At home, on a walk or on cold nights, protecting your baby from the cold without weighing him down requires a few well-thought-out tips. Alice Malbois, childcare nurse, shares her tips for keeping your little one warm all winter.
When the thermometer drops, every parent fears that their baby will catch a cold. But the secret doesn’t just lie in piling on layers of clothing. There are simple steps to keep your baby at the right temperature. First of all at home, even if you have the heating on, it is important to dress your baby in appropriate seasonal clothing. “If you feel that he has cold skin, skin to skin is a very good alternative to warm baby with your body heat“, advises Alice Malbois, childcare nurse. In winter, depending on the ambient temperature at home, opt for an outfit consisting of a long-sleeved bodysuit, a small sweater or cardigan, pants, socks or slippers for keep baby warm.
To go outside with baby in winter, it is better to avoid walks “when temperatures are significantly below seasonal norms”recommends the nurse. In any case, always remember to cover him well by protecting his head, ears, hands and feet, and choose suitable outdoor clothing: footmuff or combipilot for the stroller, blanket or carrying coat for physiological carrying . Gloves, hat, scarf and shoes are also essential. Our advice: beanies with two panels that cover the ears well and close under the chin. And if you enter a store or your car, uncover your baby to prevent him from getting too hot.
At night too, baby must be protected from the cold, even if your home is heated. Before putting him to bed, check the temperature in his room so that he can sleep in the best conditions. This must be between 18 and 20°C, no more and no less. In this room, maintain the correct humidity level and ventilate it at least twice a day, in the morning and at the end of the day, for example when the baby is not in the room.
As for outfits, choose a long-sleeved bodysuit or pajamas and a TOG 2 sleeping bag adapted to the season. Avoid blankets in bed to prevent the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; If the temperature drops, choose a warmer sleeping bag or pajamas. Overall, choose soft and breathable materials like cotton for comfort.
