Oh Baby, It's Cold Outside

by tedgar | More from this Blogger

24 Oct 2009 09:56 PM

For a first time parent, it can be a little scary to see the temperatures drop. Ok, maybe you're not shaking in your snow boots quite yet, but as October turns to November it starts to get cool around these parts. How can you best protect your baby from the cold and still manage to get outside once in a while?

Dress In Layers

It's all about the layers. I love wool long underwear and keep it on until April. Yes, I do wash it, and yes, I have a weird sense of fashion. If your child tends to get hot once he's inside, consider making wool pants to slide over his other pants, or wear snow pants that are easy to remove.

Keep Your Baby's Head and Neck Warm

Hats are important, since much of your child's body heat can leave through his head. A waterproof or lined wool hat will keep your child's head warm. Ear flaps are essential, as is a strap that connects under the chin. In really cold weather, a neck gaiter is easier to keep on than a scarf - it's like a sock for your child's neck.

Keeping Feet and Hands Warm

It can be supremely frustrating to try and put gloves on a baby's hands. Use mitts, preferably ones that are attached together. Bring multiple pairs, especially if your mittens are not very waterproof. Use snow boots and an extra pair of socks, or for small babies you can add covers over the shoes to keep your child's feet warm and dry. Leg warmers like Baby Legs are very useful in cold weather, especially if you are babywearing, because a child's pants tend to ride up in the carrier.

Waterproof and Windproof

Think about the usual winter weather in your area. Is it dry? Wet snow? Really windy? If you have snow and wind, you'll need clothing that acts as a windbreaker. If you have damp snow, you'll need to consider waterproof clothing that is also warm. In our climate, we wear rain pants instead of snow pants because the snow pants get soaked through by the wet snow.

How well is your baby dressed for the winter? Have you found any great products or ideas for dressing your baby for the winter...quickly, easily, and well?

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Tricia Edgar is a mom of one lovely daughter. Before her daughter was born, she decided to be guided by the needs of her child, and this led her to attachment parenting philosophies.

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