Cold Weather Essentials for Your Baby: Fall & Winter Must-Haves
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Is there anything cuter than a tiny baby is a fuzzy bunting and winter hat??
Caring for a baby in the colder months comes with a unique set of challenges to help keep your baby warm and comfortable, but it shouldn’t keep you inside if you are wanting to be out and about.
As the temperatures drop from cool fall days to the harsh winter air, it's important to focus on keeping your baby cozy and comfortable. Whether you’ll have a newborn this fall and winter or you’ll have an older baby, preparing for the colder months means finding the right cold weather gear to keep your baby safe and cozy. Here’s a practical guide to essential items for your winter baby, covering everything you’ll need for your baby during the fall and winter months.
1. Dress Your Baby in Layers
When it comes to dressing your baby for colder weather, layering is your best friend. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, so it’s essential to dress them in multiple layers to trap heat. Be sure to add cold weather layering pieces to your baby registry if you’re expecting a winter baby. You can snag a copy of my free baby registry checklist that has everything you’ll need for your newborn through the first year.
Base Layer: Start with a soft cotton onesie and pants or zippered footie pajamas. 2-way zippered sleep n’ plays are the best for easy diaper changes. I had of my babies in January when the weather is freezing outside and we pretty much only wore zippered footies during the day and to sleep in because they’re the easiest to take on and off, and you don’t have to worry about pants being too tight on their little newborn belly or deal with baby socks falling off of their feet constantly. If you’re a first time mom expecting your first baby during the fall or winter, trust me - zippered footies are the way to go! Plus, there are so many cute options these days.
Mid Layer: Add a fleece or cotton sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket. For newborns, I think baby button down sweaters are the best. I didn’t think about this as a first time mom preparing for my first baby, but quickly learned I didn’t enjoy pulling sweatshirts over my baby’s head.
Outer Layer: If you are planning to go outside for a stroller walk or other outdoor activity, you’ll want to add a fleece bunting (girl option / boy option), weather-resistant snowsuit, or winter coat to help protect your baby against the cold air.
Hats, Mittens, and Booties: Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads, so a warm hat (girl option / boy option) is non-negotiable in colder weather. Since little babies tend to keep their hands in fists, mittens are effective at keeping their tiny fingers warm. I also like to add a pair of soft, warm booties as an extra layer of socks or footie sleepers to keep my baby’s feet warm when we are out and about.
2. Keep Your Baby Warm in the Car Seat
As a first time mom, I know getting out with your newborn baby can feel a little intimidating, especially in the cold weather when there’s so much extra gear to pack and the weather is uncomfortable. When you do decide to get out, stick to dressing your baby in base layers and mid layers for car seat rides and add a cozy baby blanket over their legs and/or a winter car seat cover to help keep them warm. Do not put your baby in a thick bunting, snowsuit, or coat while in their car seat. These are filled with lots of air, which during a car crash, will compress and create too much slack in your baby’s car seat straps. Stick to a fleece bunting, sweater, or jacket. Make sure any outer layer is sized appropriately for your baby. Starting your car 10 minutes prior to you leaving with the heat on will also help keep your baby warm during car travel. Have some travel planned with your baby? Grab my free baby packing checklist for less stress and more fun when traveling with your little one!
3. Invest in Winter-Friendly Stroller Gear
If you plan on taking your baby for outdoor strolls, investing in winter-friendly stroller gear is a game changer. Depending on where you live and the weather conditions during fall and winter that you may experience, here are some key items you may consider:
Stroller Footmuff: Essentially a sleeping bag for your stroller, a footmuff keeps your baby warm and shielded from wind. These are perfect for fall walks but are especially beneficial in winter when temperatures drop below freezing. We have the Mockingbird single-to-double stroller, which we love. They have a stroller footmuff for your baby and even a stroller hand muff for you (that can probably be added to any stroller - mom win!)
Stroller Blanket: A thick, weather-resistant stroller blanket can add extra warmth, especially when layered on top of the footmuff.
Weather Shield: A plastic stroller cover that fits snugly over the stroller will protect your baby from snow, rain, and harsh wind.
If you prefer to wear your baby is a baby carrier versus pushing them in a stroller, make sure you check out my favorite baby carrier for the newborn stage. If the cold weather months, I’ll just wrap my jacket around my baby while she is in the carrier and add a warm fuzzy blanket on top. Nothing keeps baby more comfortable than being snuggled right up against Mama!
4. Keep Your Baby Warm at Night
Ensuring your baby stays warm and comfortable at night during the colder months is essential for both their safety and quality sleep. However, it's important to avoid overheating.
Use a Sleep Sack: Instead of loose blankets, which can be a safety hazard, opt for a sleep sack or wearable blanket. These provide warmth without the risk of covering your baby's face. For winter, choose a fleece or quilted version. Our favorite sleep sack is the Kyte Baby sleep sack. For the fall months, I typically use the 1.0 Tog and for winter, I’ll up to the 2.5 Tog. Tog is dependent on your house temperature so be sure to use Kyte Baby’s guide in selecting the best sleep sack for fall and winter for your home.
Dress in Layers: You can also dress your baby in layers to help keep your baby warm at night. Start with a soft, breathable cotton onesie as the base layer, then add footed pajamas on top. If your home tends to get very cold, you can opt for thicker fleece pajamas, but always be mindful of not over-bundling.
Keep the Nursery at a Comfortable Temperature: Aim to keep the room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C). This is ideal for your baby’s comfort without making them too hot or cold.
Swaddling (For Newborns): If you are preparing for a newborn or you have a new baby already and your baby isn’t rolling over yet, swaddling can provide warmth and a sense of security. My favorite swaddles are the Lou Lou and Company swaddle blankets, easy velcro swaddles, or the Ollie swaddle. Ensure the swaddle is snug but not too tight, leaving enough room for your baby's hips to move.
5. Add a Humidifier in Your Baby’s Nursery
While we often focus on outdoor essentials, indoor air quality becomes equally important in fall and winter. Dry, heated air can cause dry skin, congestion, and discomfort for your baby. Place a cool mist humidifier in your baby’s nursery to help keep the air moist and prevent some of these issues.
6. Take Extra Care of Your Baby’s Skin
Winter’s dry air can be tough on a baby’s delicate skin. To protect against chapping and irritation, stock up on gentle baby moisturizers. Apply a baby-safe balm or lotion to your little one’s cheeks, hands, and feet after bath time, and consider using a barrier ointment for any exposed skin during winter outings. My favorite ointment for the winter months is Tubby Todd All Over Ointment.
By following these first time mom tips and investing in the right cold weather essentials, you can ensure your little one stays warm, safe, and comfortable during the fall and winter months.
