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Infant Cold Weather Precautions

Infants face increased risk of infections and other issues in the cold weather. It is very important to take precautions to prevent infants from getting colds and frostbite, as well as to keep them safe. Do not overdo it when you layer your infant's clothing in cold weather. They should only wear one more layer than you wear. Keep your infant inside if the weather is freezing.

  1. Clothes

    • Infants cannot regulate their body temperature so it is especially important to dress them warm in cold weather. Layering clothes is one way to keep your infant comfortable and protected from the cold. The layered clothes should be breathable and easy to remove so the infant does not get overheated. A baby who is overdressed and who starts to sweat may get the chills, restlessness and fever. It is also very important to put a hat on your infant because the baby's head loses heat if exposed.

    Protecting Infant Skin

    • An infant's skin can be sensitive to the cold, which can cause redness and irritation. Always use a gentle soap when your bathe your baby. Put moisturizer on their skin after a bath. When you take your infant outside in cold weather, make sure every part of the skin is protected. A moisturizer on the infant's cheeks can help prevent or keep chapped skin from getting worse. Also, a loose, lightweight blanket around the baby's face can be an added shield from windburn and sunburn. Thick and bulky blankets are not safe, because they can cause an infant to have problems breathing. Skin conditions such as eczema may get worse in the winter. Use a humidifier and a mild detergent when washing your baby's clothes to help prevent or lessen eczema outbreaks.

    Cold and Flu Protection

    • Your infant may be more susceptible to colds or the flu in the cold weather season. This is because an infant's immune system is not fully mature. To protect your infant from getting sick, refrain from allowing people with colds or other contagious illnesses to hold him. According to William Sears, MD, you can protect your baby from infection by keeping their mucus thin and moving. This can be done by squirting a few drops of saline solution into their nostrils and using a nasal aspirator to suck out the secretion. Dr. Sears said this keeps germs from getting stuck when mucus gets thick in cold and dry air.

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