Keeping Your Baby Warm: Common Questions & Answers

Whilst we were researching our last post, we realised that a lot of you have questions about keeping your baby warm in winter. Although we did give some tips in our last article here, we thought it would be a good idea to answer some of the more specific questions we were asked…

Sooo, in this follow-up post, we’re going to look at:

• How to keep your baby warm in their pram
  ● How to keep your baby warm in a car seat
  ● How to keep your baby warm at night
  ● What are the best sleeping bags for babies?

And just so you know, we’re not affiliated to any of the brands that we mention in this article, nor are we being paid to mention them. It’s just stuff we like!

How to keep your baby warm in their pram

I think we’d be lying if we said we never looked down at a cosy looking baby wrapped up in their pram on a cold day and feel a little envious. If someone offered to wheel me around wrapped in blankets, doing the jobs whilst I snoozed, I’d gladly oblige! Wouldn’t you?

There are some really cute and effective options to help your little ones stay warm in their pram or stroller. Here are some of our favourite ideas:

Layers

The official advice is always to dress a baby in layers so if they get too warm, you can simply remove one layer. Pop your baby in their usual winter attire and add some extra baby blankets to keep them cosy in their pram. Baby layers can include:

• A hat (important for keeping your baby’s head warm outside in cold weather)
  ● Babygrow
  ● Cardigan
  ● Snowsuit
  ● Baby booties

Blankets

As well as their usual winter clothing, to help your baby stay warm and cosy and stop them catching a chill from laying on a draughty or cold surface, add a blanket. Our Matchstick Monkey blanket made from super soft, natural bamboo fibres is perfect to use as a liner or blanket in your pram. The natural bamboo material is breathable and soft, as well as being easily washable.

A baby footmuff

These are little sleeping bag-like sacks, often with zips that go all the way around. This way you can fold down the top half, or use the bottom half as a liner when the weather is warmer. Depending on the brand you buy, they should fit in your pram or pushchair.

Some of the cosiest looking footmuffs are sold by John Lewis. Our personal favourite is the John Lewis Sheepskin Footmuff. It’s not the cheapest, but the natural sheepskin and showerproof cover will keep your baby so cosy and warm - and if you pass it on to younger children, it should last for years.

How to keep your baby warm in a car seat

Again, the advice here would be, layers! If you don’t have temperature controls in your car (if you do, the ambient temperature should be around 21-22°C) then this is especially important. Again, layers can include:

• A hat (important for keeping your baby’s head warm in cold weather)
  ● Babygrow
  ● Cardigan
  ● Snowsuit
  ● Baby booties

You can also get car seat inserts or liners that will increase padding and support. Just check if the one you buy is compatible with your car seat.

How to keep your baby warm at night

In our last post, we talked a little bit about how to keep your baby warm at night without them overheating, but we’ll repeat it here.

To reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it’s recommended that parents and caregivers avoid overbundling, overdressing or covering an infant's face or head to prevent him or her from getting overheated.

This means that it’s important not to use blankets in the crib. The room where the baby sleeps should be comfortable enough for them to wear a sleepsuit, a babygrow or a special baby sleeping bag which you can open at the bottom if you think they may be too warm.

You can even get baby sleeping bags that have their own thermometer if you want to get the temperature spot on!

Also, never use hot water bottles or electric blankets to warm up your baby. Both these items can quickly overheat your baby and they won’t be able to move away from the source of the heat if they get uncomfortable.

What are the best sleeping bags for babies?

Sleeping bags for babies are one of the best ways to make sure your baby stays warm and safe at night. They’re designed so babies can’t get tangled in them in any way.

This one from SnüzPouch even has an opening so you can change your baby without taking them out of their bag, or open to keep them cool in warmer temperatures.

If you’ve got any more questions about how to keep your baby warm at night, let us know on Instagram or Twitter @matchstick_monkey or email us at info@matchstickmonkey.com