Bundling Your Bundle Of Joy

Tips for dressing baby in the cold weather

Dressing baby for a chilly winter day can be a bit tricky. Your baby can’t tell you if they are uncomfortable, and we have a tendency to go overboard, rather than skimp, on the warm clothes. Here are some tips on how to dress that tiny baby of yours to get them into that "just right" zone between too hot and too cold.


Plus One: A good guiding principle is to dress your baby as you're dressed, and then add a layer. if you're wearing a shirt, light sweater, and jeans, put your little one in a long-sleeved bodysuit, a shirt, a hoodie or sweater, and pants. If you're opting for a heavy winter coat, tuck your baby into a snowsuit or bunting, or layer on a couple of blankets.

Layer it! A couple of layers are always a good idea for a baby who's spending the day inside. Start with a bodysuit or onesie and add a top layer such as a fleece one-piece with feet. If you're opting for pants and a top, socks under booties will keep those tiny toes toasty.

Sleep time: With loose bedding like blankets a no-no, dressing your baby for sleep is especially important. Staying on the cool side is better than overdoing it: babies sleep better when they're comfortable. Note: overheated babies are at greater risk for SIDS. Here again, you'll want to do a few layers: a bodysuit with footed PJs, and depending on the temperature of the room, a sleepsack or a cotton swaddling blanket. Check your little one's neck to make sure he's not sweaty.

Toe Test: One way to determine if your baby is warm enough is to feel his/her toes and belly as soon as you come in from the cold. You want their toes to be on the cool side, but not cold, and the belly should feel warm. A baby with warm toes and a warm belly is overdressed. A cool belly means your baby is not able to warm herself and needs another layer.

Stroller Bag: A cozy stroller is a snuggly way to keep your baby warm while you're out for a walk. Lined with fleece, these sleeping bag-style buntings have openings on the bottom that allow the straps to be threaded through and buckled. The top layer can be zipped off to control the temperature and allows for easy loading and unloading.

Hats and Mittens: Your little one's head and hands need to be protected from the cold. A cozy hat that covers the ears and has a chin strap is a smart choice. Tug mittens over your baby's hands if they're exposed. Some infant bodysuits have tiny hand-covers at the cuffs, which will do the trick as well.
 

Judy ReinfordComment