How do you keep your baby warm in winter, especially when it is freezing outside? This most recent winter is the harshest most of the United States has experienced for fifteen to twenty years. And if you have a new baby at home, you might be worried on how to best keep your little bundle of joy warm and comfy.

Keeping a baby warm in the winter can be tricky, because piling on layers of blankets and bedding is simply not an option with a young baby. You don’t want to run the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which can affect any child under age one. Too many blankets or bedding can also run the risk of a baby overheating, and accidental suffocation.

So, what’s a new parent to do?

Keep Baby’s Room a Comfortable Temperature

Inside your home, make sure that you keep your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature during the winter months. As a rule of thumb, if you are too hot in the room, your baby is probably also feeling the heat. Likewise, if you feel chilled in his room, your baby is also feel cooler.

The ideal temperature for a baby’s room in the wintertime is between 68 to 72 degrees F. This is not too hot, and not too cold.

Being overheated increases a baby’s risk for SIDS, and being too cold makes babies fussier, and it makes it harder for them to sleep well. So you want the temperature to be just right.

Because the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a baby be dressed lightly for sleep, this room temperature will ensure that your baby can sleep comfortable without being overly dressed.

Although you want your baby to stay warm during the winter, do not place his crib next to a heater. You do not want your baby to become overheated. Similarly, do not use an electric blanket or a heating pad to keep him warm.

Just making sure that his bedroom is at a comfortable temperature will go a long way to keeping baby warm this winter.

Use One-Piece Bodysuits for Baby

Another way to ensure that your baby stays warm and healthy during the wintertime is to dress him in a one-piece footed pajama sleeper. You can dress him in another shirt underneath. Layers are always practical since you can remove a layer if you think your baby is too warm.

Wearable blankets – such as the popular HALO SleepSacks – are also wonderful options to keep baby cozy during the winter.

Despite popular misconception, babies don’t need more layers than you do. In general, if you are wearing two layers of clothes and are comfortable, your baby needs the same amount of clothing to be comfy and cozy.

For an extra layer of warmth, use a soft, lightweight cotton hat and mittens for your baby’s hands and head.

How To Tell If Your Baby is Too Cold or Too Hot

t’s very important to make sure that your baby doesn’t overheat, as being overheated can contribute to SIDS. A baby who feels damp to touch is too hot. If your baby’s skin feels moist, make sure that you take a layer off.

However, a baby whose skin feel cool to touch is too cold.

Touch your baby’s cheek, her arms and her feet to figure out if he is too cold or too hot. Checking the back of her neck is also a great indicator of whether he’s too hot or cold.

Also, keep in mind that babies will cry if they are not comfortable. Pay attention, and your baby will give you clues to his comfort level.