We get it. We can’t hibernate all winter long, no matter how much we might want to. There are trips to the grocery store, doctor visits, and strolls for fresh air. We’re not telling you anything new when we say winter requires a little more prep work when heading outside than the other seasons, especially if you have a little one coming along for the ride. Bundling up your children correctly when adventuring out into winter wonderland for a stroll or a car ride is important for their safety. Here are a few things to keep in mind when bundling your little one up to protect them from the cold.
Layers Are Your Friend
Dress your little one in layers. You’re more comfortable wearing a shirt, sweater, and a coat, so why shouldn’t baby enjoy the same? Start with a snug, close to the body onesie, layer a long sleeve shirt and pants over that, and finish off their OOTD with a jacket, mittens, hat, booties … the works! Babies can’t regulate their body temperatures like we can, so layers make it easier to keep them warm but cool them down if needed.
Beware of the Winter Coat
Puffy winter coats – great for keeping your little one warm in the cold, not so great for ensuring proper car seat installation. The added padding from a winter coat makes it difficult to properly tighten the harness, it might look tight with the coat on, but there can be extra space between your child and the harness, making the seat unsafe. To prevent this, take their coat off in the car and have them wear it backwards over the harness or drape a blanket over the car seat.
Have an Emergency Bag Handy
Keep a bag with an extra set of clothes, blankets, and winter gear like hats and gloves in your car or stored underneath your stroller in case anything happens. You never know when your little one might get wet or end up playing in the snow. It never hurts to be overprepared.
Keep Your Hands Inside the Ride at All Times
They’re adorable and tiny, but they’re also the most susceptible to the cold. Keep an eye on your child’s fingers and toes when you’re out in the cold – the parts furthest from their heart take the most energy to heat. Mittens or gloves for the hands and warm booties or a footmuff will keep those extra-special digits cozy and warm! And if you’re worried about your own hands, check out our stroller gloves for extra protection against the elements.
Regulate the Temperature in the Car
Once you’re in the car, your instinct might be to crank the heat to fight the cold outside. Hold off on turning the dial up to 80 and try to keep the temperature between 68°F and 72°F, the optimal temperature for babies Just as they can’t handle too much cold, the same goes for too much heat. Avoid overcorrecting with another extreme.
Stay Out of the Sun
Even though beach days are months away, the sun is still a big problem in the winter – especially when there’s snow. Sunlight reflects off the snow right onto your little one, meaning they’re still at risk for a sunburn even when it’s below freezing. If you’re out strolling, make sure your stroller has a large enough canopy and protect their little faces with a layer of sunscreen for longer stays outdoors.
Once you’re ready for the winter weather, put that preparation to good use and spend some family time out in the snow.
