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Tips for dressing newborn babies for the cold weather.
When preparing a winter or pre-winter wardrobe for a newborn, it's important to keep them warm, comfortable, and protected from the cold. In colder weather (under 75 degrees Fahrenheit <23.88 degrees Celsius>) Your baby will need several layers of clothing to keep warm.
Dressing your infant in layers allows you to adjust to their needs. A good rule of thumb is to give your baby one extra layer of clothing than what you're wearing (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).
Tips for dressing your baby in cold weather
- Start with a long-sleeved onesie.(Make sure it is pure,or organic cotton), Cotton should be closed to your baby's skin.
- Add in pants, a sweater( Jacket or coat if it is too cold)
- Use mittens, socks, and hats( Important for a newborn baby)
- Carry additional layers of clothes when going outdoors and take off extra outer later when at home.
- Remember, A rule of thumb of dressing newborn, dress your baby in the same number of layers you're wearing, plus one extra layer for warmth.
- Although it's important to keep newborns warm, it's just as important that your baby doesn't overheat, especially during sleep.
- Layering is important, so that you can or remove according to our baby' s body temperature and weather conditions
Essential Clothing Items to Buy for a Newborn During the Winters:
Onesies and Bodysuits: Long-sleeved onesies or bodysuits made of soft, breathable fabric to keep the baby's body warm.
MOMS TIP: Onsies and bodysuits works as basic layer in winter, and is a good option for a outfit in summer too . So you must buy atleast 6-7 of them as you wont be able to wash and dry them quickly in winters.
Footed Sleepsuits and Rompers: One-piece rompers made of thicker fabric for daytime comfort. Warm, footed sleepers that cover the baby's entire body for cozy sleep time.
MOMS TIP- Buy only 4-5 pairs of them as your newborn will outgrow them and they will be of no use in summers, but have encountered so many mommies, cutting the footsie part, and reuse it as a bodysuit for longer time.
Sweaters and Cardigans: Knitted sweaters or cardigans to layer over onesies for extra warmth.
MOMS TIP : During the initial few months, you can consider purchasing about four cardigans for your baby during the winter season. As for turtleneck clothes, you can purchase about five of them to serve as an extra layer of clothing.
Vests or thermal wear: Although deciding on the right number of layers can get confusing, it is usually best to choose thermals or vests that are made up of cotton, and breathable material that fits to baby's body lockingt he heat. These are a perfect choice for infants. You can also add an additional cardigan on top of the snug for extra warmth and protection from the cold.
Pants and Leggings: Pajamas are definitely the best choice when layering with woolen sweater for new born baby, during the winter season.
MOMS TIP - Avoid Synthetic fleeces that aren't breathable. It is better to wear cotton leggings beneath woolen, or fleece pants.
Caps, socks and mittens: Soft, non-slip socks, mittens to cover the baby's hands and protect them from the cold. Keeping your child’s head, ears, hands as well as feet is very important. During freezing temperatures, you would want to go for a material that is insulated as well as breathable.
MOMS TIP - You can purchase about six pairs of woolen socks, two caps for your baby and about three pairs of mittens for your baby.
Warm Blankets/ Swaddling sheets: You should use thick and cozy blankets for swaddling or when taking your baby outdoors. However, it is not recommended to let your infant sleep with the blanket as it could raise the risk of suffocation during sleep. Instead, place a layer on the baby, ensure the room is at a suitable warm temperature, and opt for a sleep sack. Be cautious about overheating the child.
Sleep Sacks: Sleeveless sleeping bags or sleep sacks for safe and warm sleeping. Sleep sacks are totally safe for infants and recommended by the AAP for use while in a crib to decrease the use of loose blankets
Snowsuit or Bunting Bag: A cozy, insulated snowsuit or bunting bag for outings in colder temperatures.
MOMS TIP - If you have no plans to go out with your newborn, and you live in areas where winter stays for few months only. It is advisable to not to spend money on this.
Fleece or Woolen Jackets: Warm, lightweight jackets for outdoor trips or walks.Purchasing just one jacket is usually enough, however, sometimes you can consider purchasing an extra one just in case your baby vomits or spills food items on their clothes.1- 2 jackets will do fine
MOMS TIP- Consider Jackets that are lightweight, and are designed to be water-resistant.
Remember to choose clothing made of natural, breathable materials like cotton, as it helps regulate the baby's body temperature. Avoid using heavy blankets or quilts in the crib to reduce the risk of suffocation. Additionally, pay attention to the room temperature and ensure the baby is not overdressed indoors to prevent overheating.
Remember babies can’t regulate their own temperature until they are 2 years old and overheating your baby can lead to SIDs(Sudden infant death) if they are under 1 year old.
LOVE AND SUPPORT ALWAYS...!!
Recommended Reading: Newborn Baby Essentials - A Guide to Buy Newborn Baby Clothes