Chicago winters can be brutal. Cold, windy and wet. Not an ideal place to carry around a miniature person that can’t regulate it’s own temperature well. As parents, we have to do everything we can to keep out littles ones warm and safe through every season. Don’t let the cold stop you and your little bundle from going out this winter!
Here’s a few products that will keep your baby cozy, even in the most frigid weather.
Car Seat Covers
If you are using infant car seat, you should know that nothing should come between your baby and the seat, except thin, fitted clothing. Blankets should go on top. If you are looking for something that goes around baby, but is safe to use in a car seat, check out the 7AM Enfant Nido. Just remember to take it off once your baby is in a warm car.
Car seat covers go over the entire seat. Most can also fit over a stroller seat, which means you’ll be able to use it next year too. Popular choices are JJ Cole covers and Cozy Covers
Bunting
Bunting is like a baby snowsuit. It’s perfect for stroller rides and catching holiday parades with the family. There are different levels of warmth, but look for something that’s waterproof, has a hood and fold-over covers for the hands. Patagonia, Columbia, and North Face all have great options for tiny babies.
Hat
We all loose heat from our heads so best to keep them warm. Parenting tip keep an extra in your diaper bag just in case (they are always falling off). For snowy days, you want something with a bill and ear flips like Patagonia Infant Reversible Shell Hat or a fleece lined beanie like North Face Baby Faroe Beanie. There are so many cute options available!
Booties
Of course you need to keep your baby’s tiny toes warm! (Parenting tip: Keep pairs of socks together by keeping them fastened together with a safety pin when not being worn. Trying to match tiny newborns socks takes forever!) Slip on some adjustable fleece booties like Zutano slippers. The snaps keep them from falling off and getting lost and they come in a variety of colors and materials.
Mittens
Just as important as little toes, the little hands must be kept warm! Look for mittens that are warm, waterproof and won’t fall off. Try Stonz Mittz which go over the coat with two toggles to keep out snow or SnowStoppers, which go under the coat. (We ALL hate that feeling when the snow falls into our coat!)
Stroller Hand Muffs
While you’re worrying about your little one’s hands, don’t forget your own! The Skip Hop Stroll-N-Go Hand Muff not only protects your digits from the wind and snow, it also has a clear pocket for your phone. It even has a headphone cord hole! How genius!
Babywearing Coat
If you use your baby carrier a lot, you will probably find yourself wishing your regular coat was big enough for the both of you. Consider a coat extension like the babyWAWL or Kokoala . There are also several types of full babywearing coats and jackets available. Nina & Jack has a great selection. The M Coat is a very stylish coat, while Sue’s Kindercoat is more budget friendly. Dress your baby accordingly and keeping in mind that he/she will be benefiting from your body heat.
