Bringing home a baby in winter means thinking about layers, walks in the cold and car seats in bulky coats. The good news: you don't need much special gear. Here's what actually helps for a cold-weather newborn.
How to dress a newborn in winter
A simple rule many parents use: dress your baby in one more layer than you'd need to be comfortable. Check their warmth by feeling the back of their neck or their tummy, not their hands, which often feel cool.
- Base layer: a bodysuit.
- Middle layer: a warm one-piece. The Critter fleece romper has covered feet, so there are no socks to lose, and a zip that runs down one leg for quick changes. It's playwear, not sleepwear.
- Outside: a warm hat and mittens for outings.
Walks in the stroller
A stroller bunting bag keeps your baby warm without loose blankets that slip off.
- The Mitten bunting bag has front snaps that fold the top down for a smaller baby and toggles that extend it as they grow, plus a water-resistant outer.
- The Flurry bunting bag is fleece-lined, sized for babies up to about 24 months, and has a foot end that unzips if they get too warm.
Both are for strollers only, never car seats. Always buckle the harness and check your baby often for overheating. More in how to keep a baby warm in the stroller.
Babywearing in the cold
Carrying your newborn close keeps you both warm. A babywearing jacket covers baby in the carrier. The Hearth babywearing jacket has a zip-in front panel and a plush lining, and runs about two sizes small. Keep baby's face visible and uncovered, and don't overdress them under the panel. See babywearing in winter.
The car seat rule
Puffy coats, snowsuits and bunting bags shouldn't go under a car seat harness, because they leave the straps too loose. Dress your baby in normal layers, buckle them in snugly, then tuck a blanket over the harness. Warm up the car first if you can.
Bath time in winter
Warm the bathroom first, keep baths short and have a hooded towel ready. The Puddle hooded towel covers a wet head as soon as your baby comes out of the water.
Keeping the nursery comfortable
- Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable for a lightly dressed adult.
- Use a wearable blanket or sleep sack for sleep, not loose blankets.
- Don't overdress for sleep, and never use hats indoors for sleep. Overheating is a risk.
- Keep space heaters well away from the crib, and never leave them on unattended.
What you can skip
- Newborn snowsuits for car seats (they aren't safe under the harness)
- Heavy blankets in the crib
- Lots of outer layers in newborn sizes, which they'll outgrow in weeks
Questions parents ask
How should a newborn dress in winter?
In layers, with one more layer than you'd wear, plus a hat and mittens outdoors.
Can I take my newborn out in winter?
Yes, for short walks with the right layers, as long as it isn't extremely cold or windy. Check with your pediatrician for very young babies.
How do I keep my baby warm in the car seat?
Thin layers under the harness, buckled snugly, then a blanket or coat over the top.
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