Whether your due date is coming up or you’re simply stocking your baby’s nursery for the upcoming winter months, there is a lot that your little one needs to keep them as snug as a bug.
The good news is that winter baby clothes are downright adorable and as a new mom you’ll find shopping for these items really fun! From fleece clothing to care items that nourish and protect your baby, there is a lot to consider, but we’re making it easy to stock up for the colder months by putting together this shopping guide on winter baby essentials for you.
As new parents, it can be overwhelming to know what you need for a new baby. Putting together your baby registry can seem like a daunting task if you don’t know where to start. While it’s always great to get recommendations from family members and friends, we’ve rounded up a list of must-have winter baby essentials to save you time on researching and shopping.
Disclosure: Affiliate links may be used, at no cost to you.
Winter Baby Clothing
Babies with a winter due date require a unique list of essentials that summer babies will likely never need. Here are a few of the winter baby essentials your baby will need to stay warm and happy.
Winter Swaddles & Warm Blankets
Many parents swaddle their babies while they sleep until 3 to 4 months of age as it can prevent babies from waking due to the startle reflex. If you plan to swaddle your baby, you’ll need some winter swaddle blankets. Otherwise, you can use a sleep sack made from micro-fleece to keep them warm while they snooze.
You can use warm, regular blanket while they’re in their stroller or baby carrier, but don’t use loose blankets while they are sleeping, in a baby swing, or sitting in their car seat for safety reasons. That’s why wearable blankets were invented as a safe way to put an extra layer on while they are sleeping during that first year.
Long Sleeve Onesies & Rompers
There’s nothing cuter than a baby in a onesie! Onesies and rompers are the most practical baby clothing out there, with a snap at the crotch or legs to allow for easy diaper changes.
If you don’t know the difference, a onesie stops at the crotch like a bodysuit while a romper extends down to the feet. Both come in an array of fun colors and adorable prints and patterns.
For the winter, you’ll want to stock up on long-sleeved versions of both of these one-piece wonders.
Pants
In addition to dressing your baby in long sleeves, you’ll need to dress them in a pair of pants to keep their legs warm. Elastic-waist pants are ideal as you can easily slide them on and off and they will stretch to a certain extent as your baby grows so they can wear them for longer.
Sweaters & Jackets
Having lots of layering pieces are really essential in the winter to keep your baby warm. There are endless ways to go about creating the coziest, cutest outfits for your little one, like soft cardigans and jackets.
Baby clothing usually isn’t too thick as babies can easily overheat, so you might need an extra layer on really cold days when you are heading outside. Be careful though about putting them in a heavy coat due to car seat harness regulations.
Snowsuit
If you’re going to be carrying your baby around outside of their baby carrier, you should look into getting them a snowsuit, which should keep them warm during winter weather. For crawling babies, the best way to keep them dry is to choose a waterproof snowsuit for playing in the snow.
Pajamas
In the winter season, your baby will need jammies that keep them cozy while they sleep. As body temperatures naturally drop while we sleep, it’s important that your baby stays warm through the night so that they can get a good night’s sleep (and so can you).
A baby who is too cold or too hot will definitely let you know by fussing through the night. Footed pajamas are particularly popular because they keep your baby completely covered and warm. That way, there won’t be any kicking off of socks in the middle of the night.
Socks & Booties
Speaking of socks, don’t forget them for daytime wear! You love your cozy slippers and your baby will love their tiny little warm socks and booties during cold temperatures.
Until your baby is walking, they really don’t need shoes yet, but baby booties will provide your baby’s feet with extra warmth when you head outside. Just look for an adjustable pair of fleece booties that cinch at the top or snap tightly so that you don’t end up with only one bootie and one bare foot.
Mittens
Baby mittens are so sweet and every baby should have at least a few pairs to keep their little hands warm. Many parents leave their newborn’s mittens on while they sleep to keep them from getting cold and also to help prevent their baby from scratching themself.
Word of advice: These are easy to lose, so buy mitten clips to keep them together.
Hats
Babies lose the most heat through their heads as that is the highest exposed skin surface area on their bodies. You’ll definitely want to buy them a warm hat or two, which will keep their core temperature regulated.
A good hat has ear flaps will keep their ears warm and if you really want to see cuteness overload, look for hats with teddy bear ears on them!
Related: Pack and Play vs Crib: Which Do I Need?
Winter Baby Gear
Prepping for a cold and snowy season means switching out some of your beloved summer baby gear for more durable, warm versions that will get you and your baby through those long winters. Because babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, keeping them warm does require more attention than you might think.
