For indoors, use a wearable blanket, sleep sack or footed pajamas. Keep the temperature in the baby's room between 65 to 68 degrees F. You can also use a space heater, but be very careful and keep it at least 3 feet away from the crib.
Feeding Time
Breastfeeding moms, keep feeding on demand. For bottle feeding, offer a bit more formula than usual, as babies need extra calories to stay warm. Have a bottle warmer to heat bottles, or hold the bottle under warm running water for a few minutes until lukewarm before feeding.
Bathing and Diapering
Limit baths to every 2-3 days in winter and keep the water lukewarm. Moisturize baby's skin with fragrance-free lotion, especially after bathing while skin is still damp. Use overnight diapers and a thick diaper rash cream with zinc oxide to prevent and heal diaper rash.
The most important things are to dress your baby appropriately for the weather, keep the environment warm, continue feeding as usual, limit time outside in extreme cold, and watch your baby for signs they may be too cold like shivering, bright red skin, or unusual sleepiness. With some extra TLC, you'll all stay cozy this winter.
Use a Cool Mist Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier can be a lifesaver for your baby during cold winter months. Dry air can irritate a baby's sensitive skin and cause congestion. A humidifier adds moisture to the air to keep your little one comfortable.
• Choose a humidifier made for baby care that has an automatic shut off for safety. A cool mist model is best since warm mist could overheat the room. Place the humidifier at least 3 feet away from the crib.
• Run the humidifier continuously on the medium setting. This will keep the humidity in the ideal range of 40 to 50 percent. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity and make adjustments. Too much humidity can lead to mold growth.
• Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits and the growth of bacteria, germs or mold. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfecting the unit. Neglecting to clean a humidifier can spread pollutants and allergens in the air.
• Consider using distilled or demineralized water in the humidifier instead of tap water. Distilled water is very pure and less likely to leave mineral residue behind in the unit or release impurities into the air. However, if using distilled water, be sure to occasionally run a diluted bleach solution through the humidifier to prevent bacterial growth.
• Look for signs that the humidity level is adequate like condensation on the windows, moisture on the walls near the crib or a hygrometer reading in the target range. If the room feels damp or musty, the humidity may be too high. Adjust the setting down and open a window to air out and balance the humidity.
Keeping the air in your baby's room comfortably moist during winter will help them sleep better and stay healthy. Don't hesitate to call your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's health or the humidifier.
Conclusion
You've got the essentials now to keep your little one cozy during their first winter. Focus on dressing them appropriately for the temperature, limiting outdoor time in extreme cold, and using a humidifier to keep the air moist. Don't forget to wash your hands and anyone else's who handles the baby to avoid spreading germs. Their immune system is still developing, so take extra precautions. Most of all, snuggle up together inside and enjoy this special time. Before you know it, your baby won't want to cuddle as much. Stay warm, keep them close, and cherish these early months. The cold weather will pass, but the memories you make this winter will last forever.
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