In cold weather, parents tend to overdress their infants, says pediatrician Dr. Joseph Brzezinski in "The Daily Press," an Escanaba, Michigan, newspaper. Overdressing is a real risk because infants can overheat; overheating increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing a baby in one more layer of clothing than an adult needs to stay warm. Because temperatures change as you take the baby inside and outside the house, the key is to use clothing that easily snaps or zips off and on before the baby becomes fussy.
Step 1
Dress the baby in light layers. Start with an undershirt. Dress her next in a long-sleeved shirt and pants or a one-piece sleeper.
Step 2
Add an outer one-piece fleece suit when you will be outside in cold weather. If you're just making a short trip to a car with a heater or to a warm building, skip this outer layer because you don't want the baby to overheat. Plus, bulky clothing keeps the car seat straps from staying as snug as they need to be for safety.
Step 3
Cover the infant's hands and feet with mittens and shoes.
Step 4
Place a hat on the infant's head to prevent heat from escaping.
Step 5
Put the infant to bed in sleepwear that is warm enough without the need for blankets. A baby sleep sack is a good choice.
Tips and Warnings
- Newborns require extra warmth. In the first few weeks of life, keep the baby in a swaddler or wrapped in a receiving blanket. Once the baby is strapped into the car seat, add a blanket over the baby and the straps, but do not cover the baby's face. Never put a blanket under the car seat straps. If you plan on going for many winter walks in the stroller, add a warm seat liner and cover the baby in a blanket. In temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, apply a rain guard to the stroller, which helps keep heat in the stroller.
- If the baby feels hot to the touch or sweaty, remove some clothing because the baby is too warm. Leaving loose bedding in the crib increases the risk for sudden infant death syndrome. In addition to increasing the risk of SIDS, overdressing can cause heat rash.
Things You'll Need
- Undershirt
- Love-sleeved shirt
- Pants
- One-piece sleeper
- One-piece fleece suit
- Mittens
- Shoes
- Hat
- Warm sleepwear
References
- "The Daily Press"; Tips on How to Dress Infants Properly for Cold Weather"; Julie Knauf; January 2008
- "American Family Physician"; AAP Releases New Guidelines on Preventing SIDS; Carrie A. Morantz; December 2005
- American Academy of Pediatrics; Winter Safety Tips; December 2010
- "The Charlotte Observer"; How to Dress for the Cold; Rhonda Patt; January 2011
- BabyCenter: How to Keep Your Baby Warm All Winter -- Products That Help
- HealthyChildren.org: Dressing Your Newborn
