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AIBU?

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Original poster

To insist on coat or blanket from car seat to house with 6 month baby?

145 replies

untitled1 · 02/11/2025 22:00

It’s 7°C outside and DS (6 months) needed to go from house to car, about 20 metres. He was wearing a cotton bodysuit/onesie with no vest underneath.

I thought he needed a coat/blanket and hat even for that short distance, especially as he’s just getting over a chest infection.

DH thought it was fine for such a short trip and that I was being over the top. He took DS out as he was- no hat, no coat, no blanket.

Am I being overprotective? Do babies really need full outdoor clothing for literally 30 seconds outside? Or is it important even for very short distances?

Is this something worth insisting on or am I overthinking it?

OP posts:
FurForksSake · 02/11/2025 22:21

You made it an argument? He said no, it’s a tiny walk, unnecessary and the baby will wake up. You then turned it into an argument by insinuating he couldn’t be bothered or was wrong and that you’d have to do it yourself? During all this debate and the potential dressing the baby you could have got inside.

Skybluepinky · 02/11/2025 22:25

A chest infection is a disease you don’t get that unless you are in contact with the germs and being outside lessens the risk. No idea why they had no vest on, as that is an issue but no need to fuss about a blanket for that short distance.

OhDearMuriel · 02/11/2025 22:25

YADNBU

I would have put a blanket over him.

He’s only 6 months old and it’s obvious he needs to build up his immune system.

I can’t believe the comments you’re getting on here.

PurpleThistle7 · 02/11/2025 22:25

Doubly not worth it for a sleeping baby. I think you might have made a thing over something that wasn’t a big deal. I know it’s awful when they’re sick and can be quite frightening but I’m sure your wee one was ok without a coat for a couple of minutes.

pIum · 02/11/2025 22:27

untitled1 · 02/11/2025 22:19

When I asked DH to put a coat and hat on him, he said no because he didn’t want to wake the baby up. But when I said “okay, I’ll do it then” or “let me take him instead,” he refused and wouldn’t let me.

I’m struggling to understand why it had to become an argument at all? If he didn’t want to dress him, why not just let me do it as his mum? It feels like it became about proving a point rather than what was actually best for DS. Just feels unnecessarily combative when it could have been so simple.

It seems crazy to me to wake a sleeping baby to put a coat on then to walk from the warm car to the warm house. Just drape the coat over their lap if you're that concerned.

TidyDancer · 02/11/2025 22:28

untitled1 · 02/11/2025 22:19

When I asked DH to put a coat and hat on him, he said no because he didn’t want to wake the baby up. But when I said “okay, I’ll do it then” or “let me take him instead,” he refused and wouldn’t let me.

I’m struggling to understand why it had to become an argument at all? If he didn’t want to dress him, why not just let me do it as his mum? It feels like it became about proving a point rather than what was actually best for DS. Just feels unnecessarily combative when it could have been so simple.

I think you need to turn this question on yourself. Why did you feel the need to turn it into an argument? Your last line is absolutely correct, it didn’t need to be combative but you made it so but trying to overrule DH when actually he was being very reasonable.

Runkle · 02/11/2025 22:31

'why not just let me do it as his mum?'
Why not just let DH do it as his Dad? Problem was you both thought you were right, you both could be. However, you didn't mention baby was sleeping in your op so I'd be of the no faff let's get him in the car option.
I'd spend more time thinking why dint you have a clean vest avaiable or even a top you could've put on underneath instead or cardi over the top especially especially if youre so worried about illness.

tinyspiny · 02/11/2025 22:33

untitled1 · 02/11/2025 22:19

When I asked DH to put a coat and hat on him, he said no because he didn’t want to wake the baby up. But when I said “okay, I’ll do it then” or “let me take him instead,” he refused and wouldn’t let me.

I’m struggling to understand why it had to become an argument at all? If he didn’t want to dress him, why not just let me do it as his mum? It feels like it became about proving a point rather than what was actually best for DS. Just feels unnecessarily combative when it could have been so simple.

But your husband was right , it was a 20 second walk outside and a coat , hat , blanket is unnecessary. The only person arguing is you , what makes your opinion right and your husbands wrong ?

brunettemic · 02/11/2025 22:33

untitled1 · 02/11/2025 22:19

When I asked DH to put a coat and hat on him, he said no because he didn’t want to wake the baby up. But when I said “okay, I’ll do it then” or “let me take him instead,” he refused and wouldn’t let me.

I’m struggling to understand why it had to become an argument at all? If he didn’t want to dress him, why not just let me do it as his mum? It feels like it became about proving a point rather than what was actually best for DS. Just feels unnecessarily combative when it could have been so simple.

Because you made it an argument. It’s 20m not 20 miles, you’re being ridiculous.

Pinkpoems · 02/11/2025 22:35

untitled1 · 02/11/2025 22:19

When I asked DH to put a coat and hat on him, he said no because he didn’t want to wake the baby up. But when I said “okay, I’ll do it then” or “let me take him instead,” he refused and wouldn’t let me.

I’m struggling to understand why it had to become an argument at all? If he didn’t want to dress him, why not just let me do it as his mum? It feels like it became about proving a point rather than what was actually best for DS. Just feels unnecessarily combative when it could have been so simple.

Because why do you get the final say

Citylady88 · 02/11/2025 22:35

The thing is he was holding the baby and he said no to the coat. You then stepped in and you started the argument. A chest infection can't be picked up in a 30 second run to the car. That's not how infections work.

