How to Dress a Baby for Winter

Winter weather can be hard on everyone. Infants are especially vulnerable to the changing wintertime conditions. Wet, cold weather is a fact of life for people in many regions during the winter months. Learning how to choose the right types of clothing is vital to health and safety. Babies cannot regulate their body temperature as easily as adults do. They must be kept warm to ward off illnesses. Dressing a little one appropriately for unpredictable weather can be difficult, but you can make sure that your baby is warm and cozy all year long.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Long Sleeved Jumper
• Pants
• Socks
• Shoes
• Jacket
• Blankets
• Diapers

1. Change your baby before dressing her. A clean, dry diaper will keep your baby as comfortable as possible.

2. Slip the long jumper over your baby’s head. It should simply be a long-sleeved bodysuit for your baby. They are a staple for most parents, and the long-sleeved type should be used during cold weather. It offers a little extra warmth,

3. Put your baby’s socks on her feet. Pull her pants over her legs. Infant socks are designed with wide elastic bands to prevent your child from kicking them off. Putting her socks on first will prevent any rolling or gaps between her pants.

4. Slide your baby’s shoes on before leaving the house. Socks are normally enough to keep his feet warm while indoors, but shoes will prevent wind or moisture from causing discomfort while outside. Many styles of infant shoes are available for winter. Boots and tennis shoes are recommended for ultimate protection.

5. Place your baby’s jacket on over the rest of her outfit. Zip or button it. Securing her coat will keep the elements from reaching her skin. The jacket should be heavy enough to keep out the wind and prevent your baby from getting chilled.

6. Wrap you baby in a warm blanket before leaving the house. You can wrap your baby up before you place him in his car seat as well, adding an extra layer of protection for your baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only correctly sized clothes on your baby. Outfits that are too large or too small will not provide your infant the protection she needs.
• Avoid bringing your baby outdoors for very long if it is snowing or storming. Although dressing warmly is a great first step, it is not enough protection against harsh elements.