When the autumn leaves start falling and the first smells of snow waft through the air, you excitedly prepare for your newborn’s arrival! But you may be wondering how to keep your newborn warm in winter?
We love going for walks in the winter with our dogs. We also love taking advantage of sunny days for park trips so my older kids can get some outdoor time. This means, I just can’t stay inside all day every day even with a newborn! I have to be extra careful to ensure his little body stays warm enough since babies aren’t as good at regulating body temperature as adults.
Protecting your newborn from cold-related issues is very important. Here are the top tips and tricks for keeping your newborn warm in a smart way. When you want to soak in the sparkle of Christmas lights or watch your toddler go sledding, ensure the safety of your newest little one too!
If you’re a skip to the bottom type of person, there are a few commonly asked questions at the bottom!
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8 tips to keep your newborn warm in winter
How to keep a newborn warm in the car
1. Use a car seat cover
The majority of the time, you’ll probably be concerned with getting to and from buildings, especially if you live in a very cold climate. My first two babies were born in Colorado, so we were used to navigating car to building as quickly as possible. While in the summer I recommend this 4-in-1 cars seat cover, for winter it’s better to have a little more protection.
2. Do NOT use a bulky jacket in a car seat
The reason the car seat cover is so important is because you should NOT ever put a bulky jacket on a baby or toddler when they are strapped into a car seat. This is a potential safety hazard because the harness can become too loose (read more here). If you’d like, take the jacket off your baby, buckle the baby in, and then gently tuck the jacket on top of them!
Related: 12 Tips to keep your newborn warm in summer
Tips to keep newborn warm outside
3. Add one extra layer of clothing
While yes, you want to keep your baby warm enough in winter, you also don’t want to overheat your baby. Generally speaking, dress your baby in one extra piece of clothing than you’re wearing, and that should be enough.
4. Use body warmth
Since I love babywearing in my favorite baby carrier, you probably won’t be surprised that I would include using body warmth as a way to make sure baby is warm enough! If you’re into attachment parenting, you might want this little attachment that makes babywearing with a jacket wayyyyyyyyy easier. Why couldn’t I come up with this idea?
5. Wear a hat and gloves
I feel like this is obvious advice, but I would be remiss to say it. Babies (and adults) lose a lot of heat through their heads. Keep your little one’s ears and head warm with an adorable little hat! If you’re crafty, here are 10 free knitting patterns for baby hats.
How to dress baby for sleep in winter?
6. Wear a sleep sack
We love fleece jammies combined with a sleep sack. This sleep sack feels like a swaddle but also could be converted later when you are transitioning out of a swaddle.
How to keep baby warm at night without swaddle?
7. Use a zipper suit
No, I’m not talking about that 1980s sweat suit you’re thinking about. If your baby doesn’t like the swaddle this star-fished shaped swaddle replacement could keep your baby’s hands and feet warm, while allowing them the freedom to wiggle just a little.
Tip for keeping baby warm at night in cold house
8. Use a space heater
We keep our house cold at night. This is mostly because I LOVE a heavy blanket on me while I’m sleeping (also because we’re on a budget). But it’s made it difficult for our babies to stay warm at night when we keep the house at 66*F. To compensate, we use a space heater.
When our third baby kept waking up at night, I almost forgot about our little space heater! But as soon as I plugged it back in, he started sleeping through the night again!
Commonly Asked Questions About How to Keep a Newborn Warm in Winter
How to tell if baby is cold at night?
If your baby is sleeping well and feeding well and not cranky, then you’re probably fine. Generally speaking, a room that is 68 to 72 will be comfortable for a baby. If you feel your baby’s cheeks or hands, they might feel cold. Try a couple of solutions from above like the zipper suit or sleep sack if you feel like your baby needs an extra layer at night.
If your baby is sweaty then they are too warm! Babies generally only need one more layer than you have in order to stay warm.
How to dress a newborn in winter from the hospital?
Awwwww how sweet! I love little winter newborn babies who are all bundled up and adorable. I think I’ve mostly answered this question, but, if you’re wondering how to dress a newborn in winter when coming home from the hospital, here’s a list:
- Car seat
- Car seat cover
- Adorable outfit
- Hat
- Mittens
That’s about it! You will be a great mama!
What are your tips for keeping a newborn warm in winter? Leave a comment. I’d love to hear!
Photo by Sadık Kuzu on Unsplash
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