How to Dress Infants in Winter

Winter is the season of strong winds and cold temperatures. Infants are unable to regulate their body temperature like adults, so they need to be kept secure and warm to prevent illness. In extreme winter temperatures, insufficient clothing can cause life threatening situations for infants. Follow these steps to dress your baby in cozy garments that will keep him warm all winter long.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Dress the infant in warm clothes before heading out of your home. The clothing should include a thick shirt, turtle neck sweater, thermal pant and jacket, warm socks, gloves, scarf and a hat.

2. Put an outfit on the baby which envelops him from the head to toe. Choose clothing that has a cap or hood with a covering for the ears to keep the infant's head, ears and neck extra warm.

3. Cover the infant with regular warm clothes when inside in the house. Although home temperatures are warmer than the outside air, take steps to keep the baby warm. Cover the baby in long, warm pajamas and put socks on his feet that do not slip off easily if he rubs his feet together.

4. Use mittens and a blanket. When you go outside for a stroll, cover the infant in a warm blanket and keep the hands covered in mittens. When you are indoors, leave out the mittens but keep the blanket on.

Tips & Warnings

• In a severe winter season with strong winds, avoid taking your infant outside if possible.
• Check the baby's diaper for wetness every half hour. Diaper dampness adds to cold related problems even if the baby is fully dressed for the season.
• Do not overdress the infant. Keep it simple and warm. If the baby seems flushed, remove some of the clothes.