Winter Babies: what you need to know

Having a baby is always a blessing, but winter can bring some unique challenges for new parents. This blog shares personal experience and practical advice for families welcoming a baby during the colder months.

1. Getting Outdoors

• Staying indoors all winter can make you feel restless. Getting outside, even in winter, is great for mental health, immunity, and physical activity.
• On nice days, wear your baby in a carrier under a warm coat, making sure their head is turned to the side for safe breathing and they’re wearing a hat. Always check walkways for ice and snow to stay safe.
• If it’s too cold to go out, open a window for 15–20 minutes to let in fresh air. This can help with the feeling of stuffiness that can happen over the winter.

2. Cold and Flu Season

• Newborns are more vulnerable to germs. If someone in your household has been outside, change clothes and wash hands and face upon returning. This was our regular routine in our family, especially after using public transit or daycare.
• Visitors can wait a couple of weeks before meeting the baby. It’s okay to ask them to wash hands or wear a mask if they’re unwell. Trust your instincts as your baby’s advocate.

3. Holiday Get-Togethers

• Winter holidays are fun, but with a newborn, you might want to keep gatherings smaller and shorter.
• If attending a party, wear your baby in a wrap or carrier. This will also help your baby feel calm and secure. This is also a good way to keep baby close to you if your preference is to avoid passing the baby around the room. You can also ask for a quiet space to feed them.
• If hosting, consider a potluck and a smaller guest list to reduce your workload and limit exposure to germs.
• You can still enjoy the festive season by making these few changes!

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Mélanie Jacobson ND IBCLC is a Toronto-based Naturopathic Doctor and Lactation Consultant. She focuses on breastfeeding education, and supporting families with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, combo feeding as well as solid food introduction. She is available for home, clinic and virtual visits. You can book your free 15 min meet and greet consultation right here to discuss her services and approach.