Nothing is more certain to make a new mother nervous than her baby having cold hands or feet – and winter is sure to cause both. While you can’t control the weather, you can prepare for it and choose a layette that will keep your baby comfortably toasty during the coldest months.
Layering is the key to keeping a baby comfortable at any time of year, and the first layer is the t-shirt. Whether you prefer the type that tie at the side, pull over the head or snap at the crotch, or are short-sleeved or long-sleeved, simple cotton t-shirts are a baby wardrobe must all year round. For the winter, the snap-crotch type may be the best – they provide better protection from the cold because they don’t “ride up” and expose sensitive skin.
“Blanket sleepers” or “stretchies” are also essential. These one-piece outfits are footed, zip or snap up the front for easy diaper changing, and come in warm fabrics like terry, velour or fleece for the winter. And for the youngest babies, these outfits can double as either daywear or sleepwear.
For dressier occasions, choose 2-piece outfits in velour or sweater material. These outfits often have beautiful embroidery or smocking but are still comfortable for the baby.
Another winter wardrobe component for your baby is a good supply of warm socks, booties or slippers, especially if your baby has a lot of non-footed outfits. However, babies are notorious escape artists when it comes to socks – so look for socks that have a good elastic cuff and are difficult to kick off. Also, if your baby is close to learning how to stand or walk, look for socks that have non-slip soles.
For very young babies, an excellent type of sleepwear is a fleece garment that looks like a sleeping bag with arms. Since young babies are not supposed to sleep with blankets because of the risk of SIDS, these sleepers are a wonderful and safe way to keep baby warm at night. Additionally, these “sleeping bag” sleepers make diaper changes quick and easy.
For those times when taking baby outdoors into the cold is unavoidable, there are several good outerwear choices. A bunting is like the sleeping bag garment mentioned above, except that it is usually hooded and has a slit under the crotch for use with the straps on the baby’s car seat or carrier. Snowsuits provide a lot of warmth, but are more appropriate for use with a stroller than with a car seat because they don’t allow the straps to get close enough to the baby’s body to provide adequate protection in an accident. Coats are a good choice for use in the car but don’t provide protection for the baby’s legs, so they should be used with a heavy blanket.
Finally, be sure to buy a warm pair of mittens and a cozy hat for your baby. Look for fleece mittens and hats, as they are warmer than cotton knit and less likely than wool to irritate the baby’s skin. Mittens that attach to your baby’s coat or snowsuit are a plus, but be careful with strings or ties on mittens and hats – they may pose a risk of strangulation.
Bundle up and enjoy the winter with your baby!
