A Basic Guide to Your Newborn's First Winter |
Posted: December 23, 2020 |
Winters are tough for adults, and even more so for babies. Infants under 9 months can't regulate their own body temperature, and it's not like they can remove layers on their own when they start feeling uncomfortable. As parents, we want to make sure our baby is as comfortable as possible for the freezing winter days and nights, but how do we keep them warm without putting them at risk of overheating? Read on for a few tips. Buy winter baby clothes Just like adults, there are baby clothes specifically made for winter, but since babies don't have the body temperature regulation mechanism that adults do, a good general rule is that babies need one more layer of clothing than adults do. Suit them up for the cold with a onesie, sweater, pants, mittens, a padded snowsuit with a hood, and a hat. Add warm boots if the snowsuit doesn't cover the feet. If you don't know where to start with building your baby's winter wardrobe, click here for an impressive selection of winter Spanish baby boys clothes. Regulate your home's temperature When at home, make sure the rooms are within a comfortable temperature range. Anywhere between 16-20°C should be fine. Attach thermometers to the wall of every major room to ensure the thermostat is accurate. When your baby is indoors, remove any hats or jackets to prevent overheating. If the temperature in your house is warm enough, your baby's usual clothes should suffice. Don't let them too close to the fireplace or radiator either to prevent any nasty injuries. Check for signs of overheating or hypothermia If your baby's face is flushed, the back of their neck is hot, or they're developing a rash on their tummy or back, it's a sign they may be too hot. Peel off a layer or two to cool them down. If their lips and mouth are turning blue, or their nose and fingertips are unusually pale, then you need to bundle them up and quickly get to somewhere warm. Before all these visible symptoms, your child might start crying or getting fussy as a way to express their discomfort. Pay attention to these signs and take the proper action to ensure your baby is as comfortable as possible. Keep them warm while sleeping A sleeping bag or sleep sack can help keep your baby covered up better than blankets, especially if they tend to wriggle in their sleep. Avoid thick blankets or duvets since the weight of these may suffocate infants. Don't use hot water bottles or electric blankets since these might cause overheating. There's no reason your newborn can't enjoy a winter walk with you as long as you make sure they're sufficiently protected from the cold. Before the cold months roll in, get your baby's winter wardrobe ready and make sure your home's heating system is working properly. Most importantly, pay attention to your baby when they express discomfort so you can avoid any potential risk of overheating or hypothermia.
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