When the temperatures plummet and the cold particularly stings on certain winter days, what about the walk with baby? Do you still have to take them out or better keep them warm at home? And how to dress them? Our advice and good actions to better protect them.
While walks with baby, even 20 minutes a day, are recommended from their first weeks, what about when the cold weather becomes too intense, borderline unbearable? Because even if babies are well covered, they do not have the same tolerance as adults, and the question then arises of the merits of outings in hostile climatic conditions. Should we continue to let them get some fresh air or, on the contrary, wait for the freezing cold snap to pass before taking them out again?
Why are babies more at risk?
Abilities to adapt to temperature changes are not as good in newborns and infants than in children or adults, specifies the Ministry of Health. “The thermal regulation of infants under 3 months is much less efficient than that of adults and heat loss occurs very easily, particularly when they are wet or when they have little active movement”. Indeed, they cannot warm up through physical activity, nor express that they are cold.
Particularly sensitive, infants are therefore more at risk of developing hypothermia.
Can babies be taken out in the event of extreme cold?
In case of intense cold, it is better to stay at home. Parents are advised to avoid taking infants under three months old outside when temperatures are freezing, unless necessary. In this situation, it is essential to cover them well, especially the head and extremities, and to hydrate them well by giving them to drink regularly. Finally, “except in the case of exclusive breast-feeding, provide yourself with hot drinks in sufficient quantities (bottles in insulated protection) and at least one meal if he has a diversified diet“, recommends the Ministry of Health.
Parents are advised to avoid taking infants under three months old when temperatures are freezing
- If you have no other choice but to face the cold, bring suitable clothing. The head must be covered (cap) as well as the ends (hands, ears, and feet). In addition, prefer mittens rather than gloves (fingers can move better and keep warm).
- Make sure he’s dressed warmly, and cover him against the wind, especially if he’s asleep. For this, equip yourself with a coverturn it down wind guard of the stroller, and multiply the thicknesses rather than a single thick garment.
- If you are traveling by car, plan ahead. In bad weather, traffic jams are not uncommon. Do not forget to take with you several warm clothes, blankets and diapers as well as baby bottles, in case you have to wait longer than expected.
Baby carrier or stroller?
In cold weather, avoid using a baby carrier, which could compress your lower limbs and cause frostbite. Choose prams or pushchairs so that your child can be free to move, and move to warm up.