Having a baby in cold weather is an entirely different ballgame than in the hot summer months. I wanted to spend a little time with you explaining some of the winter newborn must-haves that you’re going to want.
It doesn’t matter if you live in an area with mild winters or really cold winters, you will want to be prepared. Let’s get started so you can get the essentials to keep your baby nice and cozy.
Winter Newborn Must-Haves
One way to think about your baby and winter is that if you’re cold, your baby is probably cold too. Actually, even if you aren’t cold, there is still a chance that your baby is chilly. They lose heat faster than adults and can get cold quickly. Take a look at these items you will want to keep on hand.
1. Fleece Sleepsack
If you happen to have a baby that doesn’t like to be swaddled or they have gotten too big for it, a fleece sleepsack is perfect for you. Because you shouldn’t cover your baby with a blanket, it’s vital to have them dressed warm enough for bedtime. A light onesie, along with the sleepsack, should be warm enough without overheating your baby.
Just make sure that your baby doesn’t get too hot when he sleeps. If you notice the baby is sweating or has really flushed cheeks, you should remove the sleepsack to something lightweight.
2. Socks
Babies lose a lot of their body heat through their heads and feet. It’s vital to keep their tiny feet warm and cozy. Keep lots of socks on hand because they are so tiny they are bound to get lost. And even though your child is still a baby, somehow they always manage to kick them off no matter where you are.
They sell all sorts of adorable baby socks, and they aren’t expensive. If you aren’t into cute socks, you could just get an ample supply of white socks; then you don’t have to worry when one goes missing.
3. Hats
Again, a baby can quickly lose their body heat from their head. Keep them warm and snuggly by placing a soft hot on their head. This is important for being indoors as well as outdoors. Choose something that is fleece, knitted or cotton. It should be soft and comfortable to wear. Make sure it doesn’t push too hard on your baby’s delicate head. Plus, your baby will look even cuter (if that’s possible) wearing an adorable knitted hat.
4. Mittens
Using mittens will serve two purposes. First, they will keep your little one’s hands warm. They are adorable too! But also, they will keep your baby from scratching her face. Nothing is sadder than a baby with little scratches on her face.
5. Baby Carrier
You can’t go wrong with using a baby carrier any time of year. But it’s for sure one of the best winter newborn must-haves. Your baby will be able to stay nice and warm when he is snuggled up next to you. He can use your body heat to stay cozy in the baby carrier.
6. Carseat Cover
Carseat covers are so important in the winter. They are made of thick fabric and usually have fleece on the inside. Thankfully, they can prevent the harsh winter wind from getting your baby cold. I wouldn’t go without a good quality carseat cover in the winter.
7. Humidifier
Using a humidifier in the winter will help your baby breathe better. I recommend using one all day and evening to keep plenty of moisture in the air. The most miserable thing you can go through is when your baby is sick. Using a humidifier will be a fantastic aid in preventing sickness and helping them once they do get sick.
8. Footed Pajamas
When you put your newborn in footed pajamas, you don’t have to worry about losing socks in the night. You can simply put your baby in the pajamas, and he will be able to stay warm and sleep great. (hopefully, sleep great) Not to mention the fact that who can resist an adorable newborn in footie pajamas?
9. NoseFrieda
Unfortunately, winter often means lots of runny noses. If you haven’t heard of a NoseFrieda, you have been missing out! Forget those blue booger sucker that causes your baby to freak out! Using a NoseFrieda is actually super easy. You just insert the portion for the baby’s nose then start sucking. This will move the snot out of the nose much quicker and more efficiently than anything else. Yes, it might look kind of yucky, but when do boogers ever not look gross?
10. Moisturizer
It’s essential to keep your babies skin soft and smooth in the winter. Just like adults, the harsh weather zaps skin and sucks the moisture right out of it. Using some lotion daily to keep your baby’s skin healthy and soft.
11.Boogie Wipes
Winters are rough for babies! With any lucky, you won’t your baby won’t have many colds as a newborn in part from the antibodies they get from your breastmilk; however, boogie wipes or water wipes are the softest thing you can wipe their nose with when they do contract a cold (and are a lot gentler than diaper ones!)
12. Hand Sanitizer
Winter babies are often born smack dab in the middle of flu season. It’s best to encourage washing hands whenever someone enters your house; but, it’s often easier to just have hand sanitizer out as a visual reminder for visitors. There are plenty of eco-friendly hand sanitizers that are soft on hands and good for fighting infections.
13. Booties
Newborns often have cold feet and hands due to poor circulation. There is no cause for alarm. As their circulation systems get more efficient, their hands and feet will warm up. However, to keep their little tootsies warm, I use these booties. I’ve had a February baby, an April baby, and two summer babies and these booties lasted for all four! They are the only ones that stay on!
14. Room Thermometer
Even in our 1980s house, the temperature can vary as much as 5-10 degrees room to room and floor to floor. Rather than worry that your baby is too hot or too cold in their nursery, get an inexpensive room thermometer. Some fancy baby monitors have one built-in so you can use that, otherwise, you can just use an inexpensive one! Look for a room temperature 66-74 degrees ideally.
15. Vitamin D Drops
All of my children take vitamin D drops and newborns are no exception! Exclusively breastfed babies need D3 drops to supplement a natural deficiency. Just dab a small drop on your finger, and put it in their mouth before a feeding. They’ll never even notice!
16. Softest blankets
There’s nothing better than snuggling up under a cozy blanket. While babies can’t sleep with loose blankets until they are over 12 months old, they can be useful for lying on around the house, and keeping them warm when you are holding them. Chenille blankets are particularly soft and easy to wash (plus, they are much cheaper than cashmere!)