Becoming a parent is undoubtedly the most life-changing event that one can experience. The rush of emotions when you hold your newborn for the first time is unparalleled. The joy of parenthood also brings with it a plethora of questions and concerns, especially for new parents. "Am I doing this right?" "Is my baby comfortable?"
These questions often fill the minds of new parents, particularly when they have to navigate their way through different seasons, including the cold winter months.
Caring for a newborn in winter may seem daunting, as babies are much more sensitive to temperature changes compared to adults. But worry not! This comprehensive guide on baby care during winter aims to alleviate your anxieties and provide you with practical insights on how to keep your little one safe and warm when temperatures drop.
Understanding Your Baby’s Thermoregulation
Our bodies have an amazing ability to maintain an internal temperature within a narrow range despite the outside temperature variations. However, this isn't the case with newborns. Infants are highly susceptible to cold because they lack the fat stores and physiological mechanisms needed to regulate their body temperature effectively.
According to Janice Montague, MD, a pediatrician at Tuxedo Pediatric in Suffren, New York, "Newborns and infants do not yet have the ability to self-regulate their core temperature."
Infants lose heat faster than adults due to their larger surface area relative to body size.
Kate Puttgen, MD, a pediatric dermatologist practicing at Intermountain Healthcare in Taylorsville, Utah also adds that "small babies lack the ability to increase heat by shivering and don't have the body fat needed to warm back up once they get cold". This makes them vulnerable to hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing a dangerous drop in body temperature.
Recognizing The Warning Signs
When your baby's body temperature falls below normal, they may show symptoms such as cool skin, sluggishness, weak cry or quietness, and poor feeding. If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention.
The Importance Of Venturing Outdoors
Despite the potential risks associated with cold weather, Erika Landau, MD, a pediatrician in New York City stresses on the importance of taking your baby outdoors. "Babies and new parents need fresh air," she says. "Unless it's dangerously cold, being outdoors helps infants acclimate to the seasons and the day-and-night cycle, and it often calms fussiness".
So how do you strike a balance between ensuring your baby's safety and providing them with much-needed exposure to nature? That brings us to our practical tips for newborn care in winter and appropriate winter clothing for babies.
Layering: The Golden Rule Of Winter Dressing
When it comes to dressing your baby for winter, layers are your best friend. Layering helps trap warm air closer to your baby's body and allows you to adjust their clothing based on changes in the environment.
According to Molly Broder, MD, a pediatrician at BronxCare Health System in the Bronx, New York: "The key aspect of infant care is to dress your infant in one more layer than what you feel comfortable wearing." She suggests starting with a snug bottom layer of clothing like leggings and a bodysuit followed by another layer of pants and long-sleeved shirt. Finish up with a jacket or snowsuit, mittens, and warm booties, and don’t forget the hat.
Also, it's worth noting that not all fabrics are created equal. Natural breathable fabrics like cotton and muslin are ideal as they help regulate your baby's body temperature and prevent overheating.
The Car Seat Conundrum
While a fluffy winter coat may seem like a good idea to keep your baby warm, it can actually compromise their safety in the car. Why? Because bulky clothing can prevent the car seat straps from fitting snugly against your baby’s body. In the event of a collision, the coat can compress, leaving too much space between your baby and the straps, risking serious injury.
Rallie McAllister, MD, co-author of The Mommy M.D. Guide to Your Baby's First Year explains: "Coats are unsafe because you need to loosen the car seat harness in order to accommodate them, but in a crash they can compress, leaving a big gap between the harness and child, upping the chance of injury".
Instead of dressing your baby in a coat before strapping them into their car seat, try layering them with thin but warm clothes and covering them with a blanket on top of their strapped harness for added warmth.
Setting The Right Indoor Temperature
Ensuring right indoor temperature is crucial not just for your baby’s comfort but also their health. Dr. Puttgen points out that excessive indoor heating can cause problems too as it reduces humidity and can dry out your baby's delicate skin. She recommends keeping your daytime indoor temperature between 68 F (20 C) and 72 F (22 C).
When it comes to nighttime temperatures for your sleeping baby though, setting the thermostat lower between 65 F (18 C) and 68 F (20 C) is advisable as it not only prevents over-heating but also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You can dress your baby in a light sleeper and sleep sack or a wearable blanket to keep them warm.
Braving The Outdoors: Protecting Your Newborn In Extreme Cold
When the temperature dips below freezing, it’s best to limit your newborn’s exposure to the cold. Short excursions such as to and from the car are generally safe as long as your baby is properly bundled up. It's perfectly safe for your baby's health.
For such times, a winter jacket, a hat that covers their ears, mittens and a stroller blanket or bunting are essential. You can also consider using carriers as they allow you to use your body heat to keep your baby warm. However, be very cautious of ice and slippery conditions when wearing your baby in a carrier.
Remember, protecting your newborn and cold weather safety is not just about physical comfort; it's about ensuring their safety and well-being. As parents, we want our babies to thrive and develop optimally at every stage which requires understanding their specific needs at different times.
Ways to Keep Your Baby Warm During the Winter
Keeping your baby warm during the winter is essential for their health and comfort. One of the most effective ways to ensure your baby stays warm is by dressing them in layers. Start with a soft, moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from their skin, followed by an insulating layer like fleece or wool to trap body heat, and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer to protect against the elements.
It's important to choose materials that are breathable to prevent overheating. Additionally, make sure your baby is wearing a warm hat, as a significant amount of body heat can be lost through the head. Mittens, booties, and thick socks are also crucial to keep their extremities warm. Another key aspect is maintaining a warm indoor environment. Keep the nursery temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C) and use a space heater or humidifier if necessary to add warmth and moisture to the air.
Avoid heavy blankets or quilts in the crib as they pose a suffocation risk; instead, opt for a sleep sack or wearable blanket that provides warmth without compromising safety. During outings, ensure your baby is securely fastened in their car seat and covered with a blanket or car seat cover, but never place bulky clothing under the car seat straps as this can interfere with their effectiveness. Instead, tuck the blanket over the straps after securing your baby.
Regularly check your baby's temperature by feeling their neck or back to ensure they are neither too hot nor too cold. Paying attention to your baby's cues, like fussiness or cold hands and feet, can also help you adjust their layers appropriately.
Navigating the Winters With a Newborn
Parenthood brings with it countless joyous moments that make all the concerns and uncertainties worthwhile. While navigating through the first years of your child's life may seem daunting at times, remember that you're not alone on this journey. It's important to rely on reliable resources for guidance along the way, like this guide on newborn care in winter.
At Raising Superstars, we understand these challenges firsthand. Our Prodigy Framework™ offers comprehensive development programs for children without any screen time requirement. Our approach is backed by scientific research and only requires a few minutes daily. Through our Raising Superstars app, we offer activity guides, expert coaching, and a supportive parent community that helps navigate various challenges of raising kids including addressing concerns about protecting babies from cold weather.
May each step you take in this parenting journey, even those taken in the cold, bring warmth and love into your life. Here's to raising superstars, one day at a time!
