The cold season is upon us and you may be wondering how to dress your baby for winter. What will keep them warm, safe, and happy as you venture out? Here’s what I’m planning to use for my eight-month-old baby boy this winter in Colorado, and a few tips to keep your little cutie cozy.
Pram Suit: You have probably seen these adorable, puffy suits or teddy bear onesies that completely cover your baby. This is what I will use when we go on walks, outdoor events, or spend any prolonged time outside. I picked one from Zara because it came with mittens and booties, which can be used separately. I would layer this over a cotton sleeper. If you’re shopping for one, a few other places I saw these suits online were Gap and Carters.
*update* The pram I ordered from Zara was too big for Everett to wear at all. It was darling, but sadly I returned it. I haven’t felt that I’ve needed it though. I’ve stuck to the hooded jacket, layers, blankets, and beanie. More below!
Keep in mind – car seat safety
Big pram suits, and puffy layers shouldn’t be worn in a car seat. They will alter the way the buckle fits your baby, and it likely won’t be close enough to their body. So, when you put your baby in the car, take off the biggest layers and tuck a blanket around them. I know it’s a bit of a pain, but replace the layers when you take the baby out.
Jacket with a hood: It was actually a bit difficult to find a jacket in 9-month size, many of the ones I found online started at 12-months. I wanted a jacket with a hood to use for our daily outings when a full suit isn’t necessary. I would also layer this over a cotton footie or top and pants set.
*update* This jacket is one of my favorite baby purchases for Everett! It’s water-resistant fleece, super soft, and very warm. I love that it has Velcro buckles on the inside and out, so it’s very easy to keep them snug without a zipper hitting their chin. The sleeves are purposely long, so you can fold them up or down to grow with your baby. I think it’s much more practical for a baby than a puffy jacket.
A footie is a nice base layer because you don’t have to worry about socks and shoes, which little babies don’t quite wear yet. If it’s super cold, I have been putting little knit booties over the footie sleeper though, which seems to work well. Feeling your baby’s feet is a good way to determine if they are warm enough – you don’t want those little toes to be cold to the touch. If they are, add more layers.
Layer up
Layers are helpful because babies have sensitive body temperatures. You don’t want them to be cold, but you also don’t want them to overheat. By utilizing layers, you can take away or add on as needed. For example, a sweater over a footie or little booties over a pair of socks. When you’re in the car with the heater on, make sure to remove layers.
Baby blankets
I keep one baby blanket in the car always, so that I never forget it! I tuck it tightly around my baby after buckling him in. I don’t drape it over the top of the car seat – that could get too warm. I also make sure his arms are above the blanket so he doesn’t accidently pull it over his head. This is more important for newborns who can’t control their movements as much. Any blanket is fine, but I prefer a knit one, on the smaller side, so there isn’t a bunch of extra fabric in the seat.
Wear your baby
Another great way to keep your baby warm is to keep them close to you. Use a carrier to strap them to you for body heat and be sure to cover their ears with a hat or hood. Always make sure they have a safe place to breathe. I use the Baby Bjorn Mini Carrier most often. I will sometimes layer a blanket around the carrier and tuck it into the sides if necessary.
Thanks for reading and stay cozy!
