Our affordable tips will help you tackle the chill and keep baby snug
Let's explore some tips and tricks to keep your bundle of joy safe and snug when the temperatures drop. From ways to retain heat in your home, to the best baby bedding and clothing, we’ve got you covered!
Easy steps for a warmer home
It’s tempting to turn up the thermostat as temperatures plummet but with energy prices still sky high, we can't afford it.
However, there are some low-cost options that can help to keep your home warm and cosy for baby, while saving energy.
Thick curtains will block draughts and trap the heat inside, especially if you close them at dusk, just as it’s getting colder outside.
Draught excluders placed at the bottom of your doors do a similar job by preventing the chilly wind from breezing in.
It’s also good to cover your wood or tiled floors with cosy rugs, as they supply an extra layer of insulation to retain heat, keeping your feet warm. They also provide a warmer, softer surface for little ones on the move.
If you’re struggling with heating costs you may be able to come to an arrangement with your supplier or get a grant: visit Citizen’s Advice for advice. There’s also a cold weather payment for those on certain benefits.
How to dress baby for the cold
It’s best to dress your baby in light layers, but don’t wrap them up like a tiny snowman! Babies can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults, so are more prone to overheating.
Go for natural, breathable fabrics, and skip the hat indoors. Dress them how you would yourself for the room's temperature, adding – at most – just one extra layer to keep them cosy. Start with a soft cotton bodysuit followed by a romper or jumper and leggings. Finish off with thick socks or booties to keep little tootsies warm.
If you’re heading outside, an all-in-one padded pramsuit with hood will keep them shielded from the cold, rain and wind.
Mum Becca Jones (@beccaxjonesx on Instagram) swears by layers while on wintry trips out with her three boys, including baby twins Rocco and Reo. ‘I usually like to have a base layer like a vest that fits snugly. Then I add a long-sleeve t-shirt or jumper. Lastly, a waterproof winter coat or onesie type coat, plus mittens and hats.’
Of course, you want baby to be warm and snuggly while sleeping but bundling them up is not the answer. Overheating from too many blankets or layers of clothes can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, use a lightweight baby sleeping bag, or lightweight blankets securely tucked in. Remember that a folded blanket counts as two blankets.
NHS advice stresses that babies do not need hot rooms, and that all night heating is rarely necessary. For safe sleep, the ideal room temperature is around 16-20°C. It’s trickier than you think to guess at temperature so use a low-cost room thermometer or invest in a high-tech baby monitor that can check baby’s sleeping environment, including the room temperature.
To make sure that your baby isn’t too warm, feel the skin on their chest or tummy rather than their hands or feet, which are naturally cooler. If their skin feels hot or sweaty, remove a blanket or layer of clothing.
