Layer Up: Tips for Keeping Your Baby Warm in Colder Months

I was thrilled to find out I was pregnant with my second child. However, it was late spring, which made me realise I’d have a newborn in deep winter, unlike my firstborn summer baby. Since I enjoyed being out with my daughter in early summer mornings and evenings, I worried about how I would possibly get out with a tiny human in those cold months. 

Many parents dread the cold, wondering how to keep their little ones warm and cosy. However, getting out safely when possible is essential for newborns and new mums; we need fresh air, and being out helps babies get used to the day-and-night cycle and the seasons. 

Additionally, it often calms the baby’s fussiness and is excellent for parents’ physical and mental well-being. So, unless it’s dangerously cold, you and your baby will immensely benefit from getting out. How can you protect bubs from cold by dressing them accordingly?

What Should Babies Wear in Cold Weather?

You might know this, but newborns regulate their body temperature differently than adults. They can lose heat nearly four times more quickly. In part, that’s because they cool down considerably faster due to their larger surface area than their body size. Having your little one at the wrong temperature can be risky, and both extremes can cause issues. 

Use Layers

The secret to keeping your babe warm is layering. With layers, you can make small changes according to your child’s temperature by adding or removing them. Since many parents are unsure how many layers a newborn should wear, the approach of “one additional layer” applies here. This rule recommends that your infant wear one more layer than an adult would need to feel comfortable in the same situation. For example, if you feel comfortable in a shirt, choose a base layer plus a comfy and warm baby jacket for your little one. Read on if you’re curious about picking your layers.

Base Layer

Functional newborn clothes make the best base layers. Think overalls, such as zip suits, rompers, and grow suits. You can also consider the combo of jumper and leggings if you want to up the game of cuteness. For both options, you can include a bodysuit as an underlayer for additional warmth. Also, both bottom options come with or without feet for your convenience. Some parents like feetless clothing since they can throw a set of lovely socks into the combo that way. However, most veteran mums know how notorious baby socks and booties are for falling, so they prefer the footed options. 

The best fabrics for your base-layer clothing essentials are breathable and moisture-wicking materials, such as organic cotton and terry cotton, wool (or merino wool) and bamboo. You can also find cosy blends from cotton, wool and bamboo for the perfect warmth and comfort level for your bundle of joy.

Additional Layers

Babies can’t tell how they feel, so it’s up to their parents to find the right room temperature and follow the general recommendation of keeping it between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. While you can always regulate indoor temperature, you can’t do that with outdoor temperatures. Moreover, you can never know how a certain temperature would feel to bub. That’s why adding layers comes into play, with cosy baby jackets being the best layer.

The biggest parents’ dilemma is, whether to use a standard jacket or a snowsuit. While snowsuits provide full coverage, they can be too thick, heavy and inconvenient for diaper changes and quick trips. A baby jacket is much easier to put on and take off, and you can always add a blanket or a sleeping bag-style footmuff as additional coverage for the legs while in the stroller.

Thick baby coats may be warm but they often restrict baby movements. Also, they can result in babies overheating. Your baby will be fine in a thinner jacket unless you live in extremely low temperatures. The best fabrics for baby jackets are the same as the base layers, with the blend of cotton, wool and bamboo being the ultimate material.

Tips for choosing a baby jacket

Comfort and mobility, room for growth and ease of dressing are important factors when shopping for baby jackets. 

• Your baby’s comfort and mobility depend on a well-fitting jacket. It should allow space for growth and mobility while still being snug enough to keep them warm. Babies need a little extra room because they grow up so quickly.
• Opt for jackets with movable elements, including elastic cuffs or hems that are adjustable in tightness or looseness. That guarantees that the coat will fit your kid for the entire season, if not longer, and that it will grow with them.
• When clothing a wiggly baby, jackets with large openings and straightforward fastenings make it easier. Snaps can be faster than buttons, while zippers are typically easier to use.

A Safety Note: Ditch the Jacket in the Car

It’s advisable to consider your baby’s attire if you are planning to venture outside in a car. Since cars can heat up quickly, you don’t want your child to become too hot. Take off gloves and caps, and especially coats and snowsuits. If the car appears cold, you can cover your baby’s body with a breathable blanket.

According to experts, leaving your baby’s coat or snowsuit on while driving leaves a space between them and their safety strap. The harness isn’t as near to your baby’s body during a collision as it should be to protect them securely. Ensure the harness is snug enough so your kid can’t reach between the straps and more than two fingers.