How to dress your baby in winter
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When you take your baby out on a chilly winter day, it’s only natural to believe they need a lot of clothes, but try not to dress your baby too warmly. Gently feeling the back of your baby’s neck is the best way to find out how warm they are. If their neck feels sweaty, it’s time to remove a layer of clothing. If it feels cold, you should add a layer. Though, babies hands and feet are often slightly colder than the rest of their body, they should obviously not feel too cold.
If you dress your baby according to the layering principle, they will be ready for any possible weather! The layering principle consists of three layers:
Layer 1
The clothing closest to the skin keeps the body dry. A bodysuit and tights or long johns made from soft wool are a great choice, as wool both provides warmth and helps wick moisture away from the skin. A dry base layer is the foundation for keeping your child warm and comfortable, whether they're in a stroller or playing outdoors.
Layer 2
The clothing that keeps the body warm. Trousers and a jumper, or a fleece or wool all-in-one suit, create an insulating layer that traps body heat. Depending on the temperature, you can easily adjust the warmth by choosing thinner or thicker mid-layers.
Layer 3
The clothing that protects against the elements. A warm winter snowsuit made from windproof and water-repellent materials protects your child from cold weather, wind and light precipitation. For young children sitting still in a stroller, it is especially important that the outer layer helps retain warmth during longer periods outdoors.
Hat
A wool balaclava is often enough if your baby is wearing a thick snowsuit that covers the head well or is tucked into a footmuff. As a lot of body heat escapes through the head, it is important to keep the ears, forehead and neck well covered on cold winter days.
Mittens
If your baby's hands are already protected by fold-over sleeves or kept warm inside a footmuff, mittens may not always be necessary. Every child is different, though, so check regularly. In colder temperatures or during longer periods outdoors, a pair of lined wool or fleece mittens can provide extra warmth and comfort.
Booties and socks
A pair of wool socks helps keep little feet warm and dry. Add fleece booties or windproof outdoor booties if your baby will be outside for longer periods. Babies who are not yet walking need extra help staying warm, as they move less and can get cold more easily.
Extra tip for dressing your baby in winter
Remember to check the back of your baby's neck from time to time. If it feels warm and dry, your baby is usually at a comfortable temperature. Cold hands or rosy cheeks do not necessarily mean your baby is cold. By dressing your baby according to the layering principle, it is easy to adjust their clothing to suit the weather, activity level and temperature.
Young babies don’t have the same ability to regulate their body temperature as adults, so don’t take your baby outside if it’s extremely cold. However, there are no firm and settled rules – it’s up to you to decide what’s best for you and your baby.
Remember to consider how humidity and wind affects, as the weather feels colder when it’s windy in winter. Additionally, high humidity can make your baby feel cold.
Remember!
The thermometer doesn’t tell the whole story – damp air and wind chill can make it feel even colder. And some babies retain heat better than others. That’s why you need to try out different solutions to find what suits your baby best.