Top Environmentally Responsible Ways To Keep Your Baby Warm in Winter

Are you considering a $500 heated crib mattress this winter? If you're looking for ways to keep your newborn warm, remember that it doesn't have to cost a lot of money; your grandmother's tips can sometimes be as helpful as the newest baby gadget. Grandmother's advice may also be more responsible than buying a self-heating crib mattress. Below are five simple ways to keep your baby warm this winter.

1. Learn How to Dress Baby for Sleep in the Winter
If you don't dress appropriately for the winter months, your body heat quickly escapes. This is especially true for newborns. Young children and babies have a smaller body mass-to-body surface ratio, which results in more heat escaping.

During winter, dress baby in layers that are easy to put on and take off, but don't make the mistake of overloading your baby with woolen or heavy clothes. Instead, use thin layers which can be easily removed. Babies often struggle with regulating their temperature, and overheating can easily occur with too many clothes. So in the winter months, follow a general rule of dressing your baby in one more extra layer than yourself.

2. Keep Baby Away from Cold Drafts
Before you put your baby's crib in the corner (or anywhere else), you should check for drafty areas. This helps ensure that your baby stays warm and comfortable while sleeping.

When choosing a spot for the crib, make sure it's away from drafty windows, air vents, fans, and outside walls. You may need to check along baseboards and other odd places, especially in old houses, and it's a good idea to check your electric outlets for drafts since cold air can easily seep through them. And remember to shut all doors and windows at night to keep cold air from entering the room.

3. Keep Baby's Head and Hands Covered When It's Cold
Keeping your baby's head warm at night is crucial, since babies lose most of their body heat through their heads. Their hands also tend to lose a lot of body heat, so you'll need to cover them as well. Put a soft baby cap and lightweight mittens on your newborn to provide extra warmth. If your baby tends to suck their fingers, you'll want to have extra mittens on hand. Also, don't forget to put a pair of socks on their feet to keep them toasty.

4. Swaddle Your Newborn at Night
Sometimes a sleeper just isn't enough during the winter months. When they're sleeping, newborns crave extra warmth to give them comfort and protection as if they were still in the womb. So before you rock your little one to sleep, swaddle them with a receiving blanket to keep them warm and secure. If your newborn is a kicker, try using a swaddling blanket or sleeping bag to keep them warm.

5. Keep the Room at a Comfortable Temperature
To ensure your baby doesn't get too cold (or too hot), set the room's temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature with a room thermometer to ensure it's at a safe, pleasant heat. As a rule of thumb, a room should feel cozy to a lightly-clothed adult.

Watch for Signs of Overheating
It's easy to overdress our babies in an effort to keep them warm; overlayering their clothes and using too many blankets can cause them to overheat. Below are some signs of overheating in an infant:

• Your infant feels hot without a fever
• Your baby has damp hair and clothing
• They are fussy and restless
• Heart rate is elevated
• They seem tired, sluggish, or listless
• Your newborn is vomiting

It's crucial to reduce baby's temperature immediately if this happens. Remove some of the extra layers and go to a cooler area for a bit.

If your baby is under three months old and their rectal temperature is over 100.4°F (38°C), you should immediately call their doctor or go to the hospital. Even if your child is overheating, your doctor may want to check for infections or other concerns.

Must-Have Products to Keep Your Baby Warm in Winter
While it's nice to have grandma's advice, it's also nice to have products and gadgets to help make life easier. Below you will find some winter-friendly products for your little one to help keep them warm.

Organic Cotton Clothing
Organic cotton can protect your little one from the sun during the summer. In the winter, it can protect your newborn from the extreme cold. The material is weatherproof!

Organic cotton fibers help trap air, which keeps those who wear it at a comfortable body temperature. So if you don't mind spending a little extra on your little one's clothes, then make sure to buy organic cotton for their onesies, mittens, socks, or even blankets.

Indoor Essentials for the Winter
You'll also need some indoor essentials to keep baby warm. Flannel sheets, for example, help keep the crib warm while they’re sleeping. If you need extra warmth, consider buying fleece footed sleepers or a sleep sack. They're relatively inexpensive, and are perfect for keeping your newborn warm during the winter.

Outdoor Essentials for the Winter
Don't be afraid to travel during the winter months with your baby -- just be sure you have the right gear. If you plan to travel, or if you simply run a lot of errands, invest in a car seat cover to help protect your baby from the cold.

If you plan on stroller outings, buy a stroller cover for extra warmth, along with a snowsuit or bunting. These will keep your little one warm and cozy even on a walk outside. A stroller footmuff is another option if you plan on spending time with baby out of doors. A stroller footmuff, which resembles a tiny sleeping bag, can eliminate the need for a snowsuit.

Environmentally Responsible Diapers
And finally, high-quality diapers are a must! A soggy diaper can make a baby cold, and a leaky diaper guarantees an uncomfortable night. A DYPER subscription provides remarkably absorbent, soft diapers that are made with chlorine-free fluff pulp and plant-based materials, and without latex, alcohol, perfumes, or phalates!

Keep Your Baby Toasty All Winter Long

The idea of having a winter baby is daunting! But don't stress. With these tips in mind, can keep your newborn comfortably warm and leave your worries behind.