Dressing Baby
IT’s officially winter weather here in ToroNTo! So, How should you dress your baby for the ColdER temperatures?
Babies have a hard time regulating their body temperature in the early days. Skin-to-skin is a great way to help your baby with their temperature, along with many other wonderful benefits! But how should you dress your baby if you need to go out or if they aren't snuggling with you?
A FEW GUIDELINES:
• Generally speaking, dress your baby in one extra layer than you're comfortable wearing.
• Remember that feet and hands may appear purplish and feel cooler than the rest of their body. This cooler feeling is normal but not an accurate indicator of your baby's temperature.
• Check your baby regularly (back of the neck or under armpits) to ensure they do not overheat. Overheating has been linked to SIDS.
• An overheated or swaddled* baby may sleep through feeding cues and not be able to signal their needs, possibly leading to inadequate weight gain and a drop in milk supply if a parent is body/ breastfeeding.
A cold baby will be fussy or cry to let you know they need warmth.
• The ideal temperature for a room should be between 68 degrees to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 degrees to 22.2 degrees Celsius).
Even if you cannot measure the room's exact temperature, ask yourself, "Is the temperature in here too hot or too cold for me?" Babies are tiny humans! If it's too hot for you, it's probably too hot for them.
• Make sure there is plenty of ventilation/ airflow. Many baby seats and sleeper pillows don't allow for sufficient airflow.
*Swaddling is not recommended for infants when they are able to roll over, which typically happens around 3- 4 months intentionally.
Signs your baby may be too warm:
Warm to the touch
Flushed or red skin
Rapid heartbeat
Fast breathing
Vomiting
Lethargic or unresponsive
Sweaty neck or damp hair
Heat rash
Under the arm temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) or higher.
(infants with a fever should be seen by their healthcare provider)
How to dress your baby for sleep separate from you:
Short sleeve onesie or cotton onesie or t-shirt
Cotton footless or footed sleeper
A sleep sack (eliminates the need for the loose fabric of a blanket that poses safety risks)
Hats and mitts are not recommended while sleeping. Hats can slip over baby's face blocking airflow, and mitts are unnecessary and may inhibit baby's cues.
You can use this chart to help you make an educated guess on how warmly you should dress your baby.
GOING OUT IN COOLER WEATHER
In a car seat: A puffy outer coat inside the buckles of a car seat is NOT recommended. Refer to the chart above and use a blanket as the extra layer. Warm the car before taking baby out, and remove any cover that goes over the top of the car seat to ensure adequate airflow.
In a stroller: Similar to the chart above, an undershirt, sleeper and a fleece outer cover or snow-suite instead of a sleep sack. Hats and mitt are recommended. A cover over the stroller that restricts airflow is NOT recommended.
In a carrier: If baby is inside your coat, be careful not to overdress them. Your co-body heat inside the coat will keep you both toasty! A hat is recommended, and booties or leg warmers if their legs are exposed. Carrying your baby on your chest in a wrap or sling allows you to feel your child's temperature easily. If you feel too hot, baby does too!
What Do I do if I THNK my baby is too hot?
Here are some ways to help safely cool down your baby:
Take off layers of clothing
Go to a well-ventilated room
Apply a cold compress to their forehead or limbs
Offer a feed human milk, formula (or sips of water depending on their age)
Give them a lukewarm (NOT cold) bath
If your newborn his too hot and the temperature doesn’t come down within 30 minutes or has a fever or is unresponsive, call 911 or immediately proceed to the nearest emergency room.
