you know how to keep baby warm on the go
- Posted on
- By liz
- Posted in car seats, cold weather, strollers
- 0
New England winters are famously unpredictable: four inches of snow one day and 60 degree temps the next. Brutally cold days remain constant, however, and making sure your baby is safely bundled up when you're on the go is a top priority.
As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat. In a car crash, fluffy padding immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.
In the Car
Check out the tips below from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to keep your little one safe in the car all winter.
Note: The tips below are appropriate for all ages. In fact, wearing a puffy coat yourself with the seat belt is not a best practice because it adds space between your body and the seat belt.
- Store the carrier portion of infant seats inside the house when not in use. Keeping the seat at room temperature will reduce the loss of the child's body heat in the car.
- Get an early start. If you're planning to head out the door with your baby in tow on winter mornings, you need an early start. You have a lot to assemble, and your baby may not be the most cooperative. Plus, driving in wintry conditions will require you to slow down and be extra cautious.
- Dress your child in thin layers. Start with close-fitting layers on the bottom, like tights, leggings, or long-sleeved bodysuits. Then add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater or thermal-knit shirt. Your child can wear a thin fleece jacket over the top. In very cold weather, long underwear is also a warm and safe layering option. As a general rule of thumb, infants should wear one more layer than adults. If you have a coat on, your infant will probably need a coat, and blanket. Remove the coat and blanket inside the car before putting your child in the car seat.
- Don't forget hats, mittens, and socks or booties. These help keep kids warm without interfering with car seat straps. If your child is a sucks her thumb, consider half-gloves with open fingers or keep an extra pair or two of mittens handy—once they get wet they'll make your child colder rather than warmer.
- Tighten the straps of the car seat harness. Even if your child looks snuggly bundled up in the car seat, multiple layers may make it difficult to tighten the harness enough. If you can pinch the straps of the car seat harness, then it needs to be tightened to fit snugly against your child's chest.
- Use a coat or blanket over the straps. You can add a blanket over the top of the harness straps or put your child's winter coat on backwards (over the buckled harness straps) after he or she is buckled up. Some parents prefer products such as poncho-style coats or jackets that zip down the sides so the back can flip forward over the harness. Keep in mind that the top layer should be removable so your baby doesn't get too hot after the car warms up.
- Use a car seat cover ONLY if it does not have a layer under the baby. Nothing bulky should ever go underneath your child's body or between her body and the harness straps. Be sure to leave your baby's face uncovered to avoid trapped air and suffocation.
- Remember, if the item did not come with the car seat, it has not been crash tested and may interfere with the protection provided in a crash. Never use sleeping bag inserts or other stroller accessories in the car seat.
- Pack an emergency bag for your car. Keep extra blankets, dry clothing, hats and gloves, and non-perishable snacks in your car in case of an on-road emergency or your child gets wet on a winter outing.
Taking a few extra minutes to ensure your car seat is secure and there is nothing bulky between the child and the straps is well worth it. You can then travel with peace of mind.
In the Stroller
Stroller muffs are the perfect winter accessory to keep your baby or toddler cozy during neighborhood walks. They attach to the stroller frame and keeps them bundles head to toe. Yes, you could just use a blanket, but how many times do you really feel like picking it up off the ground? UPPAbaby's Cozy Ganoosh stroller cover & the 7AM Blanket 212 Evolution are both fabulous options that grow with your baby. There's even something for mom & dad: UPPAbaby's Cozy Hand Muffs & 7AM Enfant Warmuffs keep hands toasty while strolling. Bonus: your stroller's rain shield helps ward off bitter winds and icy precipitation.
In a Baby Carrier
Wearing baby in a carrier and on the go? Not a problem. The 7AM Enfant K-Poncho and Pookie Poncho are not only for a baby carrier, but can also be used as stroller and car-seat covers. Many brands, such as Baby Bjorn and Ergobaby, offer brand-specific winter carrier solutions, too.
Check out mod mama lifestylists' favorite winter accessories and gear:
- UPPAbaby CozyGanoosh Car Seat Cover
- UPPAbaby CozyGanoosh Stroller Cover
Have more questions about keeping your baby warm? Contact the mod mama lifestylists at: [email protected], 401-273-7800, or in-store seven days a week.
orange you glad you now know how to keep baby warm on the go?
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