It seems hard to believe it’s almost the end of the year, if you were pregnant in all that heat you may be glad of the cooler weather. A drop in temperature outside leads to new challenge for parents in making sure your babies are kept warm and toasty yet suitably dressed so they don’t overheat.
Our little newborns are not able to regulate their temperature as well as us adults, so make sure they are wrapped up warm, but try not to swaddle them as this restricts movement. Long sleeves, layers, blankets, including a cosy hat, mittens and booties are great for colder weather.
Layers make it easier to for you to adjust accordingly, adding or removing layers when needed (a general rule is to dress your baby in one more layer that you are wearing) Wearing a hat is really important for newborns as they can lose heat quickly from their heads, but it is now recommended that newborns shouldn't wear hats indoors (unless straight after birth in the hospital, for example).
As much as keeping them warm is important, be sure not to put too many layers as babies can overheat, which can lead to dehydration. Be on the lookout for flushed cheeks; sweating; damp hair; rapid breathing and heat rash which indicate you need to adjust what they’re wearing. Overheating and over-bundling can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Always remember that babies skin is more sensitive than ours, so be careful if using fabrics such as wool to keep them warm, as this can irritate their skin.
However, don't be afraid to take your baby outside, fresh air is not going to do any harm. The reasons for increased coughs and colds in the winter, are simply because people are spending more time indoors, more contact with sick people and the air we are breathing in is recycled.
Remember that if you’re taking your baby in the car keep the layers to a minimum so the car seat belts keep them safely strapped in, too much padding means the straps are too loose in the event of an accident. To keep them warm in the car you can add blankets on top of the straps and you can easily pull off blankets once the heating kicks in and the temperate in your car increases.
Check regularly to make sure they are not too hot.
Bath time for newborns is also a time to make sure your room is warm and at a comfortable temperature before bathing. Use warm water that feels comfortable to touch, not too hot, be sure to test before bathing using your elbow or wrist. A room temperature for a newborn should be around 16-20 degrees celsius. Newborns don't get too dirty as they don't move around too much so bathing a few times a week will be enough to keep them clean. Keep baths short (5-10 mins) and be sure to gently rub them dry and dress them soon after to avoid them getting cold.
Breastfeeding will help to boost your baby's immunity, your baby will be passed any antibodies you have developed through your breastmilk so they are less likely to develop infections, and recovery times are quicker if an illness is caught. So, if he or she catches a cold, once you are exposed to the cold as well - your body produces the antibodies that will pass on through breastmilk.
It’s a good idea to make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship. Our Bumps & Babes group is a great way to meet other local parents, just pop along Friday morning 10-11:30am at Staines Congregational Church Hall. Make the most of dry days but have a backup plan to get out on rainy days too.
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Caring for Babies in winter