How To Keep A Newborn Warm In Winter

Key Takeaways

• If you are thinking about how to keep a newborn warm in winter, you can skip the bulky blankets and instead focus on breathable and layered dressing. Also, don't forget those tiny extremities. Keeping your baby's hands and feet warm in winter with mittens, booties, and newborn baby caps can help regulate temperature without overheating. 

• Winter care for babies is all about balance. Always check your baby's chest or neck to see if they are warm or sweaty. Maintain a cozy room temperature and make sure that you are using room heaters safely around newborns.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

Introduction

Why Newborns Need Extra Warmth In Winter

Ways To Keep Baby Warm In Winter

Signs Your Baby Is Too Cold or Too Warm

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Keeping a Newborn Warm in Winter

FAQs On Winter Care for Babies

Introduction

Babies are little bundles of joy that come straight down from heaven. But when winter comes, our little angels need some extra warmth. 

Taking care of a newborn in the cold months can feel magical, but nerve-wracking as well. Between all those cozy snuggles and sleepless nights, every parent is bound to worry, is my baby warm enough? If you’ve ever checked your baby's tiny hands at 2 am to see if they are cold or not, you're not alone. Winter care for babies is all about nailing that perfect balance of keeping your infant warm and safe without overheating them. So come along as we talk about how to keep your newborn warm in winter the right way.

Why Newborns Need Extra Warmth In Winter

Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature. Unlike adults, they have a higher surface area to body weight ratio and little body fat, which means that they lose heat faster. This makes regulating a baby's body temperature in winter naturally a challenge. Take a look at the reasons that make dressing newborns in safe winter layers important. 

Ways To Keep Baby Warm In Winter

This is how you can keep your little one cozy, comfortable, and safe during the cold.

• Dress In Layers

When we talk about dressing newborns in safe winter layers, we have to think of something light, snug, and breathable. A general rule of thumb is to make your little one wear one more layer than what you're wearing. To that end, you can start with innerwear, a baby body suit or a baby romper, add a warm baby night suit over it and then top it with a soft baby blanket or swaddle. 

• Use Sleep Sacks

You can choose thermal sleepwear for infants or a sleep sack that provides warmth without covering the face. This will help in keeping the baby warm at night and in winter, while preventing suffocation.

• Swaddle Your Infant

A well swaddled baby is going to sleep soundly and warmly. You can use swaddle wraps that are made for winter temperatures. It will keep your baby snug by allowing gentle movement. 

While swaddling, always leave room for hip movement and avoid wrapping too tightly around the chest. A good swaddle should feel like a hug, and it should not be too restrictive.

• Keeping The Baby Warm During Sleep

When you're keeping a baby warm at night in winter, make sure that you maintain a comfortable room temperature, 24 to 26 degrees Celsius [2]. Do not use hot water bottles that can cause burns or overheat the room. Also, make sure that you're using room heaters safely around newborns. Make sure that the room is well ventilated because heaters can dry the air and irritate your baby's skin.

• Keep Extremities Covered

Newborns tend to lose most of their body heat through their head, hands, and feet. To that end, you can use newborn baby accessories like caps, baby bonnets, and more from Cocoon Care. At night, you can use soft mittens and socks to keep the baby's hands and feet warm in winter.

• Monitor For Overheating

Overheating can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Here are some signs that suggest that your baby is too warm. 

• Sweating

• Flushed cheeks

• Damp hair

• Rapid breathing

If you notice these signs, remove a layer of clothing and adjust the room's temperature.

• Limit Time Outdoors

A little sun and a little snuggle, that is the perfect winter balance. 

Parents, fresh air is good, but in moderation. If the baby is cold outside, bring them indoors immediately. 

Signs Your Baby Is Too Cold or Too Warm

Your baby might not be able to say that it is too hot or cold, but behavior is always going to whisper the truth.

Signs that your little one is too cold:

1. Have a cold chest, arms, and neck 
2. Pale skin tone
3. Your baby might seem unusually sleepy
4. Hands and feet are going to feel cold

Signs that they are too warm:

1. Sweating on the neck and back
2. Heat rash on the face and chest
3. Flushed skin
4. Fussiness

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Keeping a Newborn Warm in Winter

Here are some common mistakes to avoid overheating while keeping babies warm. In fact, you can also take pointers for what to do if the baby is cold outside.

Avoid Overdressing

Parents, layers can trap warmth better than one thick piece of clothing. Also, make sure that you avoid overdressing because overheating is just as harmful as being cold.

No Loose Blankets

Traditional blankets surely look cozy, but loose bedding is a safety hazard for babies that increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. 

Use Breathable Fabrics

Cotton, muslin, and bamboo are the best fabrics for winter care for babies because they insulate while allowing airflow.

Keeping the Baby Outdoors for Too Long

Short and shielded walks in sunlight are perfect for vitamin D, but prolonged exposure to cold winds can stress your baby's body.

References

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12094978/

[2] https://cheerschildcare.com/room-temperature-for-newborn-baby-in-india/

FAQs On Winter Care for Babies

1. How many layers should a newborn wear during winter?

Usually, one more layer than what you're wearing is ideal. You can start with a cotton or muslin base layer and then add on layers according to the temperature. To that end, you can look for some of the best baby clothes online from Cocoon Care to stock up your little one's winter wardrobe.

2. Can I swaddle my newborn at night in winter?

Yes, swaddling is a safe and effective way to keep your baby warm. However, make sure that you do not overlayer underneath.

3. Are socks and mittens necessary for newborns indoors?

Yes, babies can lose heat from their extremities. Therefore, you can use soft caps, mittens, and booties indoors when it's cold.

4. What fabric is best for dressing a newborn in cold weather?

You must opt for breathable materials like muslin, cotton, or fleece. Stay away from synthetic blends that can irritate your little one's sensitive skin.

Related blogs

• Gift ideas for newborn and toddlers for winters
• Dos and don’ts of swaddling in winter
• Newborn’s first winter
• Chic winter styling tips for newborns

With Love, from Cocoon Care

Dear Parent,

No matter where you are, your baby deserves gentle beginnings and comforting care. At Cocoon Care, we pour love into every stitch. From soft muslin baby swaddles to cozy sleep pods and thoughtfully made newborn clothing, our essentials hold your baby with the same tenderness as you do. You can find baby essentials on our website and also on Amazon, Firstcry, Myntra, Nykaa Fashion and DuckDuck baby.

Because every baby deserves to be cocooned in care.

About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.

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