Survive Winter With Kids: 5 Tips to Protect Kids From Cold

‘Tis the season to be freezin’! It is normal to turn into a mama bear and want to protect your baby from the cold during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean that you should hibernate in your home with your baby the whole winter! It is important for babies and children to get fresh air, explore outdoors, learn new things, strengthen their immune systems, and socialize! 

Also, let’s not forget the biggest lesson we all have learned from the covid lockdowns: it’s self-care to go out into the world sometimes! Grocery runs, running errands, walks, and anything outdoors (while being safe) will help your mental and physical health for sure. Here are some tips to not only survive but thrive this winter with your baby!

1. Layers, Layers, Layers!

Remember the “onion look” from the movie Shrek? Winter babies are like onions; they have a lot of layers! Dress your little one in several thin, breathable layers instead of thick ones. Little ones have delicate and sensitive skin, making them more susceptible to temperature changes. Layering helps you regulate their body heat effectively, keeping them warm without overheating. By using multiple lightweight layers, you can easily adjust their clothing to indoor and outdoor temperatures, ensuring their comfort. These layers can be cotton or wool, depending on how cold it is where you live. 

Remember, the goal is to keep your baby comfortably warm, and layering provides a versatile and practical way to achieve this while keeping them safe and cozy throughout the winter season. Long sleeve onesies are great places to start, then you can put sweaters or other long-sleeved shirts on top, depending on the weather. 

2. Cold Heads, Warm Hearts

Babies lose heat faster than adults, and they lose most of their body heat from their heads! So, a nice and warm winter hat that stays in place and covers the ears is a must for your baby’s first winter! Also, mittens or gloves, waterproof and warm boots, and a warm coat will help your baby stay warm outside. Make sure that their face and mouths are comfortably open so that they can breathe easily. Remember to regularly check their necks to see if they’re sweating, though. Babies cannot warm themselves very much, and they are not particularly good at cooling themselves either. 

3. Skin Care Routine for Perfect Baby Skin

Protect that soft and addicting baby skin from getting dried out by the cold weather with moisturizers or wind & weather creams specialized for sensitive baby skin. Staying in cold temperatures and washing your baby too often will make the baby's skin dry faster. You don’t need to wash your baby daily, especially in the winter. Experts say that every other day or just two to three times a week is fine for giving a bath to your baby. 

4. Air Quality 

Get a cool-mist humidifier for your home. This helps add moisture to the dry air caused by the winter or the heaters at your home. It’s also good at helping your baby breathe better in case of a cold. It is good for the morning sore throats for everyone in the family!

5. The Most Important Tip: ENJOY!

Winter months can be hard for everyone, especially if you’re living in a place that gets dark quickly, or you’re at home a lot. Whether this is your baby’s first winter or the fifth, make sure to enjoy every moment and go easy on yourself! Remember to cherish each season instead of just waiting for them to pass by, complaining that it is “too cold” or “too hot.” You will have your ups and downs as a family, but you will be fine, as long as you want to be fine!