It’s that time of the year when we nestle around our fireplaces and waddle around in heavy winter gear. The onset of winter can be quite flustering for parents with young children. Babies are incapable of regulating their body temperature until they are around 2 years of age.
Keeping them toasty in the frigid weather can therefore be a tad daunting. Then there is the risk of overheating as parents overzealously wrap them up in mounds of clothes.
How can you keep your tot cozy and warm without turning them into a sweltering sauna? Here are 6 ways to get you started.
1. Crank up Your Baby’s Room Temperature
Your baby may not be able to ‘sleep like a baby’ during winter and a good thermostat can be your saving grace. For a good night's sleep, set their room temperature to a range of 65⁰F to 70⁰ F (18.3⁰C to 21⁰C).
Additionally, remember to keep the room warm during bath time (babies lose more heat when wet) and while changing their diapers.
2. Dress Your Baby in Breathable Layers
Heading outdoors with your baby in tow? Hold on before donning them in the bulkiest winter clothes known to man. Pause and think about your baby’s comfort. A brilliant way of keeping your baby warm yet comfy is by dressing them in breathable layers.
Breathable clothes do not compromise your child’s comfort because they allow free movement of air. They are also a sure bet during winter because they trap heat between the layers.
You can, for instance, dress your baby in a cotton onesie, a long-sleeved cotton t-shirt, cotton leggings, and an organic cotton fleece romper. You can then add any other warm dressing like a jacket depending on the weather.
3. Keep Your Baby’s Crib Away From Drafty Areas
Your baby may be warm and cozy as you lay them down at night but they may later be roused if there’s cold air seeping through drafty areas. Inspect the windows and doors in your baby’s room to ensure that cold air is kept at bay. The crib should also be positioned away from fans and air vents.
4. Use Sleeper Bags
If your child is under 12 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you steer clear of soft bedding like blankets and pillows. This is to ward off the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS).
With blankets out of the way, how do you keep your child warm without overheating them? Sleeper bags are a brilliant way of nipping this hurdle in the bud. Our cotton Sleeper Bags are a safe and warm substitute. They are made from organic cotton and are non-toxic, breathable, and gentle on baby's skin.
4. Choose Your Baby’s Mattress and Bedding Wisely
Do your due diligence while buying your baby’s mattress and bedding. The mattress should be firm and sturdy to ensure that no cold air passes through and torments your little tot as they nod off. Pair the mattress with organic cotton fitted sheets.
If your baby is over 12 months old, you can cover them in a plush blanket and we have the perfect fit for them. Our organic cotton fleece toddler blanket is made with two layers of fabric to keep the frigid air at bay during cold winter nights.
The cherry on top? This blanket is made from 100% organic cotton and is therefore breathable and lulling to your baby’s skin.
6. Moisturize Baby’s Skin
Cold air takes a toll on a baby's tender skin. Don't be alarmed if your baby’s skin gets exceptionally dry during winter. Slathering a good hypoallergenic baby lotion will seal in moisture and keep your baby’s skin from chapping.
How Can You Protect Your Baby From Overheating?
Research shows that the risk of Sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) spikes during winter due to overheating.
How can you tell when your child is comfortably warm? The rule of thumb is to dress your baby in just one extra layer than you are comfortable to wear.
Additionally, your baby’s room temperature should feel comfortable to you. If it feels like an oven, turn the temperature down until you can bear it.
Finally, you can tell if your baby is too warm or cold by feeling their tummy. Do not rely on touching their hands or feet because a baby’s toes and fingers often get colder than the rest of the body.
Final Thoughts
Winter is the bane of many parents’ existence as the sullen weather predisposes kids to coughs, colds, and flu. It’s important to keep children warm without overheating them. We trust that the tips we have shared will help keep your family buoyant this winter.