Winter Series: Keeping Warm Inside

What's Covered

Winter is here and strong winds are blowing, storm and snow is falling all over and there is limited movement outside. Your child is asking why she can’t go outside and play as they used to during summer. She doesn’t seem to understand anything about winter but she is excited and is thinking of making snowballs and snowman. First-time parents or those expecting their child in winter are wondering how to tackle this challenging season. Well, it is ideal for every parent to prepare for winter in advance so your child is kept warm and safe inside.

Things to consider when buying winter gear and clothing

Size

choose the right size for your child. The cloth should be fitting and not too tight, buggy, or heavy.

Type of fabric

choose an attire that is comfortable and cozy-the best materials to buy are fleece, silk, wool, and cotton among others. Cotton and jeans are not advisable during winter because they absorb sweat, therefore, making the child colder.

Comfort

choose warm and light clothing for the child that is not too heavy or too tight. Clothes may restrict movement when heavy and result in overheating and discomfort.

Ease of dressing

For children who are not toilet trained, choose clothes that can easily be removed and worn. This makes the work of the parent easy and less stressful and allows the child to run around freely.

Fitting cuffs

Choose sweaters and jackets with cuffs that fit well on the wrist of the child. The essence of this is to keep as much heat within the body as possible.

Skin type

Choose the right material type that your child’s skin is not allergic to. Some children’s skin is sensitive to a certain type of fabric e.g., silk, therefore, only choose what is suitable for your baby’s skin.

Footwear

Choose light socks for the child’s leg. Choose shoes that are fitting and comfortable to a child’s leg that ensures ease of movement. Sure, the winter shoes bought for your child are closed to keep the feet warm.

Waterproof

Check on the cloth label if it’s waterproof or not. Waterproof materials are light and perfect for keeping the child warm and free from cold resulting from water.

Winter gear and clothing to keep warm inside

Young children and toddlers lose heat faster compared to older children and they are also prone to overheating. Therefore, while keeping your little one warm inside during winter, apply care and caution. Here are some of the ways to keep a child warm:

1.      Woolen clothes

These include clothes such as woolen sweaters, woolen winter hats, and jackets for kids. Woolen sweaters help in retaining the warmth. Adding a sweater after a layer of silk and cotton cloths may just do the trick.

Columbia Girls' and Toddlers' Katelyn Crest Jacket
this waterproof winter jacket provides sufficient warmth to the child preventing any sicknesses brought by cold.
Feidoog Toddler Polar Fleece Jacket Hooded
this cartoon printed, easy to wear and remove, fleece jacket is soft and comfortable for the baby and helps retain warmth during winter.

2.      Socks  

During the day in the house, it may be wise to dress the child in warm and light socks to keep the legs and feet warm.

3 Pairs Kids Boys Girls Slipper Socks Winter
these soft, breathable and cozy winter socks are suitable for any skin type and are perfect for keeping the baby’s feet warm.

3.      Winter boots

Fleece winter boots are suitable to prevent the feet and toes from catching cold. Winter boots should be soft and warm inside and also non-slip for easy movement. For toddlers who run around the house, socks and boots can be used together to prevent getting too cold when stepping down.

festooning Girls & Toddler' Faux Fur Shearling Style Boots
these non-slip winter boots are easy to wear/remove and are perfect for keeping the child’s feet warm and comfortable.

4.      Slippers

Additional indoor fur slippers help retain the warmth on the legs as the child moves around the house. Soft and cozy slippers are suitable for children.

ditont Toddler Boys Girls Rubber Sole Indoor House Slippers
these are the best indoor slippers for toddlers since they are light, has rubber soles that retain warmth, they are breathable and soft therefore ideal for keeping the feet warm.

5.      Mittens

Mittens help keep the baby’s hands warm and to avoid them falling off, mitten clippers can be used to reinforce. Mittens are warmer than using gloves.

Winter Mitten Gloves for Baby Kids Toddler Infant Newborn
these are available for all children ages and other than keeping warm, they are highly elastic making it is easier for the parent to dress the child and save time.

6.      Gloves

 Gloves can be worn by toddlers and older children to prevent cold since they are always moving and touching cold surfaces. These can help keep warm both indoors and outside.

Sale
Boao 6 Pairs Kids Gloves
these 6pairs of gloves that are available in all sizes different colors are perfect for keeping the child’s fingers warm.

7.      Sleeping bags and sacks

These are helpful during bedtime. Since babies and children turn when sleeping and can kick off blankets, you should put the child in a sleeping bag/sack. There are also sleeping bags/sacks available for older children.

Amazing Baby Microfleece Sleeping Sack
this baby sack is suitable since it is easy to put the baby in it and with the zip on the side, it is easy making diaper change.
Sale
Bixbee Kids Sleeping Bag, Children's Nap Mat, Shark
this super soft high quality sleeping bag is perfect for your child’s night sleep and keeps her warm the whole night.

8.      Swaddles

If you are feeling like the baby will kick off the blanket used to cover her, wrap the baby in a swaddle to keep all the body inside, warm and cozy. Swaddles work well for babies below one year old.

