Dressing a baby for a winter walk

The rule paediatricians give is short enough to remember on no sleep: dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing. If you’re comfortable in a jumper and a coat, they want a jumper, a coat and one thing more.

Thin layers, not one thick one

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests building up from thin layers: something snug next to the skin, such as a long-sleeved bodysuit, then trousers and a warmer top, then something over the lot. Thin layers hold warmth and, more usefully, come off one at a time when you walk into a heated shop.

The ends matter

Hat, mittens, socks or booties. Small hands and feet get cold first.

Then check, and keep checking

Slip a finger down the back of their neck or onto their chest. Warm and dry is right. Sweaty, flushed or hot to the touch is too much: open something or take it off. Hands and feet are a poor guide; they often feel cool when the rest of the baby is fine.

Where the Bear Wrap fits

It’s the outer layer for the walk. It goes on over their indoor clothes in the hallway and comes off when you’re back inside, or in a warm café. It isn’t for sleeping in and it doesn’t go under car-seat straps; the safe use page covers both.

Source: the AAP’s cold weather safety advice.