As winter arrives and the weather is cooling down, you’re probably out shopping for winter essentials for your family. If you have a baby, or are an expectant mother, you might be at a loss for how to keep your little one safe and warm on-the-go. It may seem like a good idea to buy the thickest, puffiest jacket you can find, but that’s not the safest choice for your little one.
The best way to keep your newborn warm at night is to swaddle her with a warm blanket. Use a blanket made of thick cotton, flannel or fleece to swaddle her. It’s also best to keep baby’s room at a temperature that’s comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. This may require leaving your thermostat a little bit higher than usual at night.
When bathing your baby, you want the water to be warm but a little cooler than you would prefer your own shower. It should be about the baby’s body temperature or about 98 degrees. Before placing baby in the water, use your wrist or elbow to check for a comfortable temperature. If the water gets cool, take the baby out before you add any water in in case it gets too hot.
Use lotion and Chapstick. Sometimes, preventative measures are the best way to help your little one stay warm. Cold weather can dry out your little one’s skin very quickly. Lotion will help keep her skin hydrated, healthy and protected from the cold weather. You can use Chapstick on her lips, nose and cheeks to protect her exposed skin from the elements.
The most important accessory for baby this winter is a hat. In the first few months of life, babies lose a large amount of heat through their heads, and if the head gets cold, the body will follow soon after. Mittens and boots are also necessary before going outside.
Use light layers. Layering is a great way to help your little one maintain the warmth that her body produces. But instead of using thick, bulky layers, try using lighter ones instead. Put another shirt on under her sweater, and leggings on under her pants. Use two pairs of socks and pack mittens and a hat.
You never want to buckle your little one into her car seat with a bulky jacket on. The straps of her car seat will have to be loosened to fasten around the jacket, but still won’t be as snug as necessary to keep her safe. Plus, you or the next person to buckle her in without the jacket could forget to tighten it back, leaving her at a greater risk of getting hurt if you get in a wreck.
As most winter diseases are spread through coughs, sneezes and direct contact, try and keep your baby away from sick people and avoid going to crowded places.
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