12+ Cold Weather Essentials That Will Keep Your Baby Warm Through The Cold Fall and Winter Months
As the colder weather starts to come in, it’s essential to consider how you will help your baby maintain their body temperature. Unlike adults, babies can have difficulty regulating their body temperature, especially if they are low-birthweight or premature babies who don’t have much body fat to help them maintain their warmth.
Babies lose body heat quickly, almost 4 times quicker than adults. My daughter, my first child, was born in December of 2016. In many ways, I failed to do certain things that could have kept her warmer. I didn’t mean to; I just didn’t know. And now, five and a half years later, I know the best practices to keep my baby warm as I prepare to have my third child in late August/early September.
Also read: 11 Signs You’re A Good Mom
Why your baby needs cold weather essentials
Your baby needs to have the proper clothing for cold weather because not only do they lose body heat quickly, but it is also not safe for them to wear too many layers or bulky clothing in their car seats.
Again, bulky clothing like a snowsuit or thick winter coat should not be worn under the harness of your baby’s car seat. Bulky clothing could interfere with buckling your baby correctly and cause the car seat harness to fit improperly, putting your baby at risk.
Instead, it is best to dress your baby in thin layers that will keep them warm. I will share a list of fall clothing essentials you should have on hand for your baby to help keep them not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
I want to share these important tips with you because, as a first-time mom, had I known, I could have done a better job at keeping my baby warm. But you know what they say, when you know better, you do better, right?
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12 Cold Weather Essentials for Your Baby
1) Flannel crib sheet:
Flannel provides extra warmth during cold nights. Flannel is known for its ability to trap heat, keeping your baby warm, cozy, and comfortable throughout the night. A cotton fitted sheet may not be enough to keep your baby warm during cold fall and winter nights. And since it isn’t safe to use any blankets or loose beddings in your baby’s crib, a flannel crib sheet is a must-have for your baby during the fall and winter months.
A Flannel crib sheet should only be used during the cold winter months, as it can overheat your baby.
2) Long-sleeve sleeping sack:
A long sleeve sleeping sack will also provide extra warmth for your baby at night during the cold fall and winter months.
3) Long sleeve onesies:
Whether your baby is inside or heading out, long sleeve onesies is a cold-weather must-have.
4) Long sleeve bodysuits:
Long-sleeved bodysuits are also suitable inside and outside during colder weather. However, long-sleeved bodysuits are a perfect first-layer option for your baby when you’re heading out and looking to keep your baby warm and safe in their car seat.
Also read: 12 Super Cute Personalized Newborn Baby Gifts You’ll Love!
5) Sleep and play/ Footie pajamas:
Whether you prefer the zippered or snapped version of the footie pajamas, your baby will most likely live in these. It pays to have more than a few sleep and play/footie pajamas.
Fleece footie pajamas are great and provide extra warmth for your baby. They enclose your baby’s little feet and keep their feet warm, plus you don’t have to worry about socks.
Some sleepers come with mittens, which are perfect for the newborn stage. You can tuck away your baby’s hand in the mittens to keep their hands warm in the cold or to prevent your baby from scratching their face.
Sleepers or footie pajamas with buttons or snaps are perfect for a quick and easy diaper change. All you have to do is unbutton the bottom part for a quick diaper change.
Some zippered footies have zippers that go from the bottom up, which is ideal for fast middle-of-the-night diaper changes.
6) Leggings/tights/footie pants:
Leggings, tights, and pants can be used as a close-fitting layer on the bottom and are perfect for pairing with long-sleeved onesies and bodysuits. I especially love the footie pants that enclose your baby’s feet.
7) Lightweight sweaters or hoodies:
Puffy jackets and snowsuits aren’t safe for a car seat because they can affect the harness’s tightness. Opting for a lightweight sweater or thin fleece jacket over the top of your baby’s clothes is ideal.
8) Long sleeve lounge sets
9) Snowsuit:
Although it is not safe for your baby to wear a snowsuit in their car seat, they are perfect if you babywear and are going for a short walk on a cold day.
10) Hats or beanies:
Your baby’s ears are at most risk for frostbite. Get a cozy and warm hat that will cover your baby’s ears.
11) Socks:
Your baby’s feet are also at risk for frostbites. If your baby’s feet are not enclosed in footie pants or pajamas, they need to have socks on their feet.
12) Mittens:
Your baby’s hands can get cold fast and are at risk for frostbite. Ensure your baby’s hands are covered appropriately to keep them warm.
Bonus baby cold weather must-haves:
Car seat cover:
A car seat cover protects your baby from windy and severe weather conditions when you’re going to the car. The car seat cover should only go on the top of the car seat and is only considered safe if it doesn’t have a layer that goes under your baby or between your baby and the car seat harness. And be sure your baby’s face remains uncovered and visible to prevent breathing difficulties and overheating.
Baby lotion:
Dry skin is common, especially for newborns. The air is dryer in colder weather, and since babies have sensitive skin, the cold weather can be harder on their skin. Help protect your baby’s skin from dryness and keep your baby’s skin soft by moisturizing with a good baby lotion.
Humidifier:
A humidifier is essential for your baby, especially during the dry cold winter months. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and will help keep your baby’s sinuses and upper airway moist and prevent congestion. Fight dry air conditions during the cold months by running a cool mist humidifier in your baby’s room. A cool mist humidifier will also help with your baby’s dry skin.
How to dress and keep your baby warm for the cold weather
You can start with leggings, tights, or long-sleeved bodysuits, and then add pants, a sweater, or a thermal shirt with a thin fleece jacket on the top. Long underwear is another safe layering alternative for your baby to keep them warm.
Also, remember that your baby is getting adapting to the outside world. Their little body needs time to learn to adjust and sustain their body temperature, which is why your baby should wear one more layer than adults.
