It's cold outside, and how you dress your infant for play and sleep is important during the winter months. According to Janis Stone, textiles and clothing extension specialist at Iowa State University, "In winter, babies need about the same number of layers as adults for comfort and protection – indoors or out. A newborn's ability to regulate body temperature is not well developed, so you need to pay special attention to how they are dressed."

A baby who is too cold may fuss, but may not complain if too warm, says Stone. Mottled-looking skin or pale cheeks may be a sign a baby is too cold. If the neck feels damp from sweat or cheeks are especially rosy, the baby may be overdressed.

"For tiny babies, cotton jersey knit gowns that tie at the bottom keep feet warm and are convenient for changing diapers," Stone says. "As Baby grows, soft, one-piece knit sleepers with feet and a gripper or zip opening from neck to toes make Baby easy to handle. These do not gap open at the waist, as can happen with two-piece outfits. Some sleepers have cuffs that fold over to keep hands warm, but as babies find their mouths with their fists, be sure the sleeve cuffs are kept dry. Evaporating moisture in wet clothes tends to cool the hands and body."

Blanket-weight fleece sleepers are a good choice for infants when sleeping. When a child starts walking, be sure that sleepers have non-skid soles on the bottom of the feet.

According to Stone, if you take a baby outdoors in winter, a knit or fleece cap, sweater and blankets or a snowsuit are needed over their indoor clothes. Wrap small babies in a soft cotton flannel receiving blanket. Wrap heavier fleece or quilted blankets over the first one for added warmth and protection.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.