Winter is coming… Even though you've explained in the article on "How to protect your baby from winter viruses" that a poor outfit won't make your little one sick, you still fear that he might be cold.
Is he sufficiently dressed? Or on the contrary not enough? How to ensure that your baby has enough warmth in his stroller during winter? Shall we take stock together?
Why wear warm clothing in winter?
Generally speaking, wearing turns out to be more practical on a daily basis, and this is even more true when winter is beginning. Winter means cold and bad weather…
Ah the joys of the stroller and its rain cover with obscure installation, which leaves us completely perplexed (and soaked!): we never know which way this thing goes! And anyway, except for some models, the stroller requiring 2 hands to maneuver, it rules out using an umbrella to shelter yourself. Does that sound familiar?
More generally, the farther away your baby is from you, the harder it is to assess his comfort. When you carry him, he is in your contact and it’s easier to make sure he has adequate warmth regularly and to know how to dress him.
Finally, some activities are simply incompatible with using a stroller. Going away for the weekend to the mountains? Wheels and snow don’t mix well, for example.
Covering baby in his carrier system…
To keep his baby warm enough, one might be tempted to wrap him up in a snowsuit or thick clothing and a big coat. In fact, this is the first reflex most people will have to protect their little one from the cold.
Totally counter-intuitive, it is actually the opposite of what is recommended.
Why?
- The thickness of clothing affects the proper fit of the baby carriers, making carrying uncomfortable and potentially less safe.
- It can also compress the joints and hinder proper blood circulation in the legs, as well as obstruct breathing.
- It keeps your baby away from your body, which prevents the thermoregulation mechanisms from working properly and modulating heat according to his needs: he will suffer more easily from the cold.
We also add that if you place your baby over your coat
, in addition to being very uncomfortable and feeling particularly constricted in your jacket, the buttons or decorations on it could hurt your little one.
For a baby carrier, it is therefore recommended to dress your baby normally, as if indoors. The carrying system counts as an extra layer of clothing (if outside of carrying your baby was wearing a small jacket, for example, the carrying scarf will replace the jacket). Your little one thus benefits from the thermoregulation of your own body, which helps him stay warm against you.
It is also advised to cover what extends from the baby carrier and is more likely to get cold: a hat for the head, leggings and booties for the legs. Hands are generally tucked between him and you and your baby would hardly appreciate not being able to put them back in his mouth at will, so let’s leave them alone!
… and wrap yourself in a cozy blanket
Once your little one is dressed (normally, then) and settled in his baby carrier, the wearer can put on their usual coat and wrap their baby in a soft carrying blanket!
The carrying blanket allows you to naturally retain the warmth generated by your body and that of your baby, like inside a bubble. No risk of suffering from the cold! Our blanket also features a windproof and water-repellent softshell layer, preventing icy air from seeping into the clothing and causing an unpleasant sensation.
Essential for winter, it adapts to your daily needs. You go into a store? Just detach it to reveal your little one and avoid him getting too hot during shopping.
Universal, it attaches to all baby carriers and can be used just as well by mom or dad.
Is it REALLY cold? If the temperatures become very very low, around -10°C, -15°C or even less, don’t hesitate to opt for woolen clothing, or a blend of wool and silk. Very thin and flexible, they thermoregulate and can pleasantly complement your little ones’ winter outfits. Rest assured, merino wool has nothing to do with the wool of our childhood: it is soft and doesn’t itch!
What to watch for when carrying your baby in winter?
Despite these little tips do you have some concerns? Don't panic! We provide you with a small checklist of points to watch during the walk:
- Clear respiratory pathways: even if it's cold, breathing well is always a priority! Resist the temptation to pull up coats and blankets behind the little ones’ heads, not higher than the neck, and their face should remain visible.
- If the walk lasts longer, regularly move the extremities and possibly massage them a bit, to properly activate blood circulation.
- Is it freezing cold? Maybe it's better to shorten the hike! Remember that if you warm up when walking because you are active, your baby is passive in their carrying system and may get cold if external conditions are too harsh.
And outside of carrying, how to cover the baby?
Did you know? It’s not just in carrying that thick clothing is prohibited, it’s also in car seats!
To stay well protected in case of shock, your baby needs to be securely held in the seat, so the straps should be relatively tight on them (they shouldn’t be pinched). If they are wearing a coat or a suit, the straps will be adjusted not on their body but on the padding. In case of an accident, this padding will flatten, and since the straps can no longer do their job, the baby risks being ejected.
By the way, in a car there is heating, after the first few minutes after departure, it generally feels good and the suit is no longer really necessary!
Again, the 3-in-1 blanket is a good asset: placed at the bottom of the seat, it has an opening designed to pass the straps, which will allow you to attach your little one, then if necessary, fold it over them until the temperature rises enough in the cabin to uncover them.
In a stroller, it’s up to you to choose between blanket/footmuff and suit! The suit has the disadvantage of considerably restricting your child's movements, while the footmuff is less covering. If you have both, don’t hesitate to test to see what your little one prefers.
The cold can arrive, are you ready to face it?
