YOUR (FIRST) WINTER WITH YOUR BABY

Getting through the winter with your baby can be quite exciting, especially if it's your first winter with your baby. Of course, you are much more concerned about whether your baby is not too cold, whether there is a flu lurking and what kind of sweaters, jackets and other winter clothes you should bring with you on the way. Not only when it comes to clothing and temperature, but also when it comes to baby skin, there are a number of things you need to know to get through the winter months with your baby as comfortably as possible!

TIPS FOR THE WINTER MONTHS WITH YOUR BABY

1. Take care of and protect your baby's skin

During the winter months, your child's skin needs a little extra TLC. This is because of the cold, icy air outside and the dry air inside from the heating. This can make the skin dry, red, or itchy. So, make sure you rub your child's skin once a day with a rich, moisturizing baby oil that's safe for baby skin. Does your child suffer from very dry skin? Then it's best to apply it several times a day. If you're worried about your child's dry skin, it's best to contact your doctor. Try not to wash your child in water that's too hot, and not every day, as that can also cause dry baby skin. You can read more about baby skin care in winter and autumn here.

2. Layers of clothes

Since you often switch from the cold winter chill outside to the stove heat inside with your baby in the winter, it is useful to always wear different layers of clothing and take them with you. This way you can always keep your child's body temperature comfortable 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 it too hot.

3. Take off your coat in the car!

It may feel natural to leave your baby's winter coat on in the car, but you may want to take it off. When you wear a winter coat, the belts are not properly adjusted, which means that the space between the body and the belt is actually too large. Your baby may still not be properly secured in the car. It is therefore better to adjust the belt to the body and take off the thick winter coat for a while. It can be nice to warm up the car in advance, or to use a blanket when your child is in the seat.

4. Carry your child

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

5. Blankets and covers for the pram?

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

6. Temperature in the house

The temperature in your home should be neither too warm nor too cold. So don't turn up the heating too high, as it can cause your child to have dry skin. The ideal temperature for your home is between 20 and 22 degrees. In the baby's room, the ideal temperature for your baby to sleep is 20 degrees up to 8 weeks, then 16 to 18 degrees. Take into account the TOG value of your baby's sleeping textiles.

7. Good hygiene

During the winter months, it's naturally much more likely to catch the flu or a cold. Good hygiene for the whole family is super important: wash hands often, avoid other sick kids, and dress your child warmly when you're out and about.