Winter Adventures with Infants!

Tips on keeping your little ones warm and having a good time.

You can start outdoor activities with your kids as soon as you want to! Give yourself time to heal and rest before venturing out with your newborn and make sure you have the right gear to keep them comfortable. I've seen mothers bring their babies on hikes and other adventures as early as a week old. That all depends on the weather of course. Getting babies outside in cold temperatures can be a little tricky, so it's important to dress your little ones properly and know how to spot the warning signs that it's too cold.

How Cold is Too Cold ?

When temps drop below 30-35 degrees, keep outside time to a minimum. If it's 20 degrees or lower keep your activities limited to 15 minutes. Babies aren't able to regulate their body temperature so they get uncomfortable easily. Check that their extremities (hands, feet and head are neither hot or cold to the touch. 30 degrees is chilly and usually uncomfortable for an infant (Weather Guidelines for Children, ok.org). Below freezing temps can be dangerous. Newborn infants are prone to hypothermia because of their large body surface area, small amount of subcutaneous fat, and decreased ability to shiver (aap.org).

How to Dress your Child for the Winter?

The general rule of thumb is, if you feel comfortable in what you are wearing then you should add one more layer to your baby's outfit. Make sure their fingers, toes, noses and ears are well covered, not only from the cold but the sun as well. We dress our daughter in wool socks, waterproof boots, a wool base layer, a fleece layer, a down snowsuit, waterproof gloves, a neck warmer, and a thick hat that covers the ears. Keep an eye on your little one to make sure they aren't too warm or cold. If they are over 5 months old they will let you know if they are uncomfortable.

Winter Activities in Colorado

- Snow activities close to home like;

- building a snowman, snow angels, - snowballs or building a fort

- Hiking

- Sledding

- Fishing

- Snowshoeing

- Cross Country Skiing

#outdoorplay #getoutside