10 Tips for experiencing winter with baby - MAMAN des BWA

by Jacinthe PlamondonDec 01, 2023

10 Trucs pour vivre l’hiver avec bébé - MAMAN des BWA

In the outdoors, it is often said that there is no such thing as bad temperature, only bad equipment! It's certain that at -40 degrees, it's more pleasant to play board games than to freeze outside, but otherwise, don't let the cold intimidate you! Playing outside will do everyone a lot of good, whether in cross-country skiing , on snowshoes or simply take a walk. What's better for baby than a long nap in the fresh air? Since I have four children who are fidgety, I have put together in this post some tips and favorites that help you learn to love winter.

Here are my 10 best tips for enjoying winter with baby

winter thing

Know that humidity and wind are your worst enemies. What to do to defeat them?

Hydrate and eat well before and during activity to keep the body warm and active.
Before going out, make sure your baby has a clean diaper and dry clothes. Put on wool socks just before going out to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
Spread a protective balm on the little cheeks of the whole family (beeswax and shea butter are winning ingredients). Here I use that of Matter Company , for its texture, its very practical format and its sweet smell of chamomile and cocoa.

matters company

Dress the whole family with the multi-layer system. A fleece-type suit or a merino wool base layer are good clothes to wear under your snowsuit.
Provide an extra peel for toddlers (0 to 2 years) who have difficulty regulating their temperature. Our hoodies love winter. 

baby hoodie

For an extra lining, add an adult's wool sock over the snowsuit around baby's hands and feet. Be careful of the elastics that tighten the wrists and ankles.
If the child seems hot, remove a layer of clothing, or remove the toque and the mittens for a few minutes.
Prevent frostbite by checking skin color and blood return. You must remain attentive to baby's discomfort; he doesn't always show them, especially when he's sleeping. If in doubt, check.

Let's talk insulation

Choose a sled or trailer with a cabin that insulates from the wind. Click here to learn more about my sled system :)

baby sled

To further insulate the feet of children who are starting to walk, cut out an insole from a Styrofoam package. The boot must be large enough to prevent it from squeezing the foot. A great thing Ti-Mousse in Bush !

The hot water bottle is a great tip to extend your outdoor activities in winter. You must fill a large-mouthed water bottle with boiling water and place it between the baby's legs in his sled. This is an additional heat source to warm your hands if needed. Take care to position it away from the skin to avoid burns.

hot water bottle

Also discover : Hot Poc reusable hand warmers! You can bring several in reserve and activate them at the appropriate time. They remain hot for approximately 30 minutes and 60 minutes for the XL format. Use the small size for baby's hands and feet and the XL size (which I love to place on the belly, between the coat and the blanket) to warm the baby's body in his sled. A great alternative to disposable hand warmers.

hotpoc mitten

hotpoc

Use a foam mattress or a piece of Styrofoam under your buttocks and feet at the edge of the fire. Place a rectangle at the bottom of the baby's sled to insulate it. An excellent weather stripper. An old fur coat can also make an excellent, somewhat folkloric, insulator. 

fire winter

Here are my best tips for enjoying our beautiful white season with the children. Go gradually and simply! A little sleigh ride, an obstacle course in the yard or a simple little fort in the snow can delight young and old alike. Little by little, you will gain confidence, adapt your equipment and lengthen your outings.

Your turn now!

mom