When snowflakes start swirling around the skies, you might feel compelled to introduce your baby to the unfolding winter wonderland. You can finally take them on their first sleigh ride or introduce them to the magic of snow angels.

But before you both traverse the snow, you’ll want to ensure they have the proper baby clothes.

Keeping babies warm and comfortable is vital, and a snowy forecast (while fun) can make dressing for the day more involved. However, having winter newborn essentials and by learning how to dress a baby for snow days, you can feel confident in your baby’s health as the snow piles up.

Become a winter pro and let it snow!

Dressing Your Little One for a Winter Wonderland

The key for anyone to stay warm in the winter, babies included? Layers, layers, layers.

Yes, we said it three times—but that’s because it’s an excellent rule to live by. When dressing your baby for the cold, you should choose three articles to promote warm, fuzzy feelings.

From the bottom layer to the top, we’ve got:¹

• Tight, thin layer – This first layer should cling to your baby so that they can keep their body heat close. A bodysuit or a tight shirt paired with leggings can do the trick.

• Cozy layer – Next, dress your baby in something soft, comfortable, and warm. Try a long sleeve shirt, knit sweater, or flannel to keep the cold at bay. Opt for breathable material, as it may save your baby from overheating.

• Snow jacket – Finally, finish their snow-proof outfit with a water-repellent baby jacket that features plenty of insulation. The tightly-woven material should keep your baby feeling plenty warm. If you’re planning on making snow angels, grab some baby pants for winter as well.

Your baby’s core temperature should stay consistent with three layers of warmth. However, you need to ensure their other appendages have proper coverage.

Keep Their Tiny Toes Warm, Too

Shoes and socks are one of the most important baby travel essentials. While dressing a baby can feel like putting together a wiggly puzzle, it’s important to also keep their little toes warm. Whether inside or out in the frosty front yard, your baby’s socks should:

• Consist of warm material such as wool
• Feel dry (bring an extra pair of socks to swap out in case they get wet)
• Fit snugly without being tight

In addition, the right footwear can help ensure your little one’s feet stay warm and dry—after all, a water-resistant jacket won’t protect their toes from snow. Opt for booties with the following:

• A waterproof exterior
• A warm inner lining
• Plenty of toe-wiggling room

Remember not to smother your baby’s feet with too-tight shoes, as it could cause developmental issues down the line.² When in doubt, flexible and roomy footwear should serve you well (and hopefully last a little longer for your growing child).

Other Accessories to Stay Toasty

Don’t head out the door quite yet. We need to add a few finishing touches to your baby’s winter outfit before they’re ready to play.

Make sure your baby’s covered from head to toe by adding the following:

• A warm baby hat – Covering their ears and head can go a long way toward trapping in body heat.

• Mittens – When keeping those little fingers warm, mittens promote heat better than gloves.³

• An extra blanket – Whether you’re just venturing out to admire the snow drifts or you’re teaching them how to build their first snowman, it never hurts to have some extra baby blankets on hand.

Once your baby is completely covered, you can prepare the stroller and embark on your winter journey.

What Temperature Is Too Cold For A Baby?

While babies can spend some time admiring the snow outdoors when properly dressed, you should also familiarize yourself with some cold-weather guidelines for little ones.

Babies lose body heat rapidly due to their lack of body fat and inability to shiver.¹ Therefore, you should make sure you plan to do the following when planning an excursion:

• Avoid extreme cold – If the temperature reads -15 degrees Fahrenheit, avoid going outside.³ Drastically cold temperatures and wind chill can freeze a baby’s skin in mere minutes. In such conditions, you should only expose your baby to cold weather for short spurts of time (perhaps from the house to a pre-heated car).

• Watch for warning signs – Babies can develop hypothermia much faster than children and adults.⁴ When taking your little one outside, look for signs of hypothermia, such as low energy or red, cold skin. Also watch out for fingers, toes, or ears that start looking white or gray—this is one of the first signs of frostbite.

• Monitor outdoor time – When dressed appropriately, older babies and toddlers can play outside for about 20 to 30 minutes. Give them a short break inside to warm up and recharge their batteries—the perfect time for a snack break or hot chocolate.

When it comes to babies and newborns, you can never be too careful. Give them a chance to enjoy the winter weather without risking freezing fingers or sniffly noses.

Keep Warm with Monica + Andy

You don't need to let a little cold weather stand in the way of you and your baby's bonding time. By taking the necessary precautions and having the nursery must haves for winter, you can teach your little snow angel about the wonders of wintertime.

Explore every wonderful moment with Monica + Andy.

Whether your baby's experiencing winter for the first time or they’re a school-aged snow day lover, you can keep their spirits shining bright. Between adorable baby pajamas and cozy outerwear, you can ensure your child feels warm and loved morning, noon, and night.

Sources:

1. Parents. Baby’s First Winter: 8 Ways to Protect Newborns in Cold Weather. https://www.parents.com/baby/health/babys-first-winter-a-survival-guide/
2. Better Health Channel. Children’s Feet and Shoes. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/childrens-feet-and-shoes
3. What to Expect. How to Protect Babies and Toddlers in the Snow. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/protecting-kids-from-extreme-cold
4. Connecticut State Department of Public Health. Frostbite and Hypothermia. https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Crisis-and-Emergency-Risk-Communication/Frostbite-and-Hypothermia