Keeping your little bundle of joy warm and snuggly is essential when the temperatures fall. Since babies under 12 months are recommended to sleep without blankets, there are plenty of other hints and tricks to keep her comfortable in the colder months.

Prep the Nursery
First, make sure that your baby’s room is adequately winterized. Plastic insulation kits for windows will help cut down on drafts, and outlet covers can stop the cold air inside the walls from entering. Naturally, you may run your home’s heater to combat chilly temps, but a constant flow of warm air may make the room stuffy. As the heater can dry out her sinuses, consider placing a humidifier on a table near her crib.

Dress for Warmth
As far as your baby’s winter pajamas are concerned, layering is very important. Put on a thin one-piece undergarment under her sleep clothes, and make sure to keep her hands covered to prevent chills. Mittens made of lightweight cotton not only keep her tiny fingers warm, but stop her from scratching her face in the night. And, to keep her feet warm, booties can be worn over thin socks.

Sleep sacks are also an excellent way to keep your baby warm without using a blanket. If your baby doesn’t like to have her arms stuck in a sack, some are also made with sleeves to allow for a better range of motion.

Watch for Overheating
Making sure your baby is warm is a must, but also watch for signs of overheating, which may include:

• Fussiness
• Sweating
• Damp hair
• Rapid breathing
• Redness in the face

In case your baby exhibits signs of overheating, turn down the heater and take off a layer of clothing. If you follow these simple tips, you and your baby will stay warm and sleep well even in the coldest of climates!