As long as your little one is properly wrapped up and you’ve got all the right equipment, there’s no reason your tiny tot can’t join you for a winter walk. Here, we’ve shared the five things you need to know to keep your baby warm and cosy on a winter adventure.
Plan your walk carefully
A stroll in the fresh air is good for you and your baby, but you don’t want to be too ambitious when it’s very cold outside. So, start by planning a short route, and don’t go too far off the beaten track, so you can always head back if your little tyke starts to fuss. It’s a good idea to have a set destination in mind, like a café or friend’s house where you can both warm up — this will also give you an opportunity to feed and change your baby before you head back out in the chilly weather.
Have the right pushchair
Your pushchair is much more than just a transport system: during the winter months, it also needs to keep your little one warm and dry through the worst weather. Our Raffi pushchair comes with a soft, breathable mattress with our trademarked Air V system to help your bundle of joy to stay warm and comfy without overheating. The carry cot is also lined with our high-tech Kose Cool fabric, which is designed to keep your baby warm when it's chilly outside. Plus, the all-terrain wheels and suspension system will ensure a smooth, comfortable ride for your baby.
Remember to pack your rain cover: this will help to protect your baby from cold winds, and you never know when you might be caught out by a wintry shower.
Wrap your tiny tot in plenty of layers
When dressing your baby for cold winter weather, the key is to ensure your little one is nice and cosy without overheating, and the easiest way to do this with to wrap them in lots of layers. This way, you can remove layers as needed if the temperature changes, or if you stop off somewhere for a coffee.
Start with a snug base layer, like leggings or a body suit, and then layer over another pair of trousers and a long-sleeved top. Add a winter jacket, and finish with a cute hat, mittens and booties to keep little fingers and toes warm, before tucking your little one into the pushchair with a blanket. You can also swap the jacket for a snowsuit if you prefer — go for a style with a zip fastening all the way down the front, as this will make nappy-changing much easier.
Preparation is key
Before you head out into the cold, you should make sure you have everything you need for an hour or so out of the house. A well-stocked changing bag is the key to any successful outing with a baby — use our baby changing bag checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need in yours. It’s always a smart move to pack an extra couple of baby blankets too, in case it gets really chilly out there.
If you formula feed, you can take a sterilised thermos of hot water and a bottle with a dosage of formula mix in, so you can whip up a bottle while out and about. A well-fed baby is a happy baby, so make sure your little one has a good feed before you set off. This will help to keep them warm, happy and settled for the duration of your walk.
Don’t forget about yourself!
There’s so much to think about when taking your little one on an outing that it can be easy to forget about yourself. But, you won’t get very far unless you’re wrapped up warm as well, so layer up in plenty of winter clothing, and don’t forget to pack a thermos with a hot drink for yourself in your baby bag if you’ll be out for a while. Taking care of yourself is important, especially if you’re still breastfeeding. And lastly, try to enjoy it! A long walk is a chance to get out of the house during those early days, and it’s also valuable bonding time with your new arrival.
It may be cold outside, but as long as you’re prepared, there’s no reason you can’t get out and enjoy some fresh air. Just remember to wrap your baby up in plenty of cosy layers, and keep a close eye on them during your walk to make sure they’re comfortable — you’ll be able to tell if they’ve had enough if they fuss or start to cry.
Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about taking your baby out of the house in chilly weather, you can always speak to your doctor or midwife.