8 Tips to Keep Your Baby Warm on Cold Winter Nights
By: Happy Mom
Tags: Baby Care, Parenting, Baby, Baby Clothes

One of the most common challenges faced by all mothers is to keep their little ones cozy and warm during the cold winter days. In the winter season, especially when it’s freezing outside, it becomes really difficult for babies to regulate their body temperature, which makes them more vulnerable to cough, cold and flu.

Thus, it’s very important for you to be knowledgeable about how you can help your baby maintain a consistent body temperature during the wintertime, especially the nights. Read on to know what you should do to keep your infant warn and comfy in those frigid winter nights.

Dress Your Baby Right:

In the winter, the best way to keep your little one warm during sleep is dressing him in ‘easy to put on and remove’ layers. Instead of overloading your baby with heavy or woolen clothes, wear him a few thin layers of warm clothes that you could easily remove during diaper changes. A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you.

Set the Room Temperature Right:

To make sure you newborn doesn’t feel neither too hot nor too cold, try keeping his room at a comfortable temperature of between18 to 20 degree Celsius. Use a room thermometer to check whether or not your baby’s room stays at a safe, comfortable temperature. Ideally, the room temperature should feel cozy to a lightly clothed adult.

Swaddle or Use a Sleeping Bag:

Sometimes, when the weather is too cold, dressing your infant in one piece suits is not enough to keep him warm. To provide your baby a comfortable, restful sleep in those freezing nights, you’re required to wrap him in a thick swaddling blanket. In case your little one kicks the blankets off very often, you can put him into a sleeping bag (also known as a wearable blanket) to sleep.

Keep the Wind off of Baby:

The position of your baby’s crib in the room also affects how comfortable he will feel during sleep. Place the crib or bassinet several feet away from air vents, drafty windows, fans and outside walls. Also, close any windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering the room.

Use a Firm Mattress:

To keep your baby’s crib warm from underside, use a firm baby mattress covered with a well-fitting waterproof mattress protector sheet. Mattresses made of too soft material not only put your little one at the risk of a smothering hazard but also increase his chances of getting sick due to the cold air entered into the mattress. So it’s better to avoid them.

Cover Your Baby’s Head and Hands:

As babies lose a lot of heat through their head and hands, it becomes really important to get hold of a soft baby cap and lightweight mittens to provide your little one an extra layer of warmth. In case your baby is a thumb sucker by nature, you can have an extra pair of mittens ready. Furthermore, you can keep his feet toasty using a pair of socks.

Preheat the Crib Before Putting Your Baby Down:

If you find there is too much cold in the house, you can consider preheating the crib to create a warm and cozy sleeping space for your child. In order to achieve the purpose, you need to place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the crib sheet at least 30 minutes before you put your little one to sleep in the crib. Most importantly, remove it before laying your baby down to avoid any overheating or burns.