Unless you live on an island in the Caribbean, you'll have to trade in your shorts and flip flops for sweaters and boots soon. And although the falling temperatures can be tough for anyone to accept, if you have a baby, you may be especially nervous about how she'll handle the change. But there's no need to hibernate until spring. With a little bit of planning, you and your baby can face the winter weather head on. You just need a few hacks to keep your baby warm in cold weather.
As Parents pointed out, kids under the age of 2 are more likely to be affected by frostbite and hypothermia, making it even more important to make sure they are dressed appropriately for the colder temperatures. But how do you know exactly how many layers are enough for your baby? What to Expect recommended parents dress their babies in the same number of layers they are wearing plus one. For example, an extra blanket over the snowsuit should be enough to keep him warm while you are out. Additionally, Mother & Baby recommended wool and polyester layers over cotton, as cotton holds more moisture and could end up making your baby cold if it gets wet.
She may not be old enough for snowmen and ice skating yet, but you can still enjoy the winter months with your baby. With a few extra blankets and a stroller cover, you can winterize all of your baby gear and protect her from the elements while you're outside. And if you can make it through the winter, you can reward yourself with a brand new pair of flip flops for next summer.
1Use A Flannel Crib Sheet
Trend Deluxe Flannel Fitted Crib Sheet, $20, Amazon
As the temperatures drop, it can be tempting to place lots of blankets inside your baby's crib. But as Baby Center mentioned, covering your baby with blankets while he sleeps puts him at risk for SIDS. Instead, try placing a warm flannel fitted sheet on the crib mattress to help keep baby warm on those cold winter nights.
2Pub Baby In A Sleep Sack
Carter's One Piece Micro Fleece, $19, Amazon
If you're still worried about baby being warm enough in his crib, you can place a sleep sack over his pajamas. As Parenting recommends, a sleep sack is a safer alternative to blankets and will keep your baby warm on cold nights.
3Keep Blankets In The Car
Aden + Anais Flannel Blanket, $34, Amazon
As Parents mentioned, allowing your baby to wear her winter coat while strapped in to her carseat can put her at greater risk for injury in the event of an accident. Instead, the magazine suggested you remove her coat and tuck a blanket around her once she's strapped in.
4Make The Most Of Your Infant Carrier
Convertible Carrier, $26, Amazon
If you want to go for a walk and don't want to deal with your stroller, your baby baby can benefit from some of your body heat. According to CNN, placing your baby in an infant carrier inside your coat, can shield her from some of the wind and cold you'll face when you head outside.
5Pick Up A Hot Water Bottle
Hot Water Bottle With Teddy Bear Cover, $23, Amazon
One of the best ways to end a cold day, is sleeping in a nice warm bed. If you want to warm your baby's bed, you don't need an electric blanket. Baby Center suggested placing a hot water bottle on the sheets to warm things up. Just be sure to remove it before you put your baby down to sleep.
6Find A Stroller Blanket
Universal Baby Stroller Sleeping Bag, $45, Amazon
It's easy for you and your baby to come down with a case of cabin fever if you've been cooped up in the house for too long. If you want to brave the cold and take a walk with your baby, Parents recommended a stroller blanket or sleeping bag to protect baby from the cold.
7Add A Stroller Cover
Stroller Weather Shield Rain Cover, $37, Amazon
Blankets and coats will keep your baby warm, but if you're going out in the snow, you may want to add another layer of protection to your stroller. According to Baby Center, a stroller cover can keep the wind, rain, and snow out of your baby's stroller, and keep her warm and dry inside.
8Don't Forget The Mittens
Navy Fleece Mittens, $13, Amazon
Keeping baby's tiny little fingers warm is especially important in the winter months, so you're going to need mittens. But like socks, your baby's mittens will disappear into thin air before your very eyes. Try a pair of mittens on a string to keep them safe inside baby's coat.
9Put Them In A Snowsuit
Heavyweight Pram Suit, $35, Amazon
If you're going outside with your baby, a snowsuit is a great one-piece option for keeping him warm. Look for an option with hand and foot coverings to protect tiny fingers and toes. According to Mother & Baby, a snowsuit with a full front zipper opening can make diaper changes a whole lot easier.
