Is my baby ready for the first winter?
The days get shorter and colder, the leaves fall. Nature is changing. We prepare for the winter of everyday life. The first winter with a child can be quite challenging. It raises a lot of questions and concerns for baby’s parents. How should I dress my baby so he or she doesn’t get cold and sweaty? What pram and car accessories are sensible in winter and should I take my newborn out in the cold at all?
Walking with your child in winter: yes or no?
Fresh air while walking is good for you and your child, even in the cold season. Unless your baby is healthy and your midwife advises otherwise on an individual basis, there’s no reason not to take a winter walk in moderate weather. You can limit yourself to half an hour at first and gradually increase this. To enjoy milder temperatures, it’s a good idea to plan your walk for the afternoon.
If possible, bring the stroller indoors on cold days. If you don’t have this option and want to provide extra warmth, you can preheat the stroller or winter accessories before going outdoors, for example with a hot water bottle, but don’t forget to put the hot water bottle in the stroller before you start your walk.
Remember: when you’re outdoors with your little one in winter, baby’s skin is very sensitive to cold and wind. Their natural skin barrier is still developing. So when it’s wet, cold or snowy, your baby’s skin needs extra protection. Use rich water-free wind and weather creams to protect little hands and sensitive facial skin in low temperatures. Be sure to choose a moisturiser that is free of alcohol, perfumes and preservatives.
What clothes are suitable for my child in winter?
Your child is not yet able to regulate his or her body temperature. In cold weather, they can quickly lose body heat. Babies are very sensitive to the cold. So can the risk of overheating. Layered coverings are important to protect your baby from the cold winter air – they restrict the cold air and prevent overheating. Several thin layers will keep your baby much warmer than a few thick layers. The same technique also protects against overheating. As a rule of thumb, your baby should be covered by one more layer than you. However, if you’re unsure, you can check your baby’s neck to see if he’s comfortable, too cold or too warm. To ensure a healthy skin climate, it is advisable to choose baby clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton. These materials not only keep your baby warm, but are also breathable. So if your tightly wrapped baby starts to sweat a little, the fibres will absorb excess moisture while keeping the outside dry.
Start layering with a long-sleeved baby bodysuit followed by tights depending on the temperature, or go straight for trousers, warm socks and a long-sleeved shirt. Add a sweater and jacket. Don’t forget a hat to protect your head and ears from the cold, as well as gloves.
By using the right stroller accessories, such as a footmuff or a warming bag, you can do away with the need for a bulky snowsuit if you wish.
Which winter accessories are essential for pushchairs and baby car seats?
ABC Design’s soft seat cushions or seat liners, foot covers, winter footmuffs and cosy blankets are the perfect accessories for your stroller in winter, keeping your baby comfortably warm on the move. As with baby clothes, the choice of materials is crucial for comfort and functionality in trolley accessories.
You can also safely use a winter heating bag during the transitional seasons. Fitting is quick and easy and fits well with the trolley’s safety straps. This flexibility allows you to react to fluctuating temperatures.
While warming accessories such as sleeping bags, footmuffs or blankets will protect your child from the winter cold, stroller lighting and visibility are just as important. ABC Design’s universal LED lamp can be mounted on the sides or directly in front of the stroller using the original mounting bracket or a harness. The luminaire comes in 7 basic colours, so you can create different lighting scenes and be prepared for different traffic situations. With the direction to the rear, you can make the red light flash and the white light in front. You can control the light from buttons or from your phone’s smartphone app.
If you happen to get caught in a snowstorm when you’re out with your child, the stroller’s rain cover also protects against snowflakes. In winter, it’s worth keeping this cover in your basket at all times.
In the car, it’s wise to avoid winter jackets and the like for safety reasons. Instead, use a softly padded newborn warm bag, which you can use not only in the infant car seat but also in the stroller carrier. The slots on the back of the harness allow the straps to fasten correctly. This way, the infant carrier will keep your baby comfortably warm during the winter journey without compromising on safety. When it’s warm in the car, open the foot cover for the journey. Close it again when you take your baby out of the car.
Bring a thermos teacup to keep the mother and father warm inside.
How should I look after my pushchair in winter?
Snow and ice can have a harsh effect on your stroller, so it needs extra care during the winter season. Salt on the streets and pavements is necessary for safety, but can leave marks on your trolley. Be sure to clean the salt off your stroller after a winter walk. Water works well for this. Moving parts such as the wheels are under a lot of stress in winter. Don’t forget to oil them regularly to ensure a comfortable ride. This applies not only to winter maintenance, but also to year-round maintenance. Use silicone-free oils for this purpose. In addition, check reflective strips for damage and wear before dark and replace them if necessary.
With good preparation, you can enjoy the promise of winter. And if you’re looking to do some winter shopping before the first snow, feel free to contact the experts at Hummy.
We wish you a wonderful winter season.
