarm water (not too hot) and dont let him soak in the bathtub for long.
- Studies have shown that soaps can be allergenic to some babies. So, try to use mild hypoallergenic cleansers that are free of dyes and fragrances.
- Moisturise your babys skin after every bath with a gentle, hypoallergenic baby lotion.
- Before stepping out of the house, apply some unscented emollient on your babys face and lips to protect him from harsh winds.
Safety Tip
- Always pat him dry after the bath with a soft cotton towel. Too much rubbing with the towel can chap your babys delicate skin.
What Should Parents Avoid Doing When Keeping Infant Warm in Cold Weather?
Babies, especially newborns are more susceptible to cold, and they cant even tell you when they are feeling cold or hot. It is actually your job to make sure that the baby stays warm and comfortable. Below are some precautionary things to be kept in mind:
- Dont overcompensate the babys surroundings by keeping the room temperature too high or putting him in too many layers, because overheating increases the risk of SIDS.
- Excessive wrapping up of your baby may hinder the breathing process. Avoid using long scarves around the babys neck or face; instead, shield him from the breezy winds with the help of a stroller or car seats canopy.
- Avoid layering up your baby with heavy blankets because he will not be able to shift the blanket on his own, which may lead to a choking hazard.
- Dont cover his face, or shield him against getting exposed to direct sunlight, especially if he is less than one year because it can restrict him breathing comfortably.
- Avoid overheating your baby! If the temperature drops down beyond freezing and you get back inside some cosy place, make sure that you start removing extra layers from him as required.
- Dont let your baby wear fluffy winter jackets while being in the car seat, because that can compress and leave too much space in between the baby and harness for an easy movement in case of an accident.
- If signs of frostbite are triggered in any case, dont rub the frozen areas instead apply a warm washcloth to his nose, lips or ears. Remove the wet clothing after a few minutes and cover your baby with a warm blanket.
- Keep a check that your babys room meets all safety standards. Be very careful while using space heaters as they can cause fire burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Avoid using mattresses made of soft and lightweight materials, as it not only put your baby at risk of smothering hazard but can also increase the chance of getting sick due to the cold air trapped in the mattress.
- Use of hot water bottle or electric blanket is a big no for babies under 2 years of age, because unlike adults they cannot regulate their body temperature.
While keeping a baby warm in chilly winters is one of the most challenging tasks, a little knowledge can help you and your baby to maintain consistent body temperature in winter time, especially during nights. Dont stress yourself over the cold, just make sure that you have dressed the baby warm and nicely and that he is not exposed to cold for more than half a minute at a time. However, believe your guts and follow above-mentioned tips and tricks to tackle up the crackling winters.
Also Read:
How to Take Care of Baby during Winter
Tips for Dressing Your Baby in Cold Weather
How to Make Your Baby Sleep in Winter
The post How to Keep Baby Warm in Winter Tips and Tricks appeared first on FirstCry Parenting.