Stroller for All-Terrain
Just like cars, not all strollers are equipped for traversing snow and ice. If you live somewhere that snows a lot, you might want to consider investing in an all-terrain stroller with large wheels that can go anywhere without sliding or falling apart.
You shouldn’t have to stay inside all winter just because of the weather, so definitely consider purchasing one of the best winter-ready strollers.
Stroller Weather Shield
You’ll definitely need to cover your baby’s stroller when you are out for walks on a windy or snowy day. A durable, see-through shield will completely cover your stroller and protect your baby while still allowing them the experience of being outside and experiencing everything that is around them.
This will also come in handy for winter travel while you’re out exploring. Plus, you can also use it in the spring and fall months as a rain cover.
Stroller Footmuff
There are a few types of stroller footmuffs available, and what you’ll need will vary on the area you live in and how cold it gets.
For example, a standard, universal footmuff like this one will work for most winter climates. However, if you live north where it gets far below freezing, you’ll want something heavy duty like this one.
Car Seat Cover
While you can’t put a blanket or a coat in between the baby and their car seat straps for safety reasons, you can get a car seat cover that will keep your baby snuggled up while you get the car heating going. A car seat cover is almost like a snuggly sleeping bag that zips up around your baby while they are in their seat. Make sure you choose one that is easy to clean for obvious reasons.
Baby Carrier
Baby wearing is a great way to bond with your baby and also to regulate their body temperature naturally. While you can’t hold your baby all day, you can get a ring sling, wrap or other type of baby carrier that will keep them close to you while you work or walk around. That way, they’ll benefit from your extra body heat and skin-to-skin contact.
Jacket Extender for a Baby Carrier
You won’t be able to zip up your favorite winter jackets when you are wearing a baby carrier, which is why handy jacket extenders were invented. You simply zip one onto your jacket’s zipper on both sides and it makes room for your baby carrier. With a baby carrier cover like this, both you and your baby will stay warm inside your jacket.
Baby Sled
Once your baby is big enough to sit up on their own, you can look into buying them a baby sled. Pulling your little one along in the snow can be a really fun activity for you to do together. Be sure to check the safety, weight, and size requirements before using a baby sled.
Adult Stroller Mitts
You won’t be able to put your hands in your pockets when you are pushing a stroller along, so be sure that you have some extra warm gloves or stroller-specific mitts that will keep your hands warm.
Related: 7 Experts Reveal What to Look For in Baby Safe Paint
Baby Care Items for the Winter
There are a lot of care items that you can add to your list of winter baby essentials, particularly ones pertaining to keeping their skin nourished and immune system strong. Here are a few items to consider adding to your arsenal.
Sun Protection
It might not be the first thing you think of on cloudy winter days, but protecting your baby from the sun is really important. The sun’s UV rays can still be strong even in a cold climate. Your baby’s sensitive skin should stay shielded from direct sunlight at all times, at least until they are six months old when they can start to wear sunscreen.
The easiest way to protect your baby from the sun is to always put on a hat and keep the stroller canopy up. Sunglasses are a great way to protect your baby’s eyes, but depending on their age, they may not way to keep them on for long.
Humidifier
For both your baby’s skin and health, a humidifier is a great addition to your winter shopping list. It counteracts the harmful effects of having the heat on by putting moisture back into the air so that your baby’s skin doesn’t get dry skin overnight. Dry air can also cause sore throats and coughs, so putting a humidifier in baby’s room is a good way of warding off colds as well.
Forehead Thermometer
Winter time is the season of colds, so it’s important to have resources on hand should you suspect that your baby is getting sick. A digital forehead thermometer is a must for any parent as it provides a quick and accurate read. We love this type of thermometer specifically because you’ll always have easy access to baby’s head when they are all bundled up, versus one that requires armpit or rectal insertion.
Vitamin D Drops
Many people take Vitamin D in the winter as it’s hard to get enough of this essential vitamin when you aren’t in direct sunlight. Before giving your baby Vitamin D drops, always check with your pediatrician.
Related: Fact or Myth: Can a Nursery Ceiling Fan Help Prevent SIDS?
Related Posts
A Full Review of the Baby Magic Merlin’s Sleepsuit
6 of our Favorite Pack N Play Mattresses
The Best Blackout Curtain for Traveling with Kids
Our Detailed Review of the SlumberPod Blackout Tent
PIN THIS: Baby Winter Essentials
Leave a Reply