Swaddle Designs Ultimate Winter Swaddle
this winter swaddle is ideal for covering the baby to keep warm inside therefore reduces chances of getting affected by cold temperatures.

9.      Warm pajamas and blankets

Pajamas are available for young and older children. Dress the child in warm and comfy pajamas when going to bed. Blankets can also be used in addition to the pajamas to keep the kid warm all night long. When using blankets on young children ensure they are covered only up to the chest to avoid suffocation. Also, tack the blanket under the mattress to avoid it falling/being kicked away.

Sale
Simple Joys by Carter's Boys' 3-Pack Snug Fit Footed Cotton Pajamas
this is the perfect pajama for your child that locks in warmth and keeps out cold.
Sale
Nanpiper Sherpa Blanket
this blanket is perfect since it is soft and warm therefore, it retains heat to keep the baby warm all night long.

10.  Thermal underwear

To avoid dressing children in layers of clothes, thermal underwear can be used to prevent heat loss. This is easier and fashionable for children during extreme cold weather in winter and also keeps the baby warm without using a thermostat.

Better4Babies Modal Cotton Thermal Long Underwear Set
this is the best thermal underwear that makes the baby warm, comfortable, healthy and happy.

11.  Winter hats

Hats can also be used to keep the baby warm during the day but do not dress the child in a hat when she is sleeping to avoid overheating. Overheating can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

12.  Scarves

Winter scarf wrapped around the neck helps to keep both children and adults warm both inside and outside. Choose a scarf that is comfortable and fitting for your child.

Zhanmai 2 Pieces Kids Winter Warm Knit Scarves Warm Scarf Neck Warmer for Toddlers Boys Girls
this pair of unisex scarves, available for ages 1-8 are cozy and keeps the child warm

13.  Humidifiers

This moisturizes the dry winter air and keeps the baby/child’s room warm to prevent sicknesses such as common cold, sore throat, and cough. The dry winter air may dry up the child’s skin therefore the humidifier moisturizes the skin. The moisture may also help unblock blocked nostrils.

Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
this humidifier relieves the child off congestion and coughs, moisturizes skin quickly and easily.

14.  Curtains and blinders

Use heavy curtains/blinders to cover windows to retain the warmth in the house and reduce heating costs. Close all doors and windows and only open them during the day to allow natural light from the sun to heat the house.

PONY DANCE Blackout Curtain Blinds
this health-friendly blinder that comes in a variety of colors regulates indoor temperatures, therefore, saving on heating cost.

15.  Thermostat

 Use a smart thermostat to automatically warm the house. Use an automatic programmable thermostat to make it easier to warm the house from wherever you are. Research done indicates that houses are supposed to be heated at a minimum of 18°C in winter.[1] Studies also indicate that children have lower temperature knowledge than adults and that children’s temperature comfort levels are lower than adults by 3.3°C in winter.[2]

16.  Floor rug/carpet

Heavy floor rugs/carpets can be used on hard floor surfaces to prevent cold from reaching the feet and keep warm.

Haresle Woolen Floor Rug Non-Slip
the soft and fluffy nature of this woolen rug makes it ideal for use in the house during winter to make the house warm and prevent cold from the floor.

17.  Carbon monoxide detector

Install this around the house in every room to avoid suffocation from poisonous gas and ensure it is not installed near heat or burning appliances at home for safety reasons.

FIRST ALERT CO615 Plug-In Alarm
this carbon monoxide detector and the alarm is sufficient since it ensures the safety of the family and with the backup batteries it works even during a power failure.

Other useful strategies to keep warm inside in winter

Other than the use of winter gears and clothing, the fooling strategies can be applied to keep the house warm:

18.  Maintaining the warmth inside

Cold may enter the house through open spaces around the door, therefore, cover the bottom part of the door using heavy clothing to keep the cold out. You may also want to cover keyholes to ensure the house is warm enough for kids. Close doors for rooms that are not frequently used to retain and maintain the heat inside. Light fire at the fireplace in the hose when at home and mind the young ones around. If there is furniture blocking vents around the house, move them away to ensure every room gets maximum heat flow. Use the oven more often to spread the heat in the house. Clear anything that might be blocking the radiator and don’t put anything on it. A shelf may be added above the radiator to prevent the warm air from rising.

19.  Feeding well

Since the cold lowers the body’s ability to fight infections, it is important that the child is given a well-balanced diet full of vitamin C and A. children who are already weaned and can eat on their own can be given warm drinks such as water, soups, and milk/porridge. Fruits and vegetables are healthy and rich in vitamins, therefore, aids in boosting the immune system in children. Always serve the foods to children warm. Examples of such foods are sweet potatoes, carrots, dates, kale, strawberries, oranges, etc. A healthy body needs enough energy, therefore, feeds the child carbohydrates and proteins too.

