Blog Archive
Dressing Your Baby for Winter Weather
Although it isn't officially winter, the cold air has decended upon us. Here are some tips to help keep your baby warm and safe when outside.
As we head into colder weather, babies will need some additional help regulating their body temperature.
How Cold is Too Cold?
When temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit, keep your baby inside.
Layers, Layers, Layers
There are two ideas that come to mind. One that applies to us all is to dress in layers. Multiple thin layers trap heat between them. The second, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2016) is to add one extra layer of clothing than what you're wearing.
Layers can be added or removed to adjust to the outside temperature. Maybe Randy's mom from A Christmas Story went too far?
What Should Each Layer Consist of?
Think thin cotton clothes, starting with a thin sleeper onesie and then adding as needed. If the temperature is going to be very cold, a long-sleeved shirt and pants or even a snowsuit.
Head to Toes
Be certain to include a hat, mittens, socks, and boots. If the baby is in a carrier or stroller, then be certain to cover the cover the carrier or stroller with a blanket to help trap warm air inside.
Keep Your Baby Dry
Wet clothes can lead to hypothermia. Be certain to periodically check your baby's clothes for sweat or moisture.
Car Seat Safety
While a baby's bulky coat is great outside, when you put your child in a car seat, it can compress below the harness and be too loose in the event of an accident. Remove the bulky coat for safety purposes. He can still wear multiple thin layers as well as a hat and mittens in the car seat, and if need be, after the child is strapped in, you can tuck the baby in a blanket.
When Your Child Is Back Inside
You should also remove the layers you added once your child is back inside. Overheating is a distinct possibility.
- Jennifer Isham, MD
How Cold is Too Cold?
When temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit, keep your baby inside.
Layers, Layers, Layers
There are two ideas that come to mind. One that applies to us all is to dress in layers. Multiple thin layers trap heat between them. The second, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2016) is to add one extra layer of clothing than what you're wearing.
Layers can be added or removed to adjust to the outside temperature. Maybe Randy's mom from A Christmas Story went too far?
What Should Each Layer Consist of?
Think thin cotton clothes, starting with a thin sleeper onesie and then adding as needed. If the temperature is going to be very cold, a long-sleeved shirt and pants or even a snowsuit.
Head to Toes
Be certain to include a hat, mittens, socks, and boots. If the baby is in a carrier or stroller, then be certain to cover the cover the carrier or stroller with a blanket to help trap warm air inside.
Keep Your Baby Dry
Wet clothes can lead to hypothermia. Be certain to periodically check your baby's clothes for sweat or moisture.
Car Seat Safety
While a baby's bulky coat is great outside, when you put your child in a car seat, it can compress below the harness and be too loose in the event of an accident. Remove the bulky coat for safety purposes. He can still wear multiple thin layers as well as a hat and mittens in the car seat, and if need be, after the child is strapped in, you can tuck the baby in a blanket.
When Your Child Is Back Inside
You should also remove the layers you added once your child is back inside. Overheating is a distinct possibility.
- Jennifer Isham, MD
