Choosing A Snowsuit For Your Newborn: What You Need To Know

When the temperature drops, it's important to keep your newborn warm and cosy. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to know what to dress your baby in. One option is a snowsuit, but do you need one for your newborn?

Snowsuit safety in the car

While it is important to keep your newborn warm in the winter, safety should be the top priority when they are in a car. Thick and bulky clothing items like snowsuits and puffy jackets are not safe for newborns to wear in their car seats. In the event of a crash, the padding in these clothes will immediately flatten, leaving extra space under the harness. This can cause the newborn to slide out of the car seat and be at risk of serious injury, particularly to the head.

Instead, it is recommended to use the "layers method" when preparing your newborn for the car. Start with a base layer such as a long-sleeved bodysuit and tights or a romper suit. Then, depending on the temperature and the age of the newborn, add a jacket, jumper, or trousers. It is best to choose fabrics made from wool or a wool-silk mix as they keep the newborn warm and are breathable. You can also add socks, hats, and mittens to keep the newborn's head, hands, and feet warm.

Once the newborn is in the car, you can add a blanket over the top to keep them warm. Be sure to remove the blanket once the car heats up to prevent overheating. It is also important to note that babies should never wear hats in the car, as this can restrict their airway.

• Use a car seat cover or cocoon that fits snugly over the entire seat.
• Avoid using car seat inserts or sleeping bags that go under the baby's body, as they can create extra space between the baby and the harness.
• If you need to use a coat, choose a thin and fitted option that can be safely worn over the harness straps.
• Make sure the car seat harness is tight enough by performing the "pinch test". If you can pinch the straps of the harness, it needs to be tightened to fit snugly against the newborn's chest.

Snowsuit alternatives for the car

While it's essential to keep your newborn warm in the car, it's equally important to ensure their safety. Snowsuits and thick coats are not suitable for car seats as they prevent the harness from tightening enough to keep your baby secure. In the event of an accident, the padding would immediately flatten, leaving excess space under the harness and endangering your baby.

So, what are some alternatives to a snowsuit for keeping your newborn warm in the car? Here are some suggestions:

• Layers: The key to keeping your baby warm, both indoors and outdoors, is to dress them in layers. Start with a base layer of a long-sleeved bodysuit and tights, or a romper suit. Then add a jacket or jumper and trousers, preferably made of wool or a wool-silk blend as these fabrics are breathable and keep your baby warm. You can also add socks or slippers, and a hat, as heat escapes most quickly through the head and feet.
• Blankets: Instead of a snowsuit, you can dress your baby in a sleeper or well-fitted fleece suit and a hat, buckle them into the car seat, and then place blankets over them. Be careful not to cover their face. Once the car warms up, you can easily remove the blanket so your baby doesn't overheat.
• Car Seat Covers: You can use a "shower cap" style car seat cover that fits over the entire seat and has an opening for your baby's face. These are safe because they don't go under the baby or the straps. Look for something like the 7AM Enfant Car Seat Cocoon.
• Car Seat Cocoons: These fit snugly over the entire car seat and are suitable for newborns up to about 10 months.
• Car Seat Ponchos: Ponchos can be a safe way to keep your baby warm in the car seat if you flip the back over the top of the seat and keep the front over the straps. This ensures that no part of the poncho is under the harness straps.

How to dress a baby for a walk in the cold

Dressing a baby for a walk in the cold requires a careful balance—you want to keep them warm without overheating them. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get it right:

Step 1: Base Layer

Start with a base layer that will keep your baby warm but won't be too bulky. A long-sleeved bodysuit or a romper suit made from wool or a wool-silk mix is a good choice. You can also add tights or leggings for extra warmth.

Step 2: Middle Layer

Add a middle layer for additional warmth. Depending on the temperature and your baby's age, you can put them in a jacket, jumper, or cardigan, along with trousers. Make sure to choose breathable fabrics like wool.

Step 3: Accessories

Don't forget to accessorise! Put on socks or slippers, and always add a hat—babies lose heat quickly through their heads. Mittens or gloves and a snood or scarf can also be helpful, especially if it's very cold.

Step 4: Outer Layer

For the outer layer, you have a few options. A puddle suit, which is often made from fleece-lined wool or fleece, is a popular choice as it's practical and cosy. You can also go for a pram suit, which will keep your baby warm in their stroller. If it's really cold, a snowsuit will provide extra warmth, but make sure it's not too bulky, especially if your baby will be in a carrier or car seat.

