Winter Dressing Guide for Infants: Key Recommendations
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Israeli health guidelines recommend dressing infants in one more layer than adults, using multiple thin layers. Parents should check the baby's torso for temperature and avoid bulky coats in car seats for safety.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dress infants in one more layer than adults, using thin layers.
- Check baby's torso, not hands or feet, for temperature.
- Avoid bulky coats under car seat harnesses for safety.
- Remove hats and hoods for sleep and indoors.
- Use sleeping bags instead of excessive layers for sleep.
As winter approaches, parents often face the dilemma of how many layers to dress their infants in. The Israeli Ministry of Health advises dressing babies in one more layer than adults wear, emphasizing that several thin layers are preferable to a single thick garment. For infants up to two months old, the recommendation is to add one extra layer. This can include a bodysuit and footed pants, topped with a snowsuit depending on the temperature. It is recommended that the layer closest to the baby's skin be made of cotton, that clothing allows for movement, and that it remains dry, with wet clothes changed promptly.
To check if a baby is too hot or cold, parents should touch their chest or back beneath their clothing. The baby's hands and feet are not always reliable indicators of their overall temperature. Reddened cheeks and sweating may suggest the baby is too warm. Indoors, a hat is unnecessary, and for sleep, hats and hoods should be removed, leaving the head and face uncovered. A dedicated baby sleeping bag can be used instead of extra layers to prevent overheating. When going outside in the cold, a hat without drawstrings and an easily removable outer layer can be added.
A crucial safety rule for car travel, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, is to never secure a baby in a car seat with a bulky coat underneath the harness. This is because the coat can prevent the harness from being tight enough, posing a risk in an accident. Instead, babies should be secured in thin clothing, with the harness tightened properly, and a blanket can be added over the harness if needed, ensuring it does not cover the face. Once the car warms up, the blanket can be removed as necessary.