How to Dress a Baby for a Stroller in Winter?
A newborn can’t regulate their core temperature, so they can’t cope with the cold outside as older children and adults do. Moreover, babies don’t have enough fat to keep them warm, making it harder for mothers to decide to take their babies outside, particularly when it’s freezing cold.
As far as doctors are concerned, it’s as detrimental as taking your baby out on a hot summer day! You just need to take the right precautions, and you’ll be good to go.
If you think you need some fresh air, and so does your baby, you’d be glad to know there’s no harm going outside in winter. As long as you and your baby are in good health, you can both go out for a walk or so, and we’ll tell you how to dress your little one to keep them protected from the cold and the blowing winds.
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Dressing a Baby in Winter
Layering your baby’s clothes in winter is a bit tricky. There’s a fine line between keeping them warm and overdressing them. Bear in mind that the latter is as life-threatening as underdressing, but don’t worry; we’ll highlight the signs you should look out for when you’re dressing your baby for going outside in winter.
How to Layer My Baby’s Clothes in Cold Weather?
The key is to go thick to trap heat between the layers. You can use yourself as a guide for what your baby should be wearing. A newborn can use a little more insulation than an adult. Little walkers, on the other hand, can be dressed in the same way you dress. For instance, if it’s as cold as putting on a jacket before going outside, your baby will be fine with a jacket on as well.
Step-by-step Guide:
- For the first layer, always go with cotton clothing as it’s gentler on your baby’s skin; a onesie would be perfect.
- Next, it’s best to go with wool, especially if it’s extremely cold outside. A snowsuit would be an excellent choice.
- After choosing the right outfit, cover your baby from head to toe using thick socks, mittens, a scarf, and a head wrap.
- You can throw a jacket on them if necessary.
- Always have a spare blanket to cover your baby in the stroller. Ensure that the blanket is wrapping your baby up to the chest level.
Important Tips:
- Children lose heat from their heads and feet, so always make sure they’re covered.
- Avoid throwing a blanket over the stroller as it compromises the air circulation. Instead, wrap the blanket around the baby without covering their face to allow them to breathe freely.
- If you take your toddler out of the stroller to get them in the car, remove their jackets or any bulky coats before you fasten the seatbelts. Otherwise, the seatbelts will be too loose.
- Snow boots are great for little walkers, but if you’re keeping your baby in a stroller, they can interfere with your child’s circulation.
- Avoid taking your baby out after warm showers, especially in winter.
- Always apply moisturizers on the baby’s skin to avoid dryness, itchiness, and the irritation that comes with the cold weather.
How to Know If My Baby Is Underdressed?
There are some warning signs that your baby could use some extra layers. Keep in mind that babies don’t shiver, so you have to be more attentive than usual to pick up on signs of coldness.
Signs Your Baby Is Chilling
If your baby shows any of these signs, take them inside straight away. Don’t try to rub the cold areas because it’ll probably do more harm than good. Instead, you can try using a warm washcloth to overcome the coldness if you noticed some of these signs:
- Quietness
- Cold extremities
- Pale skin
- Fussiness
If your child is becoming lethargic or showing signs of unresponsiveness, they might be developing Neonatal Cold Injury Syndrome. You might even notice that their extremities are starting to become swollen; in such case, you should call 911 or head to the nearest hospital because the condition requires immediate medical attention.
How to Know If I’m Overdressing My Baby?
Overheating isn’t less dangerous than chilling. Even if it’s cold outside, your baby might end up with a heat stroke if you overdress them.
Signs Your Baby Is Overheating
Look out for these signs:
- Hot skin
- Excessive sweating
- Damp hair
- Rapid breathing
- Flushed cheeks
- Sluggishness
If your baby shows any of these signs, take off some clothing and immediately seek medical care, particularly if they’re becoming less responsive. If possible, give your little ones some fluids on your way to the hospital as they’re probably dehydrated.
Final Thoughts
Layering allows you to re-adjust your baby’s clothes according to the environment, especially with the changing weather throughout the day. For your baby’s best interest, you should always keep an eye on how they’re reacting to different environmental conditions and seek immediate help if you notice any alarming signs. As far as dressing a baby for a stroller in winter, you’re all set, having gone through this article.