20.  Staying active

Keeping the child active in the house is one way to keep her warm, fit and enhance good blood circulation. When the body catches a cold and freezes, blood doesn’t circulate thus the body becomes numb. As a parent, you can invoke creativity in your child by making pieces of art, for example, making colorful snowflakes from paper or using snowflake stamps. Making a snowman from tissue, painting snow and its components

Willbond 36 Pieces Winter Stamps Snowflake Stamps
this has a variety of colors and snowflake designs that is fun playing with to kill boredom and entertain the child.
Chameleon Colors Snow Painting Kit-Snow Toys for Kids to Enjoy All Winter
this is perfect for snow painting fun activities to keep the child active, warm and happy.

21.  Apply for support if available

While keeping warm inside, it is good to check if there is any support available for you and the family. The support can be from the local or national government or well-wishers. The aid can be in form of winter fuel, a warm grant for heating and insulation, or cold weather payments from the government.

Layering kids to keep warm during winter

Children need an additional layer than the adult, therefore, if you are wearing two layers, the child needs three layers to keep warm. The three layers include:

1.      Base layer

This is the first layer and should be preferably a cloth made of synthetic, silk or wool. The cloth shouldn’t be too tight or too big to allow moisture circulation in the body.

2.      Middle layer

This is the second layer of clothes that are worn over the first layer that provides an added insulation. The fabric should be a cloth a fleece jacket that is lightweight, soft, breathable and has been made from polyester.

3.      Outer layer

This is the third outside layer. It should be a windproof and waterproof jacket fitted with a hood. The material should be polyester and nylon to offer maximum protection and warmth in winter.

How to tell if the child is cold or too hot

Cold:

The signs to look for to tell if the baby is cold during winter include but not limited to; shivering, shaking, cold/pale/red/grayish skin color around the ears, nose, and toes, blocked/running nose, sneezing and the baby may be still or quiet. Use the thermometer to check the baby/toddler’s temperature or feel the tummy or neck with your hands to see if it is cold.

Too hot:

Babies and young children cannot regulate their body temperatures; therefore, overheating can cause sweating, rashes to the infant, discomfort, and eventually Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The child/baby can cry a lot due to the discomfort caused by too much heat. Studies show that overheating is related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome which is the number one cause of death in infants below 1 year.[3] The normal body temperatures should be between 36.5°-37.5°C and anything above 37.5°C is overheating.[4]

Safety tips when keeping warm inside in winter

While keeping warm inside, safety tips need to be applied to avoid causing harm to toddlers who move around touching things and surfaces. Consider the following safety measures when warming the house.

  • Do not use electric beds and hot water bottles. Children can’t regulate their body temperature, therefore, using these may lead to overheating
  • Keep candles out of reach of children to avoid burns by touch or causing fire to the whole house.
  • Always ensure hot drinks are covered.
  • No hats for children/babies when sleeping to avoid dangers of overheating
  • Avoid covering the child with duvets since this can cause overheating and suffocation.
  • In addition to these, avoid heavy clothing and blankets. If blankets must be used, tuck them under the mattress to keep the baby warm all night and not fall off.
  • Supervise and check on children every time to ensure they are dry, warm, and free from cold.
  • Ensure the entire house is fitted with carbon monoxide alarms to prevent poisoning and death.
  • Do not put babies next to fire or any heat source to avoid overheating and burns caused by heat.
  • Keep humidifiers out of reach of children for safety reasons
  • Moisturize the child’s skin immediately after a bath with a moisturizer or lotion to deal with sunburns and prevent skin from drying up.
  • Ensure smoke and carbon detectors are working properly and that the house is well ventilated.
  • Apply sunscreen to the area of the skin that is exposed to cold
  • Ensure you have a two-way fire exit strategy in case of a breakout.
  • Properly dress the child to avoid flu and any other viral or bacterial infection caused by cold.

Final Thoughts

Winter might be a tricky season for parents with babies and toddlers thus, preparations to ensure children are protected from the adverse effects that come with the cold temperatures are necessary. Here are my top six must-have winter gear and clothing for every parent: ,FIRST ALERT CO615 Plug-In Alarm carbon monoxide detector,Winter Mitten Gloves for Baby Kids Toddler Infant Newborn, Columbia Girls' and Toddlers' Katelyn Crest Jacket, 3 Pairs Kids Boys Girls Slipper Socks Winter and Nanpiper Sherpa Blanket


[1] Jevons, R., et al. “Minimum indoor temperature threshold recommendations for English homes in winter–A systematic review.” Public Health 136 (2016): 4-12.

[2] Nam, Insick, et al. “A study on the thermal comfort and clothing insulation characteristics of preschool children in Korea.” Building and Environment 92 (2015): 724-733.

[3] Garcia-Souto, M. D. P., and P. Dabnichki. “Core and local skin temperature: 3–24 months old toddlers and comparison to adults.” Building and Environment 104 (2016): 286-295.

[4] World Health Organization. Thermal control of the newborn: a practical guide. No. WHO/FHE/MSM/93.2. World health organization, 1993.

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Author

Tiffany Biondi

Tiffany Biondi

Mother of 4 kids, Tiffany is a certified childcarer and during her free time, she write posts in thebabychoice to share her hands on experience and knowledge.

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