As the temperatures dip in the winter, your baby will need protection from the cold. Getting ready for the weather ahead of time can give you confidence and peace of mind. Start by gathering infant-sized coats and warm layers so you will be ready for outdoor play and travel.
Source: ANNA GRANT/Shutterstock.com
You will also need the right baby boy and baby girl clothes for naps and sleeping. The following tips will help you to keep your child cozy on the coldest nights of the year. The right nighttime routine and the most comfortable clothing will keep your child warm and provide you with peace of mind.
- Choose the Most Comfortable Baby Clothing
When it comes to crib safety, babies should not have extra items in their sleeping area. This includes popular seasonal products for infants like plush blankets and warm quilts. Keep those cozy baby shower blankets for when your child becomes a toddler. They will be able to use them in their crib or bed later.
If you would like to take advantage of your infant blankets now, you can use them to cuddle with your child during feedings or story time. Your baby’s primary source of warmth at night will come from their sleepwear. Buying the right PJs before winter will ensure that you are ready as soon as the weather gets chilly.
- Shop for the Coziest Baby Pajamas
Warm and comfortable baby pajamas will keep your little one cozy all winter long. Footed pajamas with a snug fit and cotton material will leave your little one feeling like they are resting on a cloud. Look for front zippers that allow for easy changes at night. While you will get more sleep along with your baby, they will also stay more comfortable.
Blanket sleepers made with microfleece material are snuggly and soft. Pajama sets that come with sleep bottoms and matching tops are an excellent choice if you want to keep the baby’s feet or torso free. Some even have short sleeve and long sleeve options so you can easily change your child’s outfit overnight.
Source: Paulaphoto/Shutterstock.com
- Swaddle Your Child in Warmer Fabric
If you like to wrap or swaddle your baby, swap out lighter muslin cotton blankets for a warmer wintertime fabric. Cotton flannel receiving blankets are a popular choice among parents and caregivers because they are versatile enough to use for any type of swaddling technique.
To purchase the best swaddling blankets for your infant, look for those that are generously sized so you can wrap easily while swaddling your baby in comfortable material. Premium flannel blankets make it easier to tuck fabric for the warmest wrap possible. Since they machine wash and tumble dry, it will be easy to have one ready for when the weather gets cold.
- Choose the Right Infant Clothes for the Car
According to healthychildren.org, winter clothing items like snowsuits and coats make it more difficult to fit your child in their car seat safely. Thick fabric can cause safety fasteners or seat buckles to malfunction. If you are traveling by car at night, be sure you keep these concerns in mind. Instead of stuffing a big parka or jacket into your child’s seat, swap it out for a blanket. Remove heavy outer layers before you buckle your child.
Seasonal baby boy clothes like heather sweaters and cotton long sleeve tees make for a warm and comfortable top for wearing in the car. Hoodies and hooded jackets are thin enough for an infant seat but still help to keep your child’s head and body warm. Pair these garments with comfy winter bottoms for boys, like heather pants or cotton jungle pants. Baby girls’ cotton long sleeve tees and colorful knit sweaters are perfect choices for evening travel. Cardigans offer another adorable and plush extra layer, while organic cotton stretch pants and fleece lined leggings will help them to stay relaxed in the car. If you need even more warmth and coziness at night, add a blanket on top.
- Warm Up the Baby Nursery
Make small changes to your baby nursery to keep your child warm and comfortable during winter. Look for cracks in window frames and use draft stoppers on any doors connected to exterior portions of the home. Thick window curtains can help to keep cold air out of your child’s room. Plush rugs will warm up flooring without carpeting. Cozy baby bedding will set a foundation for a restful night. Stock up on flannel fitted crib sheets in cute colors and prints.
Check your home’s thermostat before the family goes to sleep. Adjust the temperature and then watch the gauge in the baby’s room to ensure the house stays toasty without overheating. Video baby monitors come with temperature sensors to provide parents with peace of mind. Buying one of these models lets you see how warm it is without having to leave your bedroom.
Source: Natalia Bostnan/Shutterstock.com
Keep Your Baby Cozy This Winter
A combination of the warmest baby clothes and the softest bedding materials can help to keep your child warmer while they sleep. Small seasonal changes to your home and your nursery can also make a big difference. When your child is cozier at night, they will sleep better. You will also get more of the rest you need. Many of these tips can still be used when your baby becomes a toddler. Yearly adjustments will always be necessary, but they will be worth it when you and your family feel more comfortable.