The cold weather always seems to catch me by surprise and after enjoying my first few months as a parent with a Summer baby out in the sunshine it was a complete shock when Mini-Mumbler number 2 was born in Winter… and snow!
Here’s some tips for keeping a baby and child warm in winter
- Dress your little one in layers so you can easily take a layer off if you go indoors.
- Choose natural fabrics that are breathable such as cotton or wool.
- Pop on a hat to keep their head warm. You can get some great ones that cover ears and cheeks for maximum warmth.
- Wear mittens. I know this is easier said than done but it is so difficult to get the thumb in the thumb hole especially when wearing gloves yourself!!
- Little ones get cold, especially on their extremities so think about ditching the wellies for snow boots. They are insulated, waterproof and the best bit, they stay on their feet!
- Car seats!! Every winter there is a campaign to inform parents and carers not to put their baby or child in a thick coat or snowsuit in a car seat. Please don’t do it as there is too much material between the child and the car seat straps, leaving space for your child to become unsecured in the car seat. Instead, opt for a thick blanket over the top of the car seat straps.
- Put a spare coat or snowsuit in the car just in case you break down.
- Watch out for dry skin on your little one as it can become itchy for your child. Use a moisturiser or a balm to lock in the moisture. I found that Lansinoh nipple cream or Sudocrem worked great on Mini Mumbler’s chin whilst they were teething in the winter!
- When it comes to bedtime there is some great advice here from Lullaby Trust on their room temperature page https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-room-temperature/