Babies simply aren’t able to regulate their body temperature as well as older kids and adults. And this can lead to a number of problems if they’re left in temperatures that are too hot or cold. 

As the months get colder gradually, a major concern on many parents’ minds will naturally be how to keep their little ones warm and healthy.

This blog covers some of the must-know tips and advice on preparing for colder temperatures as well as how you can get your hands on one of the most vital tools in any infant's wardrobe: a warm bodysuit for your baby! 

 

 

Dangers of Your Baby Being Too Cold

Ultimately, babies need to use a huge amount of energy to stay warm if they’re in a cold room or outdoors, so we must do everything we can to give them a helping hand when temperatures drop. 

By keeping your baby warm, you’re helping them stay healthy and comfortable. As well as supporting their mood and making it easier for them to relax and sleep when they need to (to replenish vital energy reserves), stopping them from getting too cold will prevent them from developing various illnesses or health problems in the future, including: 

• Nasal congestion
• Infections
• Pneumonia
• Hypothermia
• Nosebleeds
• Dry skin
• Lack of sleep and crankiness

A healthy body temperature for infants is between 97.5 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). When below this, their body will have to work much harder to regulate temperature, which will reduce their energy levels rapidly.

If your baby is crying at night but you’re not sure whether it’s from being cold or something else, you might be interested in our blog: Baby Crying at Night: Causes and Solutions

What’s the Solution? A Warm Bodysuit!

 

Our first and probably most important tip is to invest in a set of warm bodysuits for your baby. This can act as a second skin and will guarantee your child’s temperature doesn’t drop below a certain level. The main reason for this is how it locks in vital heat so your baby doesn’t have to work so hard to stay warm.

The right bodysuit can act as a shield against the cold in so many situations and settings. And helping to retain heat without prohibiting your child’s movements also allows you some peace of mind when you leave them to sleep at night. 

We’ve mentioned it many times before, but as cute as it looks to bundle up your child when with blankets, it’s a serious health risk for infants that can lead to SIDS.

Our Zipadee-Zip bodysuit (featured above) was developed with these things in mind! While our standard cotton garments work well in relatively cold temperatures (especially when you add under layers), we also offer an amazing fleece collection which is recommended if you need some added cold protection.

Why fleece? We discuss material more below, but fleece is generally one of the warmest and softest fabrics you can offer a baby. It allows them to feel cozy and comfortable while remaining breathable too. And no matter how many times you wash it, it will still retain a good level of softness that won’t scratch or irritate your baby’s skin. 

Discover the Science behind the Zipadee-Zip and Why Parents Love It! 

Is Your Child A Little Older? Consider Our Fly Squirrel Pajamas!

 

So we don’t leave out older kids who have phased out their baby bodysuits and sleep sacks, we offer the popular Flying Squirrel pajamas too. And yes, we have it in fleece for those chillier months! 

Essentially, it’s our way of offering the same kind of great design, function and coziness for children who are ready to wear pajamas but still want an all-in-one sleep suit. It offers convertible cuffs that allow for optional hand coverings as well, so that you can add socks or mittens to keep their hands and feet extra warm.

Best Ways to Keep Baby Warm

 

Unless you live in a country with moderate temperature all year round, you’re going to need to find a few ways to help your baby cope with cold weather. Even in hotter countries, you’ll need to consider how air conditioning units turned on full blast can impact your baby.

Use Layers

Doubling (or tripling) on clothing layers helps to lock in even more warmth. It’s a way of stopping the precious heat your child is able to produce from disappearing from their bodies, while also stopping the colder temperatures of their environment from penetrating.

We would recommend starting with some smart bottom layers like a romper and leggings to form a solid base, before adding other items like a warm bodysuit or sleep sack. If you’re venturing outdoors, having multiple layers such as a jumper or cardigan as well as a jacket can also allow you to adjust things as the temperature changes.  

Your child might have an amazing winter coat, but if all they have underneath is a thin t-shirt or vest, you won’t be able to take off the top layer when you enter a building or get into a car. 

Doubling (or tripling) on clothing layers help to lock in even more warmth.

Share Your Warmth with Your Baby

 

As an adult, your body is much more able to generate heat even during extremely cold temperatures. You can share your warmth with your baby using a carrier that attaches to your front, or if you don’t have one, simply holding your baby close to your body can transfer some heat energy as well as create a barrier against the wind (if you’re outdoors).

Heads, Hand and Feet

You should always keep your baby’s head, hands and feet covered in really cold temperatures as they can lose so much heat through these areas of their body. 

Mittens or a hat will work well if you’re outdoors, however, when sleeping, we recommend a warm baby bodysuit to completely encase your baby’s limbs as this makes it less likely for these accessories to split off and cause a choking or suffocating hazard in your baby’s crib. 

Remember, your baby’s crib is the safest when it’s completely bare, firm and without any gaps between the mattress and the side of the crib. 

 

Get the Temperature Right

This is a no-brainer but if you have the power to do so, optimise the room's temperature so that your baby’s body doesn’t have to adapt to any extreme levels of heat or coldness.

