Get into gear! Cold-weather essentials for winter babies

Ask a dozen mothers, and you’ll get a dozen different answers: what season is the best or the worst to have a new baby? A lot of new moms worry about being cooped up with the baby when the weather is lousy during the winter (and it’s possible that Seasonal Affective Disorder might put you at a greater risk of postpartum depression), but others enjoy using a snowy day as an excuse to just lounge around bonding with their brand new baby. Some comments from moms at Babycenter:

“My son was born in December 2011. I loved it soooo much that wish I could duplicate for the rest of my pregnancies. Cuddling with a newborn while its snowing or raining outside is great.”

“I had my daughter in December 2010 (in Iowa), and I think it was perfect! Granted, I don’t know any difference since she is my first, but it’s kind of nice being cooped up and cozy when there’s nothing better to do outside anyway. It’s the best excuse to hunker down and just enjoy those slow, early days. Frankly, I was in such a newborn-haze that I hardly even had a chance to be bored/stir-crazy.”

Nevertheless, whether you’re a happy indoors mama or not, you’ll need exercise and fresh air, and your baby does too! (Some cultures even believe that being out in the cold is good for babies, although of course they keep their napping tots nicely bundled up!) Here are some key products for keeping your baby cozy.

CLOTHING

One important rule of thumb when you take your baby outside in the cold: she should always be wearing one more layer than you are. Keep in mind that you’ll be walking around pushing the stroller, so your body will get warmer and stay warmer, while your baby is just laying there. However, babies also overheat easily, so if you pop into a cafe or grocery store on your way, take off your baby’s hat and extra layers.

Full-coverage snowsuits and footies will simplify getting your baby dressed to go out, since the less layers you have to squish a squirmy baby into, the easier it’ll be. We love the Zutano Cozie Fleece Elf Romper, not only because it’s adorable, but also because it’s supremely practical – check out our head buyer’s review!

Or, for even more cuteness (little bear ears!) and easy dressing, try the Magnificent Baby Fleece Bear Footie: Magnificent Baby clothes fasten with safely-enclosed magnets, so you don’t have to line up snaps. It practically closes itself! The Footie has fold-over hands so you don’t need to bother with extra mittens, but for other ensembles, the Magnificent Baby Fleece Mittens will do a better job staying on, with those same great magnets. Or, add some cozy fleecy ears to another outfit with the Magnificent Baby Fleece Bear Hat!

FOOTMUFFS

We talk a lot about how we love stroller footmuffs  – they really are just the easiest and most practical way to keep your baby warm in her stroller. They’ll fit the baby longer than any item of clothing (since babies grow so fast!), and they make it so much quicker and easier to get your outdoor expeditions started! If you live in a climate with cold winters, you need a footmuff, period.

Our selection of stroller buntings has something to work for everyone: footmuffs to match your stroller brand (Bugaboo, UPPAbaby), footmuffs for every kid from infants to preschoolers, and footmuffs in a wide price range. Scan through our guide to shopping for footmuffs and you’re guaranteed to find something for you!

For additional shelter, a stroller rain cover will also do a great job keeping snow off of your baby, and holds heat in. We have loads of rain covers that are tailored specifically for various stroller models, and one that provides a tight fit will really keep the cold out!

STROLLERS

Let’s face it, on the worst snowy days, no stroller will be perfect to push. However, pretty much everyone seems to agree that BOB Revolution strollers are the best when you’re strolling in snow. The key is a stroller that’s labeled all-terrain; big tires help, and so does the ability to lock the front wheel.

I also personally have pushed a Bugaboo Buffalo Stroller out in the snow, so I can vouch for the fact that it’s supremely stable even on snowy, icy city sidewalks. If you can afford it and you plan on being out every day in every weather condition during the winter with your baby, get a Buffalo! You’ll be so glad that you did.

But now it’s your turn: are there any key winter products that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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