Step 5: Adjust as Needed

Remember, layers are key! You can always add or remove layers depending on the temperature and your baby's comfort. It's a good idea to carry extra layers in your bag when you go out, so you can adjust as needed.

Step 6: Car Seat Safety

If you're taking your baby in the car, do not put them in a car seat with a bulky coat or snowsuit. This can be dangerous in the event of a crash. Instead, dress them in thin layers and use a blanket over their harnessed seat. You can also use a car seat cover or an older baby's coat with their arms inserted backward after they're buckled in.

Step 7: Stroller Accessories

If you're using a stroller, consider adding a stroller bunting bag or tucking a blanket around your baby for extra warmth. A stroller windscreen can also help protect against windburn.

Step 8: Signs of Discomfort

Pay attention to your baby's cues. If they become fussy, cry, or show signs of hypothermia (like blue lips or shivering), cut your outing short and get them somewhere warm. Also, check their ears, neck, and tummy—if these feel hot or sweaty, remove a layer.

How to know if your baby is too cold or warm

It is important to know how to dress your baby for the winter, especially if you are a new parent. Young babies cannot regulate their body temperature, so they can quickly cool down or overheat. Here are some tips on how to know if your baby is too cold or warm:

How to Know if Your Baby is Too Cold:

• If your baby is too cold, they will likely cry to let you know.
• Feel your baby's back, chest, or belly. If your baby feels cool to the touch, they may be too cold.
• Check if your baby's skin is cold to the touch.
• Observe if your baby is unsettled and waking up frequently.

How to Keep Your Baby Warm:

• Adjust the thermostat to a temperature between 68-72°F, which is the ideal range for a baby to sleep well.
• Use a space heater in the room for 20-30 minutes to warm it up, but remember to turn it off before you and your baby go to sleep.
• Dress your baby in layers, such as a long-sleeved bodysuit, tights, or a romper suit. You can then add a jacket, jumper, or trousers, depending on the room temperature and age.
• Choose fabrics made of wool or a wool-silk mix, as they keep your baby warm and are breathable.
• Add socks, slippers, and a hat, as heat escapes most quickly through the head and feet.
• If you're going outside, use a stroller bunting bag or tuck a blanket around your baby.
• If you're using a baby carrier, your body will help keep your baby warm. Just make sure their head and feet are covered, and continue to check on them to ensure their face is not pressed against your chest or their own.

How to Know if Your Baby is Too Warm:

• Touch your baby's ears and neck. If their ears are red and hot, and their neck is sweaty, they may be too warm.
• Check your baby's core (back, chest, or stomach) to see if they are sweaty.
• Look for signs of overheating, such as rapid breathing, flushed cheeks, or a heat rash.
• Take your baby's temperature. If it's above 100.4°F, they may be too hot.

How to Prevent Overheating:

• Remove a layer of clothing or a sleep sack/swaddle.
• Adjust the thermostat or use a fan if turning it down isn't an option.
• Avoid thick materials and synthetic fabrics like fleece, which are not breathable and can contribute to overheating.
• Ensure your baby stays hydrated.
• Avoid using a head covering for your baby while they sleep, as it could lead to overheating.
• Do not use loose blankets or extra sheets in the crib unless your baby is over 12 months old and sleeping in a bed.

How to dress a baby for indoor activities

While it's important to keep your baby warm, you should also be mindful not to overdress them, as babies can cool down or overheat quickly and are at higher risk of SIDS during the winter. As a general rule, dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear in the same conditions. If you're comfortable in two layers, your baby needs three.

For indoor activities, the ideal temperature is between 68° and 72°F. To check if your baby is too hot or cold, place your hand on their tummy, back, chest, or belly. It should feel warm but not sweaty. If your baby feels cool to the touch, warm them up by adding another layer of clothing. If their ears are red and hot and their neck is sweaty, your baby is too warm, so remove a layer of clothing.

For their first layer, put them in a long-sleeved bodysuit and tights, or a romper suit. Depending on the room temperature and their age, add a jacket or jumper and trousers. Choose fabrics made of wool or a wool-silk mix, as these keep the baby warm and are breathable. You can also add socks or fur slippers, and a baby hat, as heat escapes most quickly through the head and feet.

Frequently asked questions