How To Keep Your Baby Warm

Here are some tips to keep your baby warm, comfortable
and healthy during the day and the night.

A good rule is to dress your baby in one more layer of clothing than you have on. If your bed has one wool blanket then put two wool blankets on for your baby. Putting a little cotton singlet on as a first layer next to baby’s skin, underneath a merino wool top is ideal and then the outer clothing is ideal. A merino top is also great for extra warmth at night underneath a merino sleep suit or gown.

Also recommended is a little pair of merino wool long johns as they are ideal for extra warmth under pants.

It is a well known fact that most body heat escapes through the head, so always put a good hat on your baby before going outside.

Make sure your baby has some warm merino socks on too as a baby’s feet are so tiny and feel the cold. Socks made from other materials on the feet can actually make the feet colder and not warm them up at all.

While you want to keep your baby warm and cosy at night, it's important not to let him get too hot. Overheating your baby is linked to an increased risk of cot death. Keep the room your baby sleeps in at a comfortable temperature (between 16 and 20 degrees C, ideally 18 degrees C). Babies should not sleep next to a radiator, heater or fire or in direct sunlight. Don't use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket.

A warm merino wool cellular blanket is better than a duvet as they allow freedom of movement. A wool blanket will be an item you will get lots of use out of – in the car and buggy etc. A wool blanket which has a thicker weave is great when it is really cold and you need extra warmth. Feel your baby's tummy or neck to see if he is getting too hot or too cold and adjust his bedding accordingly. If he's too hot, remove a blanket; if he's cold, add one. Don't feel his hands or feet to work out if he is warm enough; it is normal for them to feel cold anyway.
Always keeps blankets and sheets away from a baby’s face in case of smothering.

Another great addition to baby’s wardrobe is a merino sleeping bag that zips up so your baby can't kick it off in bed. This means that he is less likely to wake up because he's feeling too cold. They are great to use them in a buggy or pushchair or in the car seat.

Here's a tip…

Always keep extra clothing in a your bag for when you go out. You never when you might need to change your baby completely!

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