Keeping you and your baby warm in winter

December is here and the temperatures in many parts of the country have turned from cold to freezing. Sipping hot chocolate under a blanket and ice skating at the local rink are some of my favorite activities during this month. But, staying warm and healthy this season is my top priority. Here are some tips to help keep you and your little one safe and warm.

Brrrrrrrr, it’s cold outside! Dress for the weather.

Listen to weather forecasts -

Before you or your child gets dressed to go outside, especially for outdoor activities, it is important to know the weather conditions. Dressing for 20 degree weather is different than dressing for 40 degree weather.

Layer it on -

Dress your little one in several thin layers, such as a T-shirt, long sleeved shirt, sweater or sweatshirt and a winter jacket, preferably waterproof and wind resistant. Your child should also have warm socks and waterproof boots, gloves or mittens and a hat. For older babies and young children, dress them in one more layer of clothing than you would wear in the same conditions.

Limit time outside-

Snow is fun and great to play in, but your little one should come inside frequently to warm up and change out of wet clothes, if needed. Wet clothing chills a body rapidly. If your child starts sweating while playing outside, remove an extra layer of clothing. Excess perspiration can increase your child’s heat loss. And remember, if you see your child shivering, that is a sure sign to go indoors and warm up.

Stay healthy through the cold weather-

The low temperatures outside can cause your home to become colder and dryer. You may find your skin feels much more dry than usual. Many pediatricians feel that bathing an infant 2 or 3 times a week is enough for the first year. Bathing more frequently may dry out your baby’s skin, especially during this cold season.

As the temperatures drop at night, you may be tempted to put a warm blanket over your infant, but keep all blankets, bumpers, sheepskins and other loose bedding out of your infant’s crib. Instead dress your baby in a warm onesie sleeper.

Keeping hands clean is also important to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. Make sure your family frequently washes their hands to keep viruses like colds and flu from spreading.

December is a great time to take your children out for fun winter activities, but make sure they are dressed appropriately and take precautions to keep your whole family healthy this winter. With a few extra steps, everyone in your family will be warm and healthy despite frigid temperatures.

These and other tips may be found on the CDC website.

Tags: snow, staying healthy, staying warm, staying warm in winter, winter clothing, winter sports