Dressing-Baby-For-Winter

Dressing Baby For Winter

Congratulations on having a winter baby! I know its slightly daunting especially if you are from India and needless to mention if you are from the southern part of India like me. I congratulated you because I think thats the best time to have a baby. I say that not only because I had a winter baby myself but also because  the summer warmth will beckon him when he'll be ready to step out of home and explore the world.

Having said all that, how do we protect our winter baby? Whats the best type of clothing? Should I bundle him up or just put him in layered clothing? If its layered clothing, how many layers? Well, I know for a new mom, the questions never cease to stop bothering her [have been there!].

Before I try answering the questions above, let me put it under two headings

I know your little one is so tender now and as a new parent you are all the more nervous, wondering how you are going to protect your newborn from the chilly weather. Bear in mind, not to overdo the whole thing and make the baby very hot or uncomfortable.The first thing I was advised, always protect and cover the head, the ears, the hands and the feet. Considerable heat gets lost when these parts are exposed. So its very important that you take special care to cover them up. As far as clothing goes, my vote is always for layers vis-a-vis the bulky snowsuits. A snowsuit does look cozy but most of the times, its very difficult to put your baby in the carseat with the snowsuit on, because it just makes the baby bulky. Also, remember the hospital is warm, the temperature in the car can be controlled and that holds good for the house too. So all that you have to worry about are the two small patches - from the hospital to the car and the car to the house. Its not fair to bundle him up and he is definitely not going to be happy if you make him feel like a sausage.

 On the other hand layered clothing gives you the flexibility to regulate the temperature. You can control by stripping off and putting on layers, or unzipping outer layers when you step inside. Alright so the next big question, what layers should I get ready with? Footed cotton stretchies or the cotton infant sleeper[newborn size] are the best inner layer for a winter outfit. The close fit helps keep body warmth in. I put on his socks before he could get into his sleeper. On top of the cotton sleeper, I made him wear another layer of polyester sleeper [3 months size]. I also had a hooded sweater that he wore just before we could leave. But then again, the loose hooded sweater is not sufficient to protect your infant's head. They say 40%-50% of body heat is lost through the head. So his head was protected by a thermal cap and his hands were covered by woolen mittens. Last but not the least,Bundleme car seat accessory is a must to cover the car seat. Ofcourse, a mother's instincts can never go wrong. So add/reduce the layers depending on how cold it is.

Well, the answer is definitely obvious. You have a heater at home and most probably maintain the temperature. So do not worry too much. My little one wore sleeper all day. I also got him a pair of Cotton Knit Swaddle Me. I did not want the microfleece, fearing it would make him hot. This was his dress code for the first couple of weeks. I also got him Side Snap Shirts which I sometimes used it as a layer under his sleeper. After I got comfortable handling him [the head is not fixed and the clothes I mentioned above does not go through the head], I started using onesies and trousers. Whenever I felt the house was getting slightly colder, I made him wear his socks and mittens. Rarely have added another layer of clothe.

 

Shyamala lives in Seattle, Washington. She's mother of two beautiful kids and has a background in IT. She is a full time working mom and has been around in the US for the past 5 years now.