Taking a baby outside on a windy day – essential tips

Unfortunately, summer is over and the temperatures are already starting to drop. We are likely to encounter some very blustery days in the upcoming months, therefore when it comes to taking your newborn baby outside in these conditions, it’s important that you dress them up right so that they are comfortable for the entire trip.

With the help of Babythingz – a leading UK double buggy supplier- here are some key tips to making sure you’re looking after your little one in the harsh weather:

Wind does not cause ear infections

Contrary to common myth, having a baby out in the wind will not result in them getting an ear infection.

This is because the location of an ear infection is found behind the ear drum and way back in the inner ear. Therefore, external exposure like wind or even water will not affect this area.

Alternatively, the risk factors to bear in mind is their age (ear infections are prominent in children aged between six months and two years old), family history, exposure to smoke and to a small effect, the use of a dummy.

If you’re cold, your baby will be colder

Now let’s cover some facts. First of all, it’s totally fine to head outside with your baby right away if you’d like to. However, many paediatricians advise that you keep newborns away from crowded places due to germs being prevalent in such locations. It’s best to delay that trip to a shopping centre, supermarket or a restaurant with your baby by a few months then!

As well as this, Ed Glasser, M.D., F.A.A.P., clinical associate professor of paediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, has pointed out to Fit Pregnancy And Baby: “Infants lose about 50 per cent of their heat from their heads.”

Also bear in mind that babies will cool down a lot quicker than adults. It is also harder for them to generate heat once they have lost it, therefore the need to protect them when it’s cold outside is very important.

Some general rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you’re going to be wearing when venturing outside. Ensure they are wearing both thermal and waterproof layers to protect them from the weather elements, and checking that their fingers, toes, ears, nose and chin are all covered but that they can still breathe easily.

Only plan on being outside for short periods of time with your baby when it’s cold and windy, as well as heading inside as soon as your newborn looks uncomfortable and you’re unable to shield them from the blustery conditions.

Taking a baby outside

The windy weather can cause issues to your baby’s tender skin, as the conditions run the risk of sapping precious moisture and leaving their rosy cheeks feeling leathery and wind-burned.

Remember to protect hands and feet, as they are prime target areas when there’s a chill in the air. You could use a snug pair of mittens and ensure their hands and feet are nice and warm.

Always keep a fresh pair of mittens or socks, just in case an original pair get wet. This will avoid skin becoming irritated and applying some baby moisturising cream as soon as you spot any of your baby’s skin which looks or feels dry.

Do you have tips for taking a baby outside in the colder months?