What do I need for a winter baby?

[economymode]

Our first child was born in May, so not cold at all.

But, and this is probably a stupid question, what do I need to get for winter baby? Next one is due end of Jan, so mid-winter.

So far, I'm thinking

• nice and thick hat
• fleecy blanket/wrap thing for being out and about (like this
• lots of layers

and then I'm stuck. For example, what will I need for sleeping? Our firstborn didn't take to swaddling so was soon in a sleeping bag. But is swaddling better for winter babies, do you think? If so, what kind of blanket should I use? Just a normal cellular one? Do they need another blanket on top?

Sorry for sounding dense!

Any other tips welcome. I'm trying to use as much stuff as possible from first time round, but know that I do need to account for the seasons.

Thank you

Ellan is right snowsuits don't work if you have a baby who hates being hot.

Despite being born in Jan DD1 scarcely ever wore a vest.

The second you got her in a shop or a car in a snowsuit she screamed. A cosy toes you could unzip and a light weight blanket you could fold down worked much better.

DS was a Feb babe, the next one is due early new year so we are a winter family. Layers seem great but a bit of a pain for nappy changing.

Remember another thing - you! Your body heat is excellent for tiny baby. Wrap slings are a great way for you both to feel warm. I think my newborn will be living in a sling for a while so that I can give DS (3yo then) lots of attention.

I'm also a big fan of tights after a couple of months - for boys and girls - but didn't cotton onto tights early enough with DS.

Fleece is a gift to mums of newborns - washes really well, dries quickly and v warm.

Swaddling was wonderful for sleep. Baby won't overheat if you use natural materials like muslin or cotton and follow with a blanket. We moved onto grobags but I have a feeling they aren't recommended for v young babies. Need to check!

Good luck!

I am with you on the layers, the big snowsuits are fab for .. well .. snow! and we dont get lots of that do we?
i used the bug in a rug too , cos the lightweight fabric didn't create excessive heat, just warm enough. and being cocooned all the time meant quite calm and snug. and of course handy for the sling and car seat.

Mothercare do sleepsuits with inbuilt foldover scratch mits which we used in the night for DS (December baby) as his hands were like ice blocks. Also John Lewis do fleece fabric sleepsuits which are gorgeous and nice and cosy for the cold days and nights. We used lots of layers and as soon as baby was big enough into a sleeping bag, we used 2.5 tog. Also not sure if it made a difference but we used thick flannelette brushed cotton sheets in the crib not the plain thin cotton ones.

This is great thread and good info re snow suits and getting too hot.
Will note that for my baby due in next 3 or 4 wks.

Re bug in a rug website. Very unfortunate positioning of the dads thumb in the picture

its probably just me and my dirty mind but it made me laugh.

Can I just point out that snow suits are great, but not ideal for use in an infant car seat. Manufacturers recommend that you use blankets instead over the top of the harness, or you can get the car seat footmuffs that are very toasty, and if you go inside you can just unzip the top part and not disturb baby.

OMG! i just noticed the dad's thumb too! eek! v funny

anywho! the but in a rug is much lighter than a full on snowsuit so you dont get that bunching of fabric when trying to click them into the car seat.

found another link, no thumb just flowers :)

but in a rug? BUG in a rug.

We love the Bug in a Rug, its has been a godsend in this changeable weather - means I can wrap my boy up, put him in the car seat and then just take the cover off if it gets warmer. It's also great for moving from car seat - buggy - sling - buggy. Brilliant idea!