Does baby need a coat in addition to footmuff?

[almostautumn]

I've just bought one of those gorgeous Fellhof sheep's wool footmuffs secondhand. If I'm taking baby to the park, will they be warm enough in a vest, thick cardigan and hat plus the Fellhof - or should I add a winter coat as well? The Fellhof feels very warm and snug and comes right up to baby's neck. I don't want them to overheat but am worried that they'll be too cold too!

I'm in London and it's 4C here today.

Can anyone advise?

Oh Op I know what you need!

A STAR SUIT

BEST. PURCHASE. EVER

Why are you so averse to a coat?

Because I’m worried about overheating. It’s better for babies to be too cold than too hot isn’t it (although ideally of course they will be just right!) The sheepskin is so warm and toasty - coupled with a cardigan and a coat it seems like a lot!

Will my baby let me know if they’re too cold?

Why the aversion to coats? It's awful trying to stuff a tiny baby's arms into one.

Oh yes, I hate that!

OP I recently got the same footmuff and I had the same dilemma today (and it does go up to baby’s chin when rolled up as you say...). I went with a pramsuit as well as a cardigan because it was really cold today and as a previous poster said, I saw the footmuff as the extra layer. On a more normal winter day (ie less cold) I think they would be fine with a jacket style jumper.

Sorry you got some quite idiotic responses to a reasonable question!

Possibly they'll let you know but not necessarily. The rule of thumb is that they cry if too cold, but I do think they can be distracted by movement. I wouldn't overly worry about it, you'll get the hang of how warm/cold they are fairly quickly and it's unlikely you'll be standing around in a park for hours and hours at a time.

Unless you're searching for a second hand/sale bargain (and it's the wrong season for coat sales anyway) why don't you just wait and see? If you find you feel you need a coat you can always order one online.

When are you due? I always find I over-prepared for the season my DC were born in, I got DS2 loads of summery stuff but he was born at the end of August and by the time I emerged from the newborn fog it was freezing and deep into Autumn so none of the summer newborn stuff got used :o

@almostautumn

Why are you so averse to a coat?

Because I’m worried about overheating. It’s better for babies to be too cold than too hot isn’t it (although ideally of course they will be just right!) The sheepskin is so warm and toasty - coupled with a cardigan and a coat it seems like a lot!

Will my baby let me know if they’re too cold?

That statement applies in a house at roughly 20 degrees. At 4 degrees what you need to watch for is "cold and unresponsive". No, they might not complain.

Layers, and the occasional touch to the neck to check baby is warm enough.

I used blankets and a snowsuit.

Coat, hat, mittens, fur lined boots and a muff. i would often put the rain cover on too to block the wind.

It's so cold just sitting in oran or push chair

Second the star shut suggestion, so easy to put on.

I always think that babies need an extra layer outside as they’re stationary so not building up any heat. If I just sit on a bench outdoors I get much colder than if I was waking.

@Barnesbaby thanks. The extra layer thing is a helpful way to think about it - although the Fellhof is so warm it feels more like two extra layers at least!

@Barnesbaby

OP I recently got the same footmuff and I had the same dilemma today (and it does go up to baby’s chin when rolled up as you say...). I went with a pramsuit as well as a cardigan because it was really cold today and as a previous poster said, I saw the footmuff as the extra layer. On a more normal winter day (ie less cold) I think they would be fine with a jacket style jumper.

Sorry you got some quite idiotic responses to a reasonable question!

There are no idiotic responses at all

Also, what’s the advantage (or disadvantage) of a coat over a pramsuit? Every decision comes with so much choice, it’s overwhelming!

Remember the baby will not be moving so will get colder quicker than you who will be walking.

I think I’ll go with vest, thick cardigan, coat, hat and footmuff and see how we get on. It’s back up to 13C soon anyway - at which point I will lose the coat again!

I used blankets and a snowsuit.

You used blankets and a snowsuit with a sheep’s wool footmuff done up to the neck?

I think yes a coat.

Dont forget, your walking, that will warm you.

A baby laying / sitting still will be very cold

I've just joined Mumsnet and am genuinely a bit saddened at the tone of some of these responses.

I thought this forum was supposed to be a supportive, judgment-free environment where people can ask questions and learn from others.

Like many people, I've been navigating new parenthood through lockdown, separated from the support network who might be able to help with some of these types of questions.

The snippiness on this thread (which I read is 'well, obviously, stupid!') makes me sad

@almostautumn

Also, what’s the advantage (or disadvantage) of a coat over a pramsuit? Every decision comes with so much choice, it’s overwhelming!

With a coat you only have to get two limbs in it instead of four!

We were out in the car more than walking with the pushchair, so I preferred coats because they were easier to take off and put on on the move. We used a coat, cosy toes and sometimes even a blanket under the cosy toes.

Good luck getting your DC to wear a hat. Or rather keeping one on. I found hooded coats a better option for keeping their heads warm.

When is your baby due? I really wouldn't over think it too much and wait until your baby is here. You might find they detest everything you buy.

@almostautumn

Also, what’s the advantage (or disadvantage) of a coat over a pramsuit? Every decision comes with so much choice, it’s overwhelming!

A coat doesn’t cover the legs!

When is your baby due? I really wouldn't over think it too much and wait until your baby is here.

My baby is actually already here and is eight months old! I sound like a total novice I know

OP if they're 8 months they'll move arms and legs a lot so you might not be able to get them to stay under the foot muff - my 13 month old likes to get one leg out sometimes and arms are always out... go for a coat and footmuff. I don't think I'd do pramsuit and footmuff, both of the pramsuits we had were pretty thick. Star suits are amazing by the way, I wish DD still fit the one she had as a present!

@KatieKat88

OP if they're 8 months they'll move arms and legs a lot so you might not be able to get them to stay under the foot muff - my 13 month old likes to get one leg out sometimes and arms are always out... go for a coat and footmuff. I don't think I'd do pramsuit and footmuff, both of the pramsuits we had were pretty thick. Star suits are amazing by the way, I wish DD still fit the one she had as a present!

They go up to 18 months in the largest size so that might fit?

Depends how cold it is and how much little one feels the cold but I'd imagine no in most weathers no coat. Only problem is if you need to get baby out they are going to need a coat as the contrast between being so snug in there with the body heat will be huge. Even if tucked under arm pits core will still be warm so unlikely to need coat.

I always put a coat on in case i needed to take DS out for a feed or nappy change or whatever, you never know. You can always take it off or fold the footmuff down if you think baby is warm.

@Bookishnerd that’s because everyone has their own opinions on matters and obviously their opinion is correct! Ha.

I always put mine in a coat as well. Like a pp said, you’re walking and they’re sitting so they’re not expending any energy.