Winter Care for Newborns: 10 Essential Tips Every Parent Should Know
Newborns can find winter a difficult time of the year. Being highly sensitive to cold weather, they have a weak immune system, which is still developing, and they are unable to control their body temperature. With the right care and precautions, you can keep your baby warm during cold weather without compromising their health.
These are 10 winter care tips to keep in mind when taking care of your newborn.
1. Dress Your Baby in Warm Layers
Wear lightweight and breathable clothes instead of heavy ones on your newborn. The one thing you can remember is that you can dress the baby one layer more than you are wearing.
2. Maintain a Comfortable Room Temperature
Maintain room temperature at 20-24 °C to ensure room comfort. If you have a heater, breathe the air and hold it far enough away to prevent overheating or drying out.
3. Moisturize Your Baby’s Skin
Apply regularly (after baths) a fragrance-free baby lotion. Pay attention to such areas that are likely to become dry, such as cheeks, hands, and legs. Baby creams or natural oils are useful in sealing in moisture and keeping the skin soft.
4. Limit Bath Time
Baths, often or long baths, deprive your baby of natural oils on their skin. Wash your baby with lukewarm water 23 times a week. Use gentle, soapless cleansers and keep bath time to a minimum.
5. Protect Your Baby from Cold and Infections
Limit the number of visitors, especially in the winter season. Request the family members to wash their hands before handling the baby. When someone is sick, keep them away from the newborn.
6. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Breast milk or formula provides sufficient hydration for infants. For breastfeeding moms, drinking plenty of fluids is necessary to maintain milk supply. Well-hydrated infants are less prone to developing dry skin and irritation.
7. Ensure Proper Sunlight Exposure
Early morning sun exposure provides vitamin D, which is essential for bone growth and immunity. Take your infant outside for a short while or place them near a sunny window, but ensure they are properly clothed.
8. Pay Attention to Your Baby’s Sleep Comfort
Warm blankets should be used, but they should not be heavy or loose, as they may cause suffocation. Wearable blankets or sleep sacks are safe. Not only should you put your baby on his back to sleep, but the crib should have no additional bedding or pillows.
9. Massage Your Baby Regularly
Additionally, a baby can be massaged with warm baby oil to improve blood flow, warm them, and help them sleep better. There is also the level of bonding between you as the parent and your newborn through massaging them. Prepare the massage by selecting a warm room and keeping your hands warm and clean, then proceed with the massage.
10. Watch for Signs of Discomfort or Illness
It is essential to pay attention to symptoms, including prolonged sobbing, cold hands and feet, dry skin, coughing, and nasal obstruction. When your baby is dressed for the weather, if he’s too cold or too hot, dress him lighter or heavier. Consult a paediatrician if any unusual symptoms occur.
The winter season is beautiful and comfortable with your newborn as long as you take the necessary precautions. These 10 winter care pieces of advice will make your little one warm, cozy, and healthy during the whole winter. The parent should always rely on gut feeling and not hesitate to consult a doctor whenever needed. Your newborn can spend a safe and happy winter with love, care and an addition of some extra attention.
