Tips for Keeping Your Baby Healthy in Winter

Winter is an exciting time for everyone, and kiddos love playing in the snow. However, when the weather outside gets colder, it’s important to take extra care of your baby’s health. No parent should have to worry about their newborn suffering through a case of the sniffles, so follow these tips for keeping your baby healthy in winter.

Dress Them in Layers

It can be tricky to know how to dress your baby during winter. You want to make sure they’re warm, but you don’t want them to overheat. A good rule of thumb is to dress them in layers of light clothing, so you can add or remove layers as needed. Babies need one additional layer compared to adults. So, if you’re comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt, your baby will need that, plus a hoodie.

Not sure whether your baby is cold? Check their body temperature by feeling their hands and feet; if these feel cooler than you, then your child might also feel chilly.

Parenting Tip

In winter, you’ll have to carry many supplies for your baby to keep your baby comfortable. While a paci won’t keep an infant warm, it gives them a source of comfort. Parents have all kinds of amazing uses for pacifier clips, and this emotional comfort essential keeps the paci within your baby’s grasp. Having your baby’s paci within reach also ensures you won’t forget to bring it on your winter outing.

Keep Your Baby Warm at Night

Most experts recommend that parents keep the nursery between 68 and 72° F throughout the year. In winter, you may want to keep it closer to 72° F, so your baby feels toasty. You may also want to give your infant a merino wool blanket because the material naturally helps regulate their body temperature.

Keep Germs Away

Clean teethers, toys, and pacifiers regularly. Colds or the flu can wreak havoc on an adult’s body, and they are even more of a detrimental risk to babies. When babies have either of these illnesses, they often show the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Coughing
• Irritability

You should also thoroughly wash your baby’s hands and your own after coming home from a day out. This will help to eliminate any germs you may have picked up along the way.

Put a Humidifier in the Nursery

A dehumidifier is an excellent way to keep your baby healthy this winter. A baby’s skin is delicate and prone to dryness. A humidifier helps add moisture to the air, which keeps your baby’s skin and respiratory system healthy. When using a humidifier, be sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Fellow parents advise using a cool humidifier mist because warmer mists could burn your infant.

Limit Outside Time

Winter is a magical time full of snowflakes and hot cocoa. However, it’s important to remember that cold weather can be dangerous for babies who cannot yet regulate their body temperature effectively. So, while spending hours playing in the snow can be tempting, it’s best to keep outdoor adventures short and sweet during the winter months.

Help ensure that your little one stays happy and healthy all winter long! Bundled up and cozy, the two of you can enjoy this chilly time of the year together.