Is it safe to take your baby outside in the winter?

Yes, you may take your baby outside in the winter as long as they are dressed appropriately and there is no extreme weather.

How to dress your baby for cold weather

• Layered clothing

• Hats

• Mittens

• Blankets

• Socks or booties

Dress your baby in layers

Dress your baby in layers to ensure they stay warm. This can include a thin onesie under their shirt  with sweaters, socks, and mittens. If you plan to go outdoors on particularly cold days, use a blanket, winter cover, and footmuffs when placing your baby in the stroller.

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Dressing your baby in layers makes it easy to adjust their outfit when moving indoors and outdoors and using a car seat. Remove or adjust these layers once they are indoors or in the car, as too many layers can cause overheating.

Prepare for rain

If you live in a place that rains in the winter, keep rain gear accessible, such as a rain cover for the stroller and umbrella.

Consider babywearing

Wearing your baby in an infant carrier, baby wrap, ring sling, or baby sling can keep them warm from your body heat.

Dress your baby in breathable fabrics

Cotton and bamboo fabrics are breathable and lightweight and are good layering options.

Snowsuit

Your baby can wear a snowsuit outdoors in cold weather, but remove it before placing them in the car seat.

Signs your baby is cold

If you're unsure about your baby's temperature, watch for these signs that they might be cold:

• Face, neck, or chest appears red or feels cold to the touch

• Shivering

• Mottling - splotchy color changes to the skin

• Blue-colored hands or feet only (any blue color changes to the rest of the baby's body is a medical emergency)

Safety considerations

• Avoid fully covering your car seat or stroller with a blanket or rain cover, as this can restrict airflow and increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Never put your baby to sleep with loose blankets, even in the winter. Loose blankets can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

• If your baby is cold, add no more than one extra layer of clothing. One layer of clothing with a swaddle or sleep sack over it is sufficient.

• Do not dress your newborn in a hat when sleeping. It can fall off and increase the risk of SIDS.

• Babies sleep better in cooler environments, and temperature is important for safe sleep. Keep your baby’s room temperature between 68°F and 72°F.

• Signs of hypothermia include appearing sluggish, less active than usual, a weak cry, pale and cold skin, difficulty breathing, poor appetite, and low energy. If your baby shows any of these signs, call 911 or seek urgent medical attention at your nearest emergency room.