(Babies) it's cold outside !!!
It’s starting to get cold outside & one of the main concerns (or frustrations) this time of year is venturing out of the house with your baby. It feels good to be all cozied up in our warm homes, right? AND it’s also good to get out with your baby, even if it’s a small errand or two. For many of us with multiple kids, however, this is just life— we have to get out, whether we choose to or not! Let’s make this easier.
should we even get out?
short answer: yes !! However, it’s really up to you. I think it is so important to get out of the house with babies and kids, no matter the weather AND I know that feels daunting when it’s super cold out. Here’s a guide to make getting out with your baby easier in all phases and weather!
temps: when to go out safely vs stay in
These are all general, but may be a good guideline to consider depending on where you live! Always watch your wind chill, as it can feel MUCH colder than the actual temp based on wind alone!
Mild Cold (above 32 degrees/ 0C)
short errands, walks, daycare dropoffs (keep outings short for younger babies)
watch your wind chill
dress baby in warm layers (usually 1 more layer than mom + accessories as needed)
Freezing Temps (20-32 degrees/-6-0C)
to the car and back, drop offs, brief outside time (be cautious in younger babies)
watch your wind chill
make sure all exposed skin is covered
consider using a baby carrier under your coat or a weatherproof carseat/stroller cover
Very Cold ( <20 degrees/-6C), personally I’m a no at this point!
best to stay home, but quick transitions to and from car if baby is layered and protected
avoid prolonged outdoor time + when outside use a weatherproof carseat cover
consider warming the car before loading baby
Extreme Cold (<0 degrees/-18C) or wind chill in single digits
nah, girl. stay in and snuggle that baby!
Generally, if it’s uncomfortable for you to stand outside for a few minutes without wanting to go back in, it’s too cold for baby. If we’re looking at extreme low temps and wind chills, I’d consider hibernating inside and snuggling up! Babies can develop hypothermia and frostbite (esp with areas of exposed skin) more quickly than an adult.
keeping baby warm
Here are some tips for keeping babies warm when we’re out running errands.
dressing baby/layers
I go through this in depth, with a step by step for warm and cold weather inside my baby care course, but here is a bite sized breakdown.
#1 RULE: DO NOT USE PUFFER COATS ON BABY IN THEIR CARSEAT. This is unsafe!
Instead, consider using a fleece jacket, fleece bearsuit, or car seat safe coat! Sometimes, I’d even have the first 2 layers on and then just add a blanket over top depending on weather. When i’d get to my destination, I’d then add mittens, hats, carseat cover OR baby carrier under my coat, etc. You can also slide their coat on “backwards” as a little blanket over TOP of the already buckled straps (so it does not impede your carseat straps at all).
use barriers
When running errands or getting in and out of the car, consider using barriers from the wind and cold! This could be a car seat cover on your pumpkin seat, stroller footmuff, hats and mittens, a baby carrier with baby facing in toward mom under her coat: anything to keep baby’s exposed skin protected from the frigid temps and wind.
shedding layers
Remember, once we get inside a heated place (or even in our warmed up car!!), we don’t want baby to overheat with all the layers. This is why we only start with a few when loading baby into the carseat originally. Make sure once you’re in the heat, you’re able to shed those layers quickly. I usually take off hats, mittens, or even bearsuits/jackets depending how long we’re staying. If you’re shedding layers when you get inside, consider doing the same for your baby. I know we’re putting them back on when we go back outside, but that’s the name of the game!
signs of overheating/what to watch for
Babies cannot regulate their temp well yet, so it’s easy for them to overheat as well with all the layers, especially when bundled in a carseat or carrier.
Remove layers immediately if:
warm or hot chest/neck: always check temp on baby’s chest/back of neck, not their hands and feet
older babies: sweaty neck or damp hair
flushed, red cheeks
fast breathing
unusually fussy, restless
lethargic
In these cases: remove a layer asap:
Baby in carrier — open your coat
Inside with pumpkin seat— take off the cover
Avoid or take off hats if in the warm car/inside and baby starts feeling warm
68-72 degrees for naps and sleep
Remember the rule: one more layer than you— not 2 or 3
a few extra tips
I follow many of these tips when I get out of the house with my babies in the cold over the years and it’s really helped! Send these to a mom friend you love!
Check out my reel with even more tips here!
Consider heating up the car before you load it
Bring in your pumpkin seat or stroller seat at least an hour before your outing so it warms up
Always keep your car stocked with extra blankets, hats, and hand warmers in the winter
Consider babywearing (see below for more) under your coat, as this provides an extra later and protection for baby!
Consider a stroller footmuff for cold walks or older babies no longer in a pumpkin seat (it’s like a mini sleeping bag that attaches to a stroller!)
Bearsuits are LIFE! Every mom should have one. Older babies can do the footless!
Use baby socks as mittens when you’re in a pinch
Use a cover on your pumpkin seat when running to and from the car for added protection, take off once warm in the car
let’s continue the cold weather chat…
SHOP MY COLD WEATHER BABY FAVS HERE AND HERE
READ ABOUT BABY SICKNESS/CONGESTION HERE
READ ABOUT BABYWEARING IN THE COLD HERE
