THE (FIRST) WINTER WITH YOUR BABY

Getting through the winter with your baby can be quite exciting, especially if it is the first winter with your baby. Of course, you are much more concerned with whether your baby is not too cold, whether there is no flu lurking and what you should take with you on the road in terms of sweaters, coats and other winter clothing. Not only in terms of clothing and temperature, but also in terms of baby skin there are a number of things you need to know in order to get through the winter months with your baby as pleasantly as possible!

TIPS FOR THE WINTER MONTHS WITH YOUR BABY

1. Caring for and protecting baby's skin

In the winter months, your baby's skin needs just a little more care and attention. This is due to the cold, icy air outside and the dry air inside due to heating. The skin can then become dry, red or itchy as a result. So make sure you lubricate your baby's skin once a day with a greasy, moisturizing baby oil that is safe for the baby's skin. Is your baby suffering from very dry skin? Then you can apply cream several times a day. If you are concerned about your baby's dry skin, it is best to contact your doctor. Try not to wash your baby in too warm water, and not every day, as this can also cause dry baby skin. Read more about baby skin care in winter and autumn here.

2. Layers of clothing

Because you will be switching a lot from the cold winter outside to the heat inside with your baby in the winter, it is useful to always put on and take different layers of clothing with you. This way you can always keep the body temperature comfortable for your baby and she or he never has to get too cold or too hot. Try to dress your child in breathable materials, so that your child is not dressed from head to toe in wool, which can make them too hot.

3. Coat off in the car!

It may feel natural to leave your baby's winter coat on in the car, but it is better to take it off. With a winter coat on, the seatbelts are not properly adjusted, which means that the space between the body and the seatbelt is actually too large. Your baby may still not be properly secured in the car. It is therefore better to adjust the seatbelt to the body and take off the thick winter coat for a while. It can then be nice to heat the car in advance, or use a blanket once your child is in the seat.

4. Carry your baby

If you are going out with your baby, you can of course put him or her in the stroller, but you can also carry your baby in a wrap or carrier. This way your child stays nice and warm from your body heat, and it is very pleasant for both! Ideal if you are going for a winter walk outside with your child to keep your baby warm.

5. Blankets and covers for the stroller?

Just like in summer, it's important in winter that your baby can breathe freely in the stroller. Even if it's cold, it's not a good idea to completely cover the stroller with a blanket or cloth. Always make sure your baby can get fresh air and use covers specifically designed for strollers. Put your child in the stroller with their jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves, with a blanket over them up to chest height.

6. Temperature indoors

The temperature indoors shouldn't be too warm or too cold. Don't turn the heating up too high, as it can give your baby dry skin. The ideal indoor temperature is between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. In the baby's room, the ideal sleeping temperature for your baby is 20 degrees Celsius up to 8 weeks, then 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Take into account the TOG value of your baby's bedding.

7. Good hygiene

During the winter months, a flu or cold is naturally much more likely. Good hygiene for the whole family is very important: wash your hands often, avoid other sick children, and dress your child warmly when you go outside.