In the winter you will want to make sure that your baby is warm enough, but not too hot.

In your Home

• Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. If you are comfortable in pants and a light sweater, your baby will be too.
• The temperature in your home should be:
  • at least 21°C In the day (7a.m. to 11 p.m.).
  • no lower than 18°C at night (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.)

Hot parent tip: If you rent, ask your landlord to follow these recommendations. If your landlord does not comply, you can call the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 or toll free  1‑800‑782‑8403.

In the Crib or Bassinet

• Place the crib or bassinet in the warmest room. Keep it away from windows, drafts and outside walls. Also, crib should not be near radiators, heaters, fireplaces and woodstoves.
• Use a flannel fitted sheet in your baby’s crib.
• Dress baby in one-piece footed sleepers. For an extra layer, use a onesie or undershirt.
• Newborns, preemies and older babies may need a hat to stay warm if the room is cold.
• Hot water bottles or electric blankets should not be used.

If baby is still cold and you want to use a blanket in a crib

Use a crib-sized blanket.  It should be large enough to be firmly tucked in without coming loose, but small enough so it does not make the mattress uneven when tucked in.

• Lay baby on back with feet near the bottom of the crib.
• Place blanket so that it is no higher than baby’s armpits.
• Tuck the blanket into the sides and bottom of the crib.

Out and about

Dress your baby for the weather

• Keep your baby warm by dressing him in layers that are easy to put on and remove.
• Mitts, socks, boots will help keep your baby warm.
• A warm hat is important because babies lose a lot of heat through their heads.
• When you go indoors remove or at least unzip baby’s snowsuit and take off the hood or hat to prevent overheating.

Hot parent tip:  When using a stroller or sled, the exercise can make you feel warm. Be aware that your baby is just sitting and will feel the cold much more than you.

A word about car seats

Your baby needs to be dressed warmly in the winter.  Choose a snowsuit that isn’t puffy or made from slippery material.

Take care that your baby’s snowsuit or other clothing doesn’t interfere with the fit of the car seat:

• When clicking your baby in:
  • only one finger should fit between the car seat straps and your baby’s collarbone.
  • the chest clip should be at armpit level.
• If you are using a blanket:
  • make sure it is no higher than baby’s armpits
  • never place the blanket behind or under baby.
• If you are using an infant car seat cover:
  • only use the infant car seat covers briefly when taking baby outside
  • remove the cover as soon as you are inside or in the vehicle.

How to tell if your baby is cold

• His upper arms, thighs or ears feel cold to the touch. Cold hands and feet do not always mean that the baby is cold.
• She is fussy
• His skin looks pale or blotchy.

To warm your baby

• hold your close – skin to skin is best.
• dress baby in more layers of clothing, but be careful that your baby doesn’t overheat
•  you may need to turn room temperature up