Aug 22

How to Take Care of Your Baby During Winter

When the winter season comes around, ensuring your baby is warm and dry is vital to keep them in good health. This is due to the fact that newborns lose body heat much quicker than adults, meaning they could be susceptible to illness.

At such a young age, babies don’t have the capability to keep themselves warm through shivering or have enough body fat to protect their organs. Therefore, it’s down to you to make sure they’re well wrapped up and prepared for freezing conditions.

As a new parent, it’s natural to panic about whether you’re doing the right things, but the tips below should be a helpful indication of some aspects to keep in mind:

Dress your baby in layers

Firstly, it’s important to dress your baby in plenty of layers to beat off the cold and retain their body temperature. They’ll feel the cold much quicker than you. Therefore, it should be wrapped up in more layers than you’re wearing.

Babies typically lose heat through their heads, so a cozy knitted hat would be advised to help them stay snug. Feeling creative? Check out these hat sewing patterns for infants and kids.

While keeping your baby warm is your top priority, there is the risk that they may get overheated. To reduce this hazard, choose breathable fabrics such as cotton and muslin and remove layers once you head inside.

Limit time outside

After giving birth, it’s natural to want to show off your baby to the world – and it’s great for the two of you to get some fresh air on occasion. However, when it’s particularly cold, it’s wise to limit their outdoor exposure to just a few minutes at a time.

In the first few months of life, your baby is unable to control its temperature and is likely to get cold very quickly. If in doubt, check their ears, hands, and stomach to see if their body is warm. If not, head inside as soon as possible.

Check the room temperature

When putting your baby to bed, ensure the room is warm but not stifling hot to help your baby’s body temperature remain between 36 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Experts recommend that daytime temperatures in the home should be around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and reduced during the night. Also, refrain from dressing them in cozy sleepsuits or placing blankets over them, as this could significantly increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Prevent dry skin

Cold weather, gusty winds, and indoor heating can all lead to your baby’s delicate skin becoming itchy and flaking. Aim to reduce bath times to several times per week as opposed to every day during the winter months, as the warm water can also contribute to the irritation.

Each day, apply chemical-free moisture that is suitable for sensitive skin to lock in moisture and prevents sores and breakouts. If you’re worried about their skin condition worsening, it would be advised to get in touch with your GP.