How to Keep Your Newborn Warm and Cozy in Winter

It is quite challenging to be a parent to a newborn baby during the winter season as one is under pressure to keep the baby warm all the time. Newborns have a higher tendency to catch colds because they are unable to produce sufficient warm body temperature.. So, here we are, as a guide to provide some useful tips and suggestions for practising how to keep your baby comfortable throughout the season.

Dressing Your Baby for Winter

While dressing a baby for winter nights, turning to multiple layers of clothing remains the best solution. Wear a soft cotton onesie as the base layer. Next, put on a warm sweater or a fleece jumper and a sleep sack or swaddle afterwards. If going out, must ensure that they wear a winter jacket as well as carry with them gloves. Less layers are good as far as insulation is concerned and can be worn or removed based on the prevailing weather conditions.

Select fabrics that will keep the baby warm while letting air in. Fabrics such as wool, fleece, and thermal cotton will work perfectly. Don’t use thick fabrics that might make the baby hot because too much heat is as bad as being too cold. Woollen booties, caps, and mittens are some of the best winter clothes for newborns as they make the baby comfortable without being too tight.

Swaddling in Winter

Swaddling has been practised since a long time in Indian households and many still continue with the practice today. Swaddling means safely and securely wrapping newborns in a soft cloth. The technique tends to change in winter because it may be more useful to rely on a heavier fleece swaddle or a thermal one. Make sure that before the baby is put in the swaddle the infant is wearing a thin garment so that they do not get overheated. How to swaddle a newborn in winter? The swaddle should be adjusted such that the infant is wrapped up comfortably but not in a manner that is too constricting for them.

Maintaining Room Temperature

Room conditions where the infant is sleeping have to be maintained such that the infant feels comfortable and does not get too hot or cold. The ideal temperature should range between 16-20 degree celsius. Try to use a thermometer to check the temperature regularly. It is not appropriate for one to use a direct heater that is pointed at the infant because it not only will dry the air but also heat up the skin of the infant. A room humidifier has also been found to be a useful factor in ensuring that the air is moist and not dry.

Winter Care Essentials

Purchasing some Winter care necessities for your newborn is crucial so as to have them enjoy their stay during cold weather. Thermal blankets are very good because they can be piled on when in the sleeping area or when going out. For a baby during winter, the best sleeping bag is the most suitable because the baby will not have to suffocate from loose blankets at night. Other clothes include woollen socks and mittens since they are ideal for warming the baby’s small hands and feet. Keep in mind that babies usually catch cold from their delicate heads. So, keep a snug cap handy to cover their heads. 

Protecting Your Baby from Cold Weather

As you head outside with your infant, be sure that they are dressed appropriately but not bundled up too thickly. A baby blanket and warm weather footwear are a great way to protect your child from the wind. Remember to always check your baby’s hands and feet as well as the nose as they are the first to lose heat.

Try to limit the time outside especially if it is extremely cold and always have a sheltered place if it rains or the wind picks up.

A sound sleep is the most essential for any newborn. Avoid providing too heavy blankets or quilts as this increases the risk of suffocation. Instead a sleep sack made specifically for winter use can be employed. These contain padding and provide warmth while controlling the loose fabric factor.

Keeping Skin Moisturised

Winters can lead to dry chapped skin. Treat your baby’s skin with a soft lotion or cream daily. Concentrate on the cheeks, hands and knees as these areas are more prone to dryness. Warm baths should be prescribed but they should not be too warm and not be of long duration.

Feeding for Warmth

Keeping your baby warm in cold weather is important, and feeding is another key aspect in keeping your baby warm. With every feeding, the baby gets energy which is essential as it helps balance their body temperature. For breastfeeding mothers, it’s crucial to be warm and bond with the baby by holding them during feeding. When bottle feeding the baby, milk should preferably be warm but not hot in order to help soothe the baby.

Some Final Tips

However, it is important to regulate the amount of warmth to give the newborn, to avoid exposing the baby to high temperatures. When fired up, some of the symptoms which may be observed or associated with over heating are sweating, flushed cheeks, prominent breathing and an immoral sweat on the back. If you notice any of these, remove some of your clothing or alter the temperature of the room instantly.

Taking care of a newborn baby during winter months is not easy but there are ways and means of handling it. When their clothes are an ideal fit, the baby is tightly wrapped and warmth is provided in the room then the health of the baby is addressed as well as the comfort. Ensure that you get genuine winter care products and bear in mind certain signs indicating weather susceptibility of the baby. With such winter care tips for newborns, babies can look forward to the warmth of parents without any stress.