BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE
By Paulina Kasmer
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With the amazement of first snowfalls, the aroma of crisp light air, and the crackling of fireplaces the winter months have a charm, which is unsurpassed. However, for every parent who is welcoming a little whimsical winter wonder into the world, the winter months can be filled with worry. With the plummeting temperatures and increase of illnesses these months can be stressful. To help relieve these worries we've compiled a list of 9 essential must haves to keep your snow babies warm and healthy.
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Hats
Whether they are knitted by grandma, store bought, or hospital borrowed you can never have enough hats. We can all recall a time when our own mothers shouted intently out the door that "90% of your body heat escapes from your head; put on a hat". Although hard to admit to the wisdom our mothers, they were right. Take your mothers, and grandmothers, and great-grandmothers advice and never step outside without a hat snug on your little ones head.
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Sleep sacks
Thanks to the American Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Institute we are now aware that putting an infant to sleep with extra bedding increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Armed with this knowledge it becomes a tricky balance in keeping your tot warm throughout the evening. A terrific alternative to a blanket is a sack or a wearable blanket that zips up the front and is placed over pajamas.
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Flannel fitted sheet
No one likes to jump into a cold bed. Flannel sheets will help reduce the shock that your little one will experience when moved from the warm chest of his/her mother or father to the cool bedding below.
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Baby Leg Warmers
Being children of the 80s, we love things that remind us of our own childhood. Leg warmers are no exception. BabyLegs (our favorite) are little leg warmers made especially for babies and toddlers that help keep little legs warm, especially the often exposed skin between the sock and the bottom of the pant or skirt. A brilliant alternative to tights, BabyLegs allow us to keep our little girls in dresses in the winter. Since we all know tights can be quite a hassle, baby leg warmers are also great for our little potty-trainers. They come in so many colors and fun patterns, so you'll want to stock up with a variety to match your baby or toddler outfits in the winter!
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Blankets
Blankets are a must have in the winter for babies. So that we are never caught without one, we keep a blanket in the car, in the diaper bag and in most rooms in the house. Don't forget though, blankets should stay out of the crib!
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Bundle Me / Bunting Bags
Bundle Me's / Bunting Bags are a necessity. These built in blankets eliminate the use of big and bulky snowsuits and alleviate the struggle of fitting your infant into his car seat restraints over sweaters, jackets, and snowsuits. Don't forget to remove or unzip these extra layers once you're indoors to prevent overheating.
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Humidifier - Cool mist
As the temperature drops it is inevitable that your heating unit will kick into full gear. While keeping us warm and toasty it also dries the air. This can make your home dry and therefore can make your infants throat and skin feel dry and scratchy, cause or aggravate respiratory problems, dry out nasal passages and make your baby more susceptible to colds or the flu. Humidifying your home to provide proper moisture levels will help alleviate these symptoms. To combat this, consider using a cool mist humidifier in the room where your baby will be sleeping.
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Thermometer
Because viruses run rampant in the winter months, an infant thermometer is essential. A proper thermometer will help you monitor your infant if they do catch a bug. Be sure to check the temperature if you think your baby feels too warm. Because infants lack the vocal skills necessary to inform you of an illness a core temperature is the most tell tale sign of illness in a little one. Also, check with your pediatrician to ensure you are using the right type of thermometer for the age of your child.
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Books
While your little sweetie will be too young to truly understand the plot, climax, and literary humor - they aren't too little to fall in love with your voice. It is never too early to start reading to your baby. In fact, research is showing that reading to your infant is important because it often establishes an association between reading and comfort. Because the infant is cuddled and held closely as a mother reads the association between reading time ad comfort is established. Furthermore, reading to your infant can help break up your days when you are stuck indoors.
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