Baby, it’s cold outside. And when it’s your first winter with your own baby, you want to do all you can to keep them toasty and comfortable. A little knowledge and a few strategies will see you through the season.
Here’s what to know about weathering the frosty temperatures with a little one, from what pjs they should wear to how to protect against dry skin to how to keep them warm when you’re out and about to what the heck to do when you’re stuck inside during a snowstorm.
Create the right environment.
Use a humidifier.
Heated air is often dry air…which in turn dries out skin. So add moisture back into the equation with a humidifier. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping rooms at around 40 percent humidity.
Don’t crank up the heat.
It’s a natural reaction—freezing outside, blast the heat inside. But too-warm temperatures can be dangerous for babies; in fact, overheating can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Aim to keep your baby’s sleep space between 68 and 72 degrees. Nanit can help! Nanit’s Pro Baby Monitor will let you know if your child’s room goes outside the preferred temperature and humidity range, so you can adjust as needed.
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Dress baby in layers.Â
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises dressing your baby in one more layer of clothing than you’re wearing to be comfortable. For sleeping, dress them in breathable layers, such as footed pajamas and a wearable sleeping bag or sleep sack. For more info on what baby should wear, especially when sleeping, see here.
Guard against too-dry skin.
Cut back on baths.
When it’s super dry and cold outside, a bath every night can contribute to your baby’s skin getting uncomfortably dry. A bath every two to three days is just fine; keep the water temperature warm but not too hot which can also cause skin to dry out. Also, no need for long soaks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends baths for babies and toddlers be under 10 minutes. And be aware that bubble baths and scented soaps sometimes contain ingredients that can strip skin of its natural oils and/or irritate skin.Â
Lock in moisture.
After the bath, pat baby’s skin with a towel (rubbing can also dry out and irritate skin). While skin is still slightly damp, apply lotion or other moisturizer to seal in that extra hydration. Thicker ointments and creams are especially great at keeping baby’s skin well hydrated. These can also be nice to pat onto baby’s face and cheeks when you go out into or come in from the cold, as a protectant against chapping. Covering moisturized skin also keeps the moisture in, so dress baby shortly after bathing.
Keep your baby cozy out and about.
Short outdoor adventures are best.
If it’s freezing outside (or colder!), do your best to keep your baby’s outdoor exposure brief. Babies’ bodies are less able to regulate themselves and they get colder faster than older children and adults do. Also, much of the body’s heat escapes from the extremities: hands, feet, and head. So keep these covered and cozy with mittens, socks and booties, and warm hats.Â
Stay warm while walking.
Wearing your baby in a baby carrier lets them snuggle up against your own body heat. If they’re in a stroller, bundle them warmly in a bunting bag or a blanket (just keep any outerwear well away from baby’s face).
Be car seat safe.
Before strapping your baby into a car seat, take off puffy coats, jackets, and snowsuits. They can get in the way of harnesses being tight enough to keep your child safe. The fluffy padding gets compacted under pressure and deflates, leaving the harness potentially too loose around your child.
Protect baby from germs.
The common cold can turn into a scary illness for a baby, so it’s wise to protect them whenever possible from too much exposure to germs. Wash your hands often, especially before feeding or touching your baby’s face. As much as you can, avoid taking them into crowded areas, especially ones that aren’t well ventilated. And keep your child’s vaccines up to date.Â
Plan a play date.
Frigid temperatures and active toddlers may not a peaceful weekend make. But you can still keep the cabin fever away! Here are some ideas to keep everyone entertained:
- Play peek-a-boo.Â
- Set up a sensory bin with different (safe) sized objects for little ones to touch and study.
- Have a dance party. Strap them into their carrier and turn up the tunes.
- Build a fort. Read stories inside it.
- Turn out the lights and make shadow puppets on the wall with a flashlight.
- Set up a bowling alley with toilet paper tubes and tennis balls.
- Play balloon volleyball.
- Try a simple art project, like finger painting (far away from the white sofa!) or sculpting with play dough.
- Make an obstacle course. Crawling babies will love going under Couch Cushion Tunnel or finding their way around Blanket Mountain.
And to keep your own spirits up during the colder, darker months, find ways to let in moments of joy, big and small. Invite a friend and their baby to join in your dance party. Step out onto the back porch to soak in some sun. Go ahead, have another candy cane. Baby won’t mind a bit.
