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8 must-haves for a baby with a cold
by Myrtha Brunner
Jäckli on, Jäckli off
14.3.2017
Translation: machine translated
It's not really winter anymore - but there's no sign of spring yet. This poses the question for some parents: What do I wear for my baby? We have a few tips.
The weather has just been pleasantly mild, but as soon as the sun has gone, it's already bitterly cold again. One thing is certain: a walk is good for the little ones too, and often you can't avoid going outside. There are a few things to bear in mind so that babies don't get too cold (or too warm):
How do I know if my baby is cold?
Cold hands and feet are not uncommon in babies and do not necessarily mean that they are cold. The body temperature can be determined more reliably at the nape of the neck: If the skin feels cool, you should dress your little one a little warmer, if the neck is very warm and moist, it is probably too warm.
How old does my baby have to be before I can take him outside?
Well protected from the wind with a hat and a cover on the pram, you can take your baby for a walk just a few days after birth. If it is very cold, it is advisable to limit the outing to half an hour at first and only extend it later.
What clothing is best for the transitional season?
From the warm suburban railway to the bitterly cold playground and then back to the heated library - it's a good idea to dress your baby or toddler in several layers during the cooler months of the year. The air between the layers keeps the child warm, and on the tram or bus you can leave off the top layer or at least open the jacket and take off the little hat. Wool-silk blend bodysuits are temperature-regulating and keep the skin dry. Cotton, on the other hand, keeps the baby pleasantly cool in summer, but is only suitable to a limited extent in the cool season; the material does not release moisture and remains wet when the baby sweats. Hats are also a must in the transitional period, as we lose a lot of heat through our heads and it is essential that they cover the ears. Gloves, on the other hand, are optional, especially as many babies take them off again anyway. We recommend ones that are tied with a ribbon and won't get lost. If your little one doesn't want to put their mittens on, you can pull the jacket sleeves over their hands a little longer.
How should my pushchair be equipped?
A sheepskin keeps the pram warm and has a temperature-regulating effect. You can use a normal sheepskin in combination with a standard footmuff or you can choose the footmuff model with integrated lambskin directly. With both options, the baby will be warm enough if they wear tights or long johns underneath - and a warm jacket if their upper body is exposed. If the baby does not want a footmuff, lined trousers and a fleece or woollen blanket will suffice. If the car is parked in the cold entrance to the house, you can take the infant carrier inside or warm up the lying surface with a hot water bottle or a cherry stone cushion before use. For longer car journeys, the child should not be dressed too warmly, but should wear the same clothes as at home. If you are still worried that they will get too cold, put a light blanket over their legs. Even in the sling, the baby should not be dressed too warmly, as it receives sufficient warmth from the mother's or father's body. However, it is important that the adult's jacket can be closed around the baby to protect it from the wind. And don't forget a hat!
Do I need to moisturise my baby?
Creams should only be used sparingly in the first few months of a baby's life. If the skin is very dry or red, a little Vaseline or wind and weather cream will suffice. Sun cream with UV protection should be avoided as far as possible in the first year of life. Babies should not be exposed to the sun for long periods of time during this period anyway.
How should my baby's bedroom be furnished?
The ideal temperature in a child's bedroom is between 18 and 20 degrees. Most homes are warmer these days. If the baby sleeps in a winter sleeping bag, a long-sleeved body is sufficient, otherwise a light pyjama or romper suit is fine. If the air in the room is very dry or the baby has a cold, it is advisable to humidify the air a little. If you don't want to put a device in the room for this purpose, you can also place a wet and wrung out gauze cloth next to the baby's bed.
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A passionate journalist and mother of two sons who moved from Zurich to Lisbon with her husband in 2014. Does her writing in cafés and appreciates that life has been treating her well in general. <br><a href="http://uemityoker.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">uemityoker.wordpress.com</a>
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