Quick Tip

During the winter months, ask a pediatrician whether a flu shot or other shots that reduce the risk of cold and flu are best for your baby.

Winter Clothing and Accessories

Snowsuits and Snow Pants If you are planning to head outdoors with your baby, you would need to buy lots of layers. Bundling your child into a fluffy woolen jacket or a snowsuit keeps the little one warm. Snowsuits, which resemble bodysuits with their form-fitting legs and arms, have a thick layer of insulation against the snow. However, thick winter snowsuits and coats can be very uncomfortable and even restrict the movement of the little one. Moreover, it is not advisable to dress the baby in winter clothing that is too bulky, because this may the hinder the car seat straps from fastening properly. A light winter coat or fleece snowsuit can also keep the baby just as warm and comfortable. Check out some adorable snowsuits like Carter's Sherpa Baby Bunting, Mossi Toddler Snow suit, Columbia Bugababy Interchange Bunting, or splurge on the Moschino tartan snowsuit to keep your baby warm Winter Coats and Sweater Sweaters, jackets, and winter coats are a staple in every infant's winter closet. Soft-knit woolen sweaters or micro-fleece jackets are best for the baby at home, while heavy jackets and winter coats should be enough to keep him comfortable when going outdoors. It is best to get around three to four woolen sweaters and two to three jackets so that you have some spares when the dirty ones are in the laundry. You can find some beautiful sweaters and jackets by L.L.Bean, Hanna Andersson, and Gap Kids. Woolen Knit Hats, Mittens, and Socks A baby loses excess heat from his/her head, so you would need woolen hats and caps for protection against the icy winds. Although you can always find winter wear with attached hoods, it is best to buy winter hats that pull down snugly, and keep the chill away from your little one's ears and head. You can find adorable hat designs online and at retail stores. From crotchet hats with ear flaps to aviator knit hats and pixie hats, there are some amazingly adorable styles, designs, and colors out there. Along with caps, you would need mittens to keep the baby's soft and tender hands warm. It is a good idea to stock up on some extra mittens, about four to five pairs. Thick woolen socks and warm booties should complete your winter shopping. Other winter clothing can include: ❅ Knitted woolen vests and bodysuits ❅ Long sleeved tops and pajamas ❅ Warm leggings or wool tights ❅ Baby leg warmers

Baby Bedding and Linen

Warm Crib Sheets During winters, if the baby sleeps alone in the crib or bassinet, keeping him/her warm through the night can be a major challenge. Warm flannel and fleece crib sheets and quilts can keep the baby warm. Ensure that the crib sheets and pads fit the cot snugly. Some good options include: Carter's easy-fit velour crib sheet and Luvable Friends Geometric Print Fitted Knit Crib Sheet. Blankets and Sleeping Bags Cover up the baby with a nice and warm cotton wool blanket. If you want to keep the baby warm without having to fuss around with blankets all night long, then use warm swaddling blankets, sleeping bags, or a wool sleep sack to keep the baby warm. Of course, you need to choose a sleeping bag or sack based on the baby's weight and height. Some good sleeping bag options for babies include: OBaby B Is For Bear Sleeping Bag and Grobag 2.5 Tog Sleeping Bag - Alphapet.

Baby Care Essentials

Moisturizing Creams/ Lotions Dry weather can wreak havoc on the baby's soft, sensitive skin. Hence, you need to stock up on moisturizing lotions and creams to keep the baby's skin hydrated and healthy. Look for fragrance-free baby skin care products that are free of unwanted chemicals, such as artificial colors, allergenic, or irritating preservatives, that can harm the baby's soft skin. Natural oils, such as almond, olive, coconut, or palm oil are perfect for the baby's sensitive skin. Apart from creams and body lotions, winter care for babies also involves using sunscreen to protect the baby's skin from the Sun's rays, which are equally potent at causing skin damage. Humidifier and Air Purifier Lowered humidity during winters further aggravates cough and cold in babies. To counter this, warm-mist humidifiers can be used to release warm steam into the atmosphere. The moisture in the atmosphere maintains the natural protective functions of the nasal mucous and the breathing tracts. This can help in alleviating cold and cough in the winter months, and also prevent skin chapping. Some good options are Crane Germ Defense Cool & Warm Mist Humidifier with Digital Display and pureguardian H1510 100-Hour Warm/Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier. The ideal temperature of the baby's room should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A room thermometer installed in the baby's room will let you know if the temperature suddenly drops too much. Products like the innovative Gro-egg room thermometer changes color to let you know whether the temperature of a room is too low, too high, or just right. Medicines Babies have weak immune systems, and are susceptible to frequent bouts of cough and cold in winter. Consult a pediatrician and keep a handy box of cold and flu medicines.