Taking Your Baby Out in the Snow

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

02 Mar 2009 01:16 PM

We are in the middle of a slow moving snowstorm, and at least a foot of snow is predicted when it is over. This afternoon, the snow stop falling briefly, and it was the perfect opportunity to take the kids out to play.

If you are wondering about taking your baby out in the snow, I have a couple of guidelines to share to make sure that everyone has a great time.

First of all, I don't advise taking a baby out in the snow if he or she is very young. You might want to wait until the baby is at least a year to 18 months old before you let them actually play outside in the snow. Young babies can get dangerously cold very quickly, and their skin is very sensitive to the cold.

Make sure you bundle your baby with a snowsuit, mittens, hat (with earflaps) and boots or show covers. Spread a layer of cream on your baby's cheeks to prevent chapping from the cold and the wind. You also might want to consider sunscreen and lip balm that is safe for babies.

Make sure that you will only be outside for a limited amount of time. You might try 15 minutes to start with for the first outing, and then see how it goes.

Wait until any snow has stopped before taking your baby outside to play. Falling snow can get wet and uncomfortable. You also want to avoid being outside when there are strong gusts.

Your baby may be delighted by his or her first glimpse of snow, or he or she might be frightened. it all depends on your baby's personality. Never force our baby to play in the snow, even though the photos might be adorable. Sometime carrying your baby in the snow and pointing out its beauty is a great way to introduce your baby to the wonder of winter.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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