How to Dress a Baby for Cold Weather

As the weather cools, baby winter clothes become a necessity - infants and toddlers are less able to regulate their body temperatures, so they`re more vulnerable to the cold. There`s much more to a protective baby dress in winter than simply throwing a baby jacket over a warm onesie and calling it a day. In fact, dressing a baby for winter temperatures requires extra planning and extra time, as well as special attention to cold hands, faces, and feet. The best winter baby clothing strategy is one that`s practiced and well-formulated so that parents feel comfortable taking little ones outside.

How to Dress a Baby in Winter

The key to dressing a baby appropriately for cold weather is layering. Layers provide excellent insulation and can be added to or removed in order to find the right comfort level. Babies should have at least as many layers as their parents. A thin onesie, then a few long-sleeved shirts and pants, then a sweater or a sweatshirt, and coat or a snowsuit is a good start, according to Dr. Alison Mitzner, a board-certified pediatrician. Don`t forget the feet - if footie pajamas are called for, socks under footie PJs are better.

Dressing A Baby for Cold Weather – Quick Tips

• Dress a child in layers when going outside, starting with a onesie, and include long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and jackets.
• Don`t forget socks under footie pajamas.
• Babies lose most of their heat through their heads. Make sure to use a hat to keep them warm.
• When traveling, take some time to warm up the car before leaving.
• Never put a child in a car seat with a bulky snowsuit or coat. Use blankets over the buckles and straps instead.
• Look for frostbite, which starts as very pale and cold skin.