 

Simply turning on the heat isn’t always enough though, as you may feel a room is quite warm when in actual fact your baby, who is much more sensitive to cold, might be struggling to stay warm. When in doubt, simply check the temperature in the room or check the temperature of your baby using a thermometer.

If possible to control, the ideal temperature for your baby’s room is between 60-70 °F (16-20 °C). You also need to be careful that the room doesn't get too hot too, as this can cause your child equally unwanted problems!

For tips on how to dress your baby in warmer temperatures, take a look at our blog: What Should My Baby Wear to Sleep in Summer? Simple Tips for a Great Night’s Sleep!

Stay Dry

Wetness and dampness can add to the damage of cold weather. If your baby has just bathed, make sure they’re completely dry before you dress them. 

If you’ve been out for a walk, also check that your baby’s clothes are not damp either from the rain directly or drips coming through their stroller. 

Get Our Tips on Executing the Perfect Baby Bath!

What Makes a Warm Bodysuit for Your Baby?

The most important factor when choosing a bodysuit for your baby, other than it being safe and suitable for them to play and sleep in, is that it’s made from the right material. These fabrics should be soft enough that they won’t irritate your baby’s skin while also providing a good amount of insulation. Suitable materials for baby clothes include: 

• Cotton
• Cotton blends
• Cashmere
• Linen
• Hemp
• Fleece

 

Clothing Guide for Different Temperatures

It’s always good to dress your baby in slightly warmer clothing than you would be comfortable wearing yourself, however, below are some recommendations on what clothes to wear for different temperatures.

>77 °F  (>26 °C)	Minimal clothing    E.g. Light bodysuits (short sleeve) or swaddle garments
71-76 °F  (22-24 °C)	Thin layers   E.g. Light bodysuits (long sleeve) or swaddle garments
64-70 °F  (18-21 °C)	Standard clothing   E.g. Light bodysuits (long sleeves) and a sleep sack or swaddle garment
59-63 °F (15-17 °C)	Warm layers   E.g. A warm bodysuit (long-sleeve), sleeping sack or wearable blanket made from fleece material or thicker cotton
<59 °F  (<15 °C)	Extra clothing and layers   E.g. A warm bodysuit (long-sleeve) and a sleeping sack or wearable blanket made from fleece material or thicker cotton

 

 

We’ve got some more great advice on choosing the right baby sleepwear during winter in our blog: Best Baby Sleepwear for Colder Weather

It’s always good to dress your baby in slightly warmer clothing than you would be comfortable wearing

Where to Find Warm Bodysuits for Your Baby

 

Revenue in the Baby Clothes segment is expected to grow annually by 4.86% between 2021-2026, according to Statista. 

Being such a booming industry, there’s no shortage of manufacturers and brands supplying baby garments from baby rompers and vests to bodysuits and sleep sacks. 

In one way, this is great as it gives you plenty to choose from. However, it can also be overwhelming if all you want to do is get yourself a practical and warm bodysuit for your baby with minimal hassle. 

Below is a list of places you can find baby clothes and some tips on how you can get your hands on some great products. 

Major Retailers

Department stores or very large baby clothing stores will stock their products in bulk and regularly bring in new items each season. You can find some amazing sales if you look at the right time. And if you’re not too picky about designs or patterns, you’re in a good position to snap up some great bargains! 

Small and Niche Retailers

Often operating solely online or from individual boutique stores, niche baby clothes retailers are fantastic places to get extremely high quality garments for your baby that don’t compromise on style or cuteness. 

These places might put you back a little bit more money-wise, but may offer the kind of durability and aesthetic appeal you desire. 

To find these places, ask friends or family for their best recommendations as mums and dads who have used and loved a product in the past are the best people to point you in the right direction.

Amazon and Ecommerce Marketplaces

Amazon and other ecommerce platforms are good if you want to see as many options as possible in one place. They let you compare prices and check thousands of reviews too.

When searching on these platforms, make sure you try a variation of key terms, such as warm baby bodysuits, baby sleep sacks, winter baby sleeping baby etc. as search results can differ based on how the product has been listed and optimized by the merchant. 

Secondhand Marketplaces

If you have no issues with your child wearing something used, then second hand marketplaces are an amazing place to find great items for your baby. While iroducts like baby bodysuits might be more “worn” that a jacket or shoes, for example, you could find pieces that are barely used. 

Final Tips for Keeping Your Baby Warm in Winter

 

Getting your hands on a warm bodysuit for your baby is a strong move, but below are some other top tips on keeping your baby warm and healthy during colder temperatures. 

• Use a firm mattress that has a suitable mattress protector on it. Old or spongey mattress can actually allow cold air to enter into the baby's space from below. A waterproof protector is also advised to avoid dampness and to provide a completely clean and robust surface for baby’s to sleep on. 
• Avoid the temptation of throwing cozy winter blankets onto your child when they look extra chilly. It’s far better to add some layers to keep them warm as sheets and blankets can bunch up, tangle and generally cause safety issues for your child.
• Even if you think temperatures are fine for your baby to sleep in, it’s always worth checking the thermostat regularly as well as your baby’s temperature. This is especially important if they’re just getting over a sickness as they will be much more sensitive to temperature variations.