Goosyloosy · 02/11/2025 22:36

I’m with you OP. 7c is pretty chilly. I’d use a blanket and a hat for baby to and from the car. I walked from the kerbside to the front door in 7c today while carrying my jacket. I was wearing a tee shirt and jumper and I still felt a blast of cold air.

I wonder if your husband walks about outdoors in 7c wearing just a single layer of cotton.

Ddakji · 02/11/2025 22:36

I wouldn’t have had the baby dressed in that little to begin with. Vest, babygro, maybe a woolly of some kind and folded over blanket for the car. And a hat.

noworklifebalance · 02/11/2025 22:36

Seen your update - I definitely wouldn’t risk waking a sleeping baby - first rule of parenting.
I would have suggested just draping a blanket - would take seconds, baby wouldn’t notice and it would have kept the cold off.

Moveoverdarlin · 02/11/2025 22:36

untitled1 · 02/11/2025 22:19

When I asked DH to put a coat and hat on him, he said no because he didn’t want to wake the baby up. But when I said “okay, I’ll do it then” or “let me take him instead,” he refused and wouldn’t let me.

I’m struggling to understand why it had to become an argument at all? If he didn’t want to dress him, why not just let me do it as his mum? It feels like it became about proving a point rather than what was actually best for DS. Just feels unnecessarily combative when it could have been so simple.

Because he didn’t want to wake him. Seems quite sensible.

Pinkpoems · 02/11/2025 22:37

OhDearMuriel · 02/11/2025 22:25

YADNBU

I would have put a blanket over him.

He’s only 6 months old and it’s obvious he needs to build up his immune system.

I can’t believe the comments you’re getting on here.

And exactly how would a 5-10 second jaunt in the cold have adversely affected him? How would having a coat put on him have ‘built up his immune system.’ Sleep and food are the top priorities for a good immune system - not remaining warm at all times

BoudiccaRuled · 02/11/2025 22:39

If it's that cold, surely your baby needs to be wearing more inside the house. No vest? Is your house very warm?
A house over 19° is not healthy in winter. The air will be very dry. It's better to wear layers and have a cooler house. 18° is optimal.
Carrying a baby 20m to the car even in freezing temps will have no ill effects but obviously you need their coat/blanket in case of breakdown, same as adults.

Pinkpoems · 02/11/2025 22:39

Goosyloosy · 02/11/2025 22:36

I’m with you OP. 7c is pretty chilly. I’d use a blanket and a hat for baby to and from the car. I walked from the kerbside to the front door in 7c today while carrying my jacket. I was wearing a tee shirt and jumper and I still felt a blast of cold air.

I wonder if your husband walks about outdoors in 7c wearing just a single layer of cotton.

Feeling a blast of cold air for 5-10 seconds is hardly harmful is it…

Pinkpoems · 02/11/2025 22:41

BoudiccaRuled · 02/11/2025 22:39

If it's that cold, surely your baby needs to be wearing more inside the house. No vest? Is your house very warm?
A house over 19° is not healthy in winter. The air will be very dry. It's better to wear layers and have a cooler house. 18° is optimal.
Carrying a baby 20m to the car even in freezing temps will have no ill effects but obviously you need their coat/blanket in case of breakdown, same as adults.

Incorrect.

The WHO suggests 20 degrees as the ideal temperature for the old, young or unwell. For healthy adults, you should heat your home to a room temperature that feels comfortable.

NotForTheMoneyandNotForTheApplause · 02/11/2025 22:41

OhDearMuriel · 02/11/2025 22:25

YADNBU

I would have put a blanket over him.

He’s only 6 months old and it’s obvious he needs to build up his immune system.

I can’t believe the comments you’re getting on here.

Whats the connection between the immune system and a short hop outside?

Greggsit · 02/11/2025 22:41

I walked from the kerbside to the front door in 7c today while carrying my jacket. I was wearing a tee shirt and jumper and I still felt a blast of cold air.

And how did it harm you? Same for babies. 30 seconds of being colder than they had been won't hurt them in any way

Isittimeformynapyet · 02/11/2025 22:43

The fact that the baby was going FROM the car TO the house was actually in the title of this thread!

@Maybeishouldcrochet
@Okiedokie123
@Butterflywings84
@Runkle
@hopspot
@Citylady88
@BoudiccaRuled

Firsttimemum292 · 02/11/2025 22:44

i would just wrap in a blanket quickly but it wouldn’t be life or death I’d just walk a bit quicker to the house! I understand your point but they’ll be fine for short distance x

AutumnCosy2025 · 02/11/2025 22:50

If I knew the house was going to be warm then no I think it's fine, but I'd have put the coat around his back, holding him to my chest.

I'd be surprised if the cold hadn't woken him up anyway.

Goosyloosy · 02/11/2025 22:53

Greggsit · 02/11/2025 22:41

I walked from the kerbside to the front door in 7c today while carrying my jacket. I was wearing a tee shirt and jumper and I still felt a blast of cold air.

And how did it harm you? Same for babies. 30 seconds of being colder than they had been won't hurt them in any way

It didn’t harm me at all and I didn’t suggest it did. I was able to say it’s bloody cold out there when I arrived indoors. And when I go out in the morning I’ll know to have my jacket on if I don’t want to feel cold. I’m suggesting a 6 month old might feel it uncomfortable to feel a blast of cold air through a single layer of cotton in 7c temperatures when it’s so easy to avoid by popping a blanket round them.