On especially frosty days , you can wrap a blanket around the bunting or snowsuit if you don ’ t own a stroller sack ( designed to attach to a stroller so it won ’ t slip off ). If you don ’ t want to invest in a bunting or snowsuit , dress your baby in warm , layered clothing , then wrap him in a cotton receiving blanket , and top it off with another , heavier blanket .
Once you ’ re inside take at least one layer off your baby so he won ’ t perspire . Otherwise , the dampness will make him colder when you get back out in the winter air . And if you ’ ve covered your baby with a blanket in the car , you ’ ll want to take it off once the car warms up .
Safety tip : In order to work properly in a crash , car seat straps must be snug — so make sure your baby isn ’ t wearing clothing that ’ s too bulky in the car seat , and don ’ t put blankets between your baby and the straps . Instead , dress her in clothes that allow the straps to go between her legs , adjust the straps to allow for the thickness of her clothes , and pile blankets or other bulky layers on top of the harness straps instead of under them .
damage . For the same reason , don ’ t let your baby bear weight on frost-nipped parts — by crawling or walking , for example . Instead , hold his skin against yours ( tuck his hands in your armpits if they ’ re frost-nipped ). Then immerse the skin in warm ( not hot ) water . If his skin looks yellowish , stiff , waxy , or significantly swollen , or if it starts blistering , he has frostbite , and you ’ ll need to take him to the emergency room right away .
Skin Care
Chilly air outside and dry heat indoors make a recipe for chaffed skin , not to mention sunburn is an issue 365 days a year .
SOLUTIONS : Keep your baby ’ s skin moisturized . Pediatricians recommend you not put lubricants on a newborn ’ s skin , though — wait until she ’ s a month old .
Be careful not to overdo the baths in the winter months . When you do wash your baby , use a mild soap and don ’ t let him soak in the tub too long . Wrap him in a hooded baby towel as soon as you take him out of the water and pat ( don ’ t rub ) him dry quickly . Put a mild baby lotion on his skin , and then bundle him up . If the house is very dry , you might consider putting a cool-mist humidifier in the room . It will help both baby ’ s skin and it will help with baby ' s breathing by warding away dry nasal passages .
Safety tip : Even the winter sun can damage skin . If your baby is under six months old , try to keep her skin out of the sun . Dab a little sunscreen on any parts that might be exposed — like her cheeks — before you head out . The safest sunscreens for babies are chemical-free , and made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide ( these ingredients physically block the sun ). If your child ’ s six months old or older , apply sunscreen every time you go outdoors . Sunglasses are a good idea , too . #
Sources : Consumer Reports , American Academy of Pediatrics , and Nemours .
Setting Outdoor Limits
As long as the weather isn ’ t too unfriendly , it ’ s good for your baby to get some fresh winter air every day , whether it ’ s in a stroller , carrier , or backpack . Just keep in mind that while you ’ re working up a sweat exercising , your baby is just sitting in the cold — and he ’ ll get chilly well before you do . But how will you know when he ’ s had enough ?
Be sensitive to your baby ’ s nonverbal signals . If she ’ s happy to be out at first but starts fussing after a while , she may be trying to tell you that she ’ s cold . It ’ s a good idea to check little fingers , toes , ears , and face regularly , and head inside before she gets uncomfortable .
Safety tip : If your baby ’ s skin seems to be turning white , he ’ s becoming frostnipped , and you ’ ll want to get indoors right away . Don ’ t try to warm his skin by rubbing it , or you might cause more
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