Guide to Keep Baby Safe in Cold Weather

Cold weather can bring additional stress for new parents struggling to figure out how to keep the little one warm and safe from the harsh weather. This problem becomes worse as your only other option is to stay copped up inside the house which no-one would want. Here is our guide on how to protect the baby during this winter and precautions to take while taking them outside the house.

Tips to Keep the Baby Safe During Winter

1) Know When to go out

It is perfectly fine for parents to go outside with their baby during cold weather provided they know when exactly they should resist the temptation. Remember that babies are unable to generate heat through the process of shivering and don’t have enough body fat content either making them lose heat faster than adults. A general guideline is to resist going out when the temperature dips below freezing or when wind chill is extremely high since that can make it difficult for baby to breathe.

2) Dress your Baby in layers

It is important to put multiple layers n the baby keeping the first one really snug like a bodysuit further supplemented with a short and a jacket. The advantage of dressing in layers is that they can be removed as necessary based on the temperature.

3) Do not Put Heavy Clothing inside the car

Cars usually have regulated temperature due to AC being switched on. Heavy clothing can make it difficult to safely put the baby in child seat and buckle it properly. It can also overheat the baby if you maintain warm temperature in the car. While putting the baby in the car, remove extra heavy clothing and put it back before taking them out of the car. If needed, first safely secure the baby inside the car, and then put on a blanket on the top.

4) Keep track of any Visual cues of Discomfort

Keep checking the baby for any signs that they might be under some kind of discomfort. Some easy to detect signs like red skin, dry skin, skin cold / warm to touch can show that something needs to be changed to comfort the baby. If child is having breathing issue in the cold weather then they will become teary eyed and start crying which should also tell you to further bundle them up or go inside immediately.

5) Keep the Air flowing

Irrespective of weather baby is in the stroller or in the carrier, make sure that they are getting unobstructed flow of air. Sometimes covering up the baby might seem like the best approach to protect them from the cold but it instead can cause baby to not get fresh air.

6) Keep Yourself Steady while Walking

Last but not the least, chances are that while stepping out, one of the parents will be holding the baby. Make sure that you are not wearing slippery shoes (or heels) which are susceptible to slipping on ice. Walk slowly and make sure that baby is not completely pressed against clothing obstructing the airflow.

Do you have any other tips that you would like to share with us ? Please let us know through your comments below.