Keeping your baby warm in the winter season
Zurich, on 16.10.2017
Translation: Eva Francis
We’re approaching the time of the year when temperatures decrease to zero degrees and below. Shivering legs and freezing cold hands are guaranteed. Babies are more sensitive to temperature than adults are, as they don’t move as much. This makes it even more important to make sure your little one stays warm in the winter.
Two ways to take your baby on a warm walk
A mother's womb is a warm and cosy place. That’s why babies feel most comfortable cuddled up tightly and wrapped up warmly. When you’re going for a walk outside, there are two ways of doing this: either carrying your baby or adding extra padding to the pushchair. Baby carriers or baby slings are great to have your little one close to you. Combined with a baby carrying jacket, your body heat is sure to keep both of you warm. Alternatively, there are excellent pushchair gadgets: Sheepskins, footmuffs, blankets and weather protection will ensure the pushchair is a warm and cosy place.
Layered clothing
Dressing in layers is a winter must-do. It’s a great way of staying flexible and adjusting to changing temperatures; if the sun comes out, you’re travelling by car or entering a warm room, just take one layer of clothing off and your baby will feel comfortable without getting too warm. Dressing your baby with one layer more than you’re wearing yourself is a good rule of thumb. The layers might be:
- Layer 1: a baby bodysuit with long sleeves
- Layer 2: baby trousers and a top
- Layer 3: a baby fleece jacket or a baby cardigan and a pair of warmer trousers on top. Alternatively, go for a warm baby overall
- Layer 4: a baby winter jacket and ski bottoms or simply a ski overall
- Layer 5: a hat, a scarf, gloves and baby boots
More protection against wind and weather
Snow, wind and dry air can strain your baby’s skin. Oily wind and weather creams protect the skin from drying out and cracking. In addition to a hat, a scarf, gloves and baby boots, have a pair of sun glasses handy, as babies have very sensitive eyes and can’t see anything if the sun reflects in the snow. One last thing: before you put your baby in the pushchair, why not pad it with a thermo cushion or a hot-water bottle. A thermo cushion is a great addition to the footmuffs. Don’t use a hot-water bottle for this, as it could leak and cause burns.
Keeping yourself warm
Let’s be honest: It’s not enough to keep your baby warm, you also need good gear, or you won’t enjoy taking a winter walk. Equipped with a warm coffee or tea mug and wrapped up in warm clothing, it might well turn into a winter wonderland walk. Season’s greetings!
Myrtha Brunner
Editor, Zurich
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.