Because babies are not yet able to regulate their body temperature, it is important to dress them appropriately for winter weather. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests following this rule: Always dress your baby in one more layer of clothes than you would be comfortable in. Signs that your baby is cold include fussiness or skin that appears whitish. If you notice these signs or your babies head, hands, feet or face feel cold, it's time to get him indoors or add another layer of clothing for warmth, BabyCenter advises.
Outdoor Trips
Bundling up your baby in her winter gear can be frustrating and time consuming, but it's necessary to keep your infant warm. Use a well-insulated hooded snowsuit from a fabric such as flannel or fleece, BabyCenter recommends. These suits are useful because they cover your baby from head to toe but still make it easy to carry her and place her in a car seat or carrier. Make sure you also have a warm, soft winter hat and mittens to keep her head and hands warm. For especially cold days, wrap your baby in a blanket or place one over her car seat or infant carrier for extra warmth.
Indoors
For a winter day spent indoors, getting your baby dressed may require an extra layer or two to keep him comfortable. Start with a diaper and a long-sleeved cotton undershirt or onesie. Next, dress your baby in a warm one-piece outfit. Consider adding a sweatshirt or sweater on cold or windy days. Make sure to put warm, thick socks on his feet so they don't get cold. If your baby is still a newborn, wrap or swaddle him in a warm blanket during the day. Just be sure to keep the blanket away from his face, the National Network for Child Care advises.
At Night
Because blankets, quilts and comforters can pose a suffocation hazard in your baby's crib, you'll need to dress her so she stays warm at night. When dressing your baby for bed, choose warm, one-piece sleepers or sleep sacks made from fleece or flannel, BabyCenter advises. To help keep her warm, you can leave her in her cotton undershirt at night. Also, consider using a flannel or fleece crib sheet to make it a warmer environment. If you do opt to use a blanket to keep her warm, tuck it tightly under the crib mattress and make sure it does not go higher than her chest, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns.
