Babies & Cold

Despite all these warnings, it can be great fun to take babies out in the cold. We took our girls out for a romp in the snow on New Year's Day and they loved it.

Of course, getting your little bundle ready is a lot of work. As any parent knows, often the bundling up and taking off of clothes takes more time than the actual outing! Here are some helpful hints:

Layers : This is the most important principle for enthusiasts of any age. The colder the weather, the more layers needed. Your baby will generally need more layers than you will, since he or she is not as active, therefore not producing as much heat.

Start with one-piece undershirts and work your way outward. Synthetics like fleece are better than cotton, which is deadly when wet. As outer layers on cold days, my twin girls wear fleece coveralls (which ensure more warmth than a coat and pants combo, for instance, which can let cold in through the cracks) inside a one-piece snowsuit. For really cold days, be sure the outermost layer is wind- and waterproof or water-resistant. A snowsuit with a nylon shell and a heat-generating inner layer like fleece or wool (stack layers so that itchy wool won't irritate your baby's skin) should do the trick.

Heads : Humans lose more heat through their heads than anywhere else. This is especially true for babies, who have proportionately bigger heads than adults. This translates into hats, hats, and more hats. Don't be afraid to use more than one hat, and hats inside hoods. For infants, always keep heads and faces protected, but be sure they can breathe! I like cozy-fitting fleece hats with earflaps, which protect the head, ears, and much of the neck. Velcro straps at the bottom of the hat are always a help keeping them on. This sort of hat makes a great combo with a hooded snowsuit. The fleece provides a warmth layer while the snowsuit helps keep out
any wind.

Hands, feet, and legs : All of these extremities are places where the body loses heat fast. For babies, use snowsuits and fleece coveralls that have coverings instead of openings for the hands and feet. Under the one-piece, use extra mittens, socks, tights, or long underwear in cold weather.

You'll typically want something wind- and waterproof as the outermost layer, and remember that whatever you use, little boots aren't always warm and often come
off easily.

Little legs : You and older children may feel great in a warm jacket, but babies and toddlers need extra layers on their legs since they don't move at all, or, in the case of toddlers, they don't move very fast. Don't forget to have extra layers on their legs, such as snowsuits, fleece, or wind pants. As part of the inner layering I find that thick leotards or tights help keep legs warm.