As a new parent, every season change will be… a first! From clothing to nursery, some adjustment will be needed as you enter the cold months.
While this can be a daunting task, taking simple steps to maintain a cosy atmosphere can make a big difference.
In this article, we’ll outline ten tips for creating a comfortable home environment for your newborn during winter, with a focus on safety and warmth.
Keep the temperature warm
Maintaining a warm and constant temperature is essential for a newborn’s comfort during winter. The ideal temperature range is 22-26°C. You can monitor the temperature with a room thermometer or program your thermostat to keep your home at a consistent temperature throughout the winter months.
Dress for the weather
Dressing your newborn appropriately for the weather is essential to keeping them comfortable and healthy. During the winter months, temperatures can fluctuate rapidly, so it’s important to dress your baby in layers that can be easily added or removed as needed.
Here are some additional tips for dressing your baby for winter weather:
- Use base layers: Start with a base layer of cotton or other breathable fabric. This layer will help to keep your baby warm without causing them to overheat. Look for long-sleeved onesies or vests that will cover your baby’s arms and legs.
- Choose the right outer layer: Depending on the temperature outside, your baby may need a heavier layer to keep them warm. Choose a jacket or snowsuit that is appropriate for the weather conditions. Be sure to choose a jacket that is not too bulky and will not restrict your baby’s movement.
- Don’t forget about the feet: Your baby’s feet can get cold quickly, so be sure to dress them in warm socks or booties. If you’re going outside, you may also want to consider investing in a pair of waterproof boots to keep your baby’s feet dry and warm.
- Protect the head: A baby’s head is where most of their body heat is lost, so it’s important to keep it covered during cold weather. Choose a hat or cap that will cover your baby’s ears and keep them warm.
- Consider using a blanket: If you’re going outside for a short period of time, you may want to consider wrapping your baby in a warm blanket. This will provide an extra layer of warmth and protection against the cold.
Keep a close eye on your baby’s temperature to ensure they are not too hot or cold. Touch their chest and the back of their neck to assess their temperature. If they’re too hot, they will be sweaty, and you’ll need to remove a layer of clothing. Conversely, if they’re too cold, add a layer. Be mindful of their hands and feet, as they can often feel colder than the rest of their body.
Create a fun and safe play area
The winter months can limit your baby’s ability to play outside, making it essential to create a safe play area at home.
An activity blanket or floor mobile can keep them entertained, and you can also play peek-a-boo with a silk scarf or read colourful books. Lying next to them and talking to them is also stimulating.
Use a humidifier
Humidifiers are a useful tool in creating a comfortable home environment for your newborn during the winter months. The central heating that we use to warm our homes during winter often dries out the air, which can cause discomfort and health problems for both you and your baby.
A humidifier works by adding moisture to the air, making it more comfortable to breathe and helping to prevent dry skin and coughs. By using a humidifier, you can keep the air in your home at a comfortable level for your baby.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of humidifier for your home. There are several types available, including cool mist, warm mist, ultrasonic, and evaporative humidifiers. Cool mist humidifiers use a fan to blow air through a wet wick, which releases cool mist into the air. Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, use a heating element to boil water and release steam into the air.
Ultrasonic humidifiers use a high-frequency vibration to create a fine mist, while evaporative humidifiers use a fan to blow air through a wet wick or filter. Each type of humidifier has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that’s best for your needs.
When using a humidifier in your baby’s room, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and change the water daily to prevent the growth of bacteria.
You should also be mindful of the humidity level in your home. Too much moisture can create an environment that’s conducive to the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to your baby’s health. Conversely, too little moisture can cause dry skin, chapped lips, and other discomforts.
The ideal humidity level for your home should be between 30-50%. You can measure the humidity level using a hygrometer, which is a device that measures the moisture in the air. If the humidity level in your home is too high or too low, adjust the settings on your humidifier accordingly.
Ensure home safety
If you have portable heaters or an open fire, invest in a fireguard to protect your baby from getting too close to them. Never leave them alone in a room with a heater or fire. Even though newborns are not yet crawling, it’s good to assess your home’s safety since you’ll likely be spending more time indoors during winter.
While it’s cold outside, opening windows occasionally can help air out your home and create air circulation. This can help reduce dust accumulation, making the air feel more comfortable and fresh.
Keep surfaces clean
Keeping surfaces clean is crucial in providing a safe and healthy environment for your newborn during the winter months. Babies have weaker immune systems than adults, making them more susceptible to germs and illnesses. Here are some tips on how to keep surfaces clean:
- Clean surfaces regularly: It’s important to clean surfaces that your baby comes into contact with, such as changing tables, high chairs, and toys, regularly. Use a mild detergent and warm water to wipe down these surfaces.
- Use baby-safe cleaning products: Avoid harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your baby’s skin and respiratory system. Look for cleaning products that are specifically designed for babies, such as all-natural, non-toxic, and fragrance-free options. These products are gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin and safe for them to breathe in.
- Disinfect surfaces: Disinfecting surfaces is important to kill germs and bacteria that can cause illnesses. Use a disinfectant that is safe for babies, such as a solution of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. You can also use baby-safe disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces quickly and easily.
- Wash baby’s toys regularly: Toys can harbor germs and bacteria, especially if your baby puts them in their mouth. Wash your baby’s toys regularly in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher. You can also use baby-safe disinfectant wipes to clean toys.
- Vacuum floors regularly: Dust and dirt can accumulate on floors, which can be harmful to your baby’s health. Vacuum your floors regularly to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and other particles.
- Use an air purifier: An air purifier can help remove pollutants and allergens from the air in your home. Look for an air purifier that is designed for babies and has a HEPA filter. This will help remove pet dander, pollen, and other airborne allergens that can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems.
- Use a steam cleaner: A steam cleaner can be used to clean floors, carpets, and upholstery without the need for harsh chemicals. The high temperature of the steam kills germs and bacteria, leaving your home clean and fresh.
… And all this applies to our studio!
Working with newborn babies means ensuring that when you come to Marie Myers Photography for your newborn session you feel… at home!
Everything just mentioned in terms of temperature, comfort and hygiene will always be our top priority!