Tips To Keep A Baby Warm In Winter

The arrival of winter means not only keeping your baby warm, but dry too. The thought of dealing with a squirmy baby wrapped in blankets could be stressful, but you need to keep the baby healthy, warm and comfortable always and avoid overheating that could be linked to sudden infant death syndrome.  

Here are a few tips to keep the baby warm in winter:    

• Ensure that the baby is comfortable at night by maintaining the temperature of the room between 16 to 20 degrees C with the help of a room thermometer.

• Prevent overheating of the baby by keeping the sleeping place away from radiators, heaters, fires, or direct sunlight. Also avoid the use of a water bottle or electric blanket on the baby cot.

• Ensure you use one-piece, soft footed cotton sleep suits for warmth from head to toe; you could use a vest below the sleep suit in case it is very cold, but avoid using hats while indoor or sleeping.

• Use a fitted sheet and layers of cotton blanket for the baby’s cot; also ensure you have extras in hand for change.

• Ensure that the baby is neither too hot nor too cold by feeling his/her tummy; if it is hot with sweating, heat rash or the hair is damp remove one layer. If the tummy is cold add a layer.

• If you feel that the hands or feet are too cold, blotchy or blue you could use mittens, socks or booties.

• It is to be noted that less bedding should be used when the baby has fever.

• While outdoors the chilly wind outside and the dry heat indoors can sap moisture even from the baby's delicate skin. Ensure your baby’s skin is moisturized with a moisturizing lotion and emollient to prevent a dry and chapped skin.  

• When the temperature is colder than 16 degrees C it would be best to consider using a 3.5 tog sleeping bag; this will ensure sound sleep for the baby as he/she would not feel chilly. A 2.5 tog sleeping bag is suitable for use in other seasons.  

• If you are going to go outside on a cold winter morning than start getting things together early; you need to put a third layer of clothing for which the baby may not cooperate. Gather all extra clothing that you need in one place; this would aid dressing up the baby before you head out.

• Snow suits provide a buffer against the cold and snow; they can be easily slipped on the baby before you go out or get out of the car. While shopping for snow suits look for one that has a good layer of insulation like fleece or flannel, with a water-repellent exterior fabric.

• Do not bathe your baby daily during the winter months because hard water can dry your baby’s skin. Also protect your baby from the cold by closing all windows of the room to ensure it is warm before deciding to bathe the baby.

These are some of the important tips to keep the baby warm in winter. Do share with us some of your own tips.  

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