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Baby Health Essentials for Winter

Baby Health Essentials for Winter

Provided by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Winter months can be challenging with severe storms or cold temperatures. Keeping baby warm, safe and healthy is important. These valuable tips offer parents advice for the winter season.

What to Wear

  • Dress infants warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Clothing should consist of thermal long johns, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
  • The rule of thumb for older babies is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
  • Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant's sleeping environment. Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers is preferred.
  • If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby's chest, so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by bedding.
  • Keep the room temperature about 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Winter Health

  • Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for an infant's first year. More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.
  • Children between the ages of 6 and 59 months should get the influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of catching the flu.
  • Ask your baby's doctor if a flu shot or other shots are best for your baby
  • Keep your baby away from people who are sick, coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds; try singing the ABCs song to your baby while you wash

Sun Protection

The sun's rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. Make sure to cover your baby's exposed skin with sunscreen.

Winter Safety Tips. American Academy of Pediatrics/CPSC/Kid Source. 2005. English.

The following resource is provided courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Consumer Protection and Safety Commission and Kid Source.

For more information, please visit www.hhs.gov.

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