6 Tips for Newborn Winter Care

No matter the season, caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. But when the season is winter, well, that adds another (warm and furry) layer of stress to the situation! Freezing temperatures, slippery sidewalks, germ-laden strangers, and the threat of high winds are enough to keep any first-time parent and their new baby in hibernation until spring. But there is no need! From the common cold to low temperatures, here's how to keep your newborn safe and healthy all winter long.

Tip #1: Prevent Dry Skin

Newborns have a thinner and weaker skin barrier than older children, making them more prone to the dry, itchy, scaly skin that's often associated with winter's cold temperatures, low humidity, and dry indoor heat. In order to protect the delicate skin of newborns, it is best to take a bath every three days. (Water dries out baby's skin even more.) Keep the tub at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit and take baby out after 5 minutes. (Older babies can cut the bath time down to 10 minutes, but no longer!) After patting small patches dry, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer all over your body. Be aware that sticky, ointment moisturizers lock in moisture better than face creams. Reapply often!

Tip #2: Don't Crank the Heat

Set the thermostat to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. While you naturally want your baby to be cozy and warm in the winter, it's never a good idea to turn the heat up too high. Yes, your newborn's skin may be dry, but more importantly, your baby may overheat, which can make them uncomfortable, interfere with their sleep...and increase the risk of infant death in sleep (SIDS). In fact, babies are at higher risk of SIDS during the winter months. The best way to keep your baby safe and warm while they sleep is to layer them in an extra layer of clothing. (Diapers are not a layer.) Cotton or muslin pajamas paired with a lightweight swaddle blanket or sleeping bag made of breathable mesh. Remember: put all loose blankets in the baby's sleeping area and let the baby sleep on his back.

Tip #3: Enjoy the Outdoors This Way

Newborns don't have the ability to regulate their core temperature; they lack the shiver reflex to raise their body temperature in the cold; and they don't have enough fat to do so. But that doesn’t mean you and your family should stay indoors all season! It's important to get outside and play with your baby. In fact, just 20 minutes in nature can be enough to improve well-being, something any new parent can take advantage of. Also, babies who were outdoors and exposed to natural light slept better than babies who weren't. Just follow these rules:

• Check the temperature. If it's below freezing outside, limit your newborn's outdoor time to quick short trips, such as commuting to and from the comfort of a car.

  
  

• Embrace layers. Newborns and babies need layers of clothing to keep them warm and comfortable. Start with a long-sleeved cotton bodysuit, then add soft pants, socks and a sweatshirt or sweater. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an extra layer of clothing is usually best for your baby. (Peel off a layer if your baby finds it too hot.)

  
  

• Bundle up! If you're wearing a winter coat, your newborn should be wearing a coat or snowsuit. Because the ears, hands, and feet of newborns are the areas most prone to frostbite, be sure to keep them covered.

  
  

• Add a blanket. Out and about in the stroller? Tuck a blanket around your newborn or use a stroller bunting.

  
  

• Wear your baby. With a baby carrier, your own body heat keeps baby warm, so an extra sweater or sweatshirt may not be needed. Be sure to keep baby's head and feet covered and comfortable, as baby loses a lot of heat there. Keep checking on your baby to make sure their face isn't against your chest...or their own. (Baby's neck should be straight and the chin should be raised.)

Tip #4: Be Car Seat Smart

Do you remember how you swaddled your baby? If you're going to strap them into a car seat...now is the time to let go. In general, bulky winter coats and snow suits should not be worn under a car seat belt. You see, the force of a car accident can instantly crush your baby's snowsuit, leaving extra space under the straps, endangering your precious little one. No matter what your baby is wearing, if you can pinch the straps of the seat belt, it needs to be tightened and snug against your lovely chest. To keep them warm on the go, secure your baby in a car seat and place a blanket over their lower body. Just be sure to take it off after the car has warmed up so you don't overheat your baby.

Tip #5: Know the Warning Signs

It's the delicate balance of making sure your baby isn't too cold...or too hot with all the winter packing! Touch your child's ears and neck. If their ears are red and hot and their neck is sweaty, it means the baby is too hot. Try removing a layer of clothing; offering breast milk or formula; and soaking your baby in warm or cool water with a sponge. However, if symptoms do not improve, contact your pediatrician. To tell if your child is too cold, place your hand on their back, chest or belly. If your baby is cool to the touch, wrap them in another layer of clothing to keep them warm. However, if you suspect that a baby who is too cold has entered the danger zone of frostbite, apply a warm washcloth to the baby's cold ears, nose, or lips for a few minutes; dry the baby; swaddle; then offer warm breast milk or formula. And, if your baby's symptoms haven't changed, call your pediatrician again.

Tip #6: Keep Germs at Bay

For newborns, the best defense against the common cold is to stay away from people who are sick and have a runny nose. This is especially true in winter, when more people are sick. While the common cold is usually a mild illness in older children, it can quickly cause serious problems in babies, such as bronchiolitis, croup, or pneumonia. If your baby is 3 months or younger, call your pediatrician at the first sign of illness. And help your newborn stay cold-free by doing the following:

• Breastfeed if possible. Breast milk gives your newborn a head start in preventing and fighting infections. Breastmilk contains antibodies, proteins, fats, sugars, and even white blood cells that can fight infection... even small amounts of supplemental formula can help.

  
  

• Handwashing. Do this often, and insist that your visitors do the same.

• Avoid crowds. While it's okay to take a newborn outside, you want to avoid crowds who may be coughing and sneezing.

   

• Vaccination. Make sure adults and children around the newborn are up to date with pertussis, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines (if applicable).

  
  

• Limit visitors. With a newborn, it's important to limit the guests to very close family and friends. And, if possible, minimize the newborn's exposure to older children.

As a first-time parent, don't be too nervous about your child in winter. If you have any doubts, you can always consult your doctor for advice.