Baby, Baby advice, Baby Care, Blog

How to Keep Your Newborn Warm and Safe in Cold Weather

Ah, winter or cold weather – the season of hot chocolate, fluffy blankets, and questioning every life decision that led you to leave the house with a baby in 10°C weather. If you’re a new parent facing your first cold season with a tiny human who can’t say “I’m cold” (but can scream like they invented it), don’t worry. You’ve got this – and I’ve got you.
Here’s your fun, fact-filled, fluff-free guide to keeping your newborn warm and safe this chilly season.
🍼 1. Layer Like a Lasagna (But With Fewer Calories)
When it comes to dressing your newborn, think layers. The general rule? Dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing. So if you’ve got on a T-shirt and a sweater, your baby might rock a onesie, footed pajamas, and a cozy blanket sleeper.

Keep baby warm in cold weather

But beware of the puff! Over-bundling can lead to overheating, which is just as risky as getting too cold.

Pro Tip: If baby’s neck feels sweaty or hot, peel off a layer. If their chest feels cold, add one. Hands and feet? Often cold – and that’s totally normal.

🌬️ 2. Mind the Great Indoors
Surprise! Indoors can be just as tricky as outside. Your home should be kept at a comfortable 18–21°C (64–70°F) for babies. Anything warmer, and you’re basically hosting a baby sauna.

Avoid electric heaters and hot water bottles – they can cause burns or dry out the room (and baby skin).

🧼 Use a humidifier to fight dry winter air, and keep baby’s skin smooth enough to rival a skincare influencer.

🚗 3. Car Seats Are Not Puffy Jacket Friendly
Strapping your baby into a car seat wearing a thick winter jacket is a no-go. Bulky clothes create extra space under the straps, meaning your baby isn’t secure in case of a sudden stop.

Instead:

‌Dress baby in warm layers, strap them in snugly

‌Add a blanket over the straps

‌Use a car seat cover made for safety (not a puffy sleeping bag-style one under the baby)

‌Think safety first. Cozy doesn’t mean cushy.

🧣 4. Cover the Extremities (Hats Are Baby Crowns)
Most heat escapes from the head – even in babies. Pop on a soft hat that covers their ears when outdoors. Mittens, socks, and booties are also a must – unless you enjoy endless games of “Where did that sock go?”

🎩 Stylish tip: Baby hats are the only acceptable way to make your newborn look like a gnome and get away with it.

🛏️ 5. Safe Sleeping, Even When It’s Cold
It’s tempting to load up the crib with thick blankets and cuddly teddy bears. Resist the urge. Your baby’s bed should be a no-frills, safety-first zone.

Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose covers

Keep the crib away from windows or drafts

Don’t put hats or mittens on baby while they sleep

Remember: A safe baby is a snug baby. And a snug baby is more likely to let you sleep. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully.

👩‍⚕️ 6. Know the Signs of “Too Cold” and “Too Warm”
Babies can’t regulate their body temperature like adults. Keep an eye out:
Too cold? Pale skin, cool belly, fussy baby

Too warm? Red face, sweating, rapid breathing

Use the “touch test” – chest and back are the best indicators of body temp, not hands or feet.

☕ 7. Take Care of You, Too
It’s hard to keep anyone else warm if you’re running on cold coffee and 4 hours of sleep. So bundle up, rest when baby naps (yes, really), and ask for help when you need it.

Because while winter can be tough, you’re tougher – and way more stylish in thermal leggings.

❄️ Final Thoughts
Cold weather doesn’t have to be scary when you’re armed with the right knowledge (and a really good baby beanie). Keep it simple: layer smart, monitor the temp, and prioritize safety over Instagram-worthy winter outfits.

So go ahead – sip that hot drink, swaddle your baby burrito-style, and enjoy those precious snowy snuggles. You’ve got this.

Leave a comment