How Do You Walk A Baby In A Stroller In The Winter?

Winter is my favorite season. But it changed after I had my babies. We all know how brutal New York winters can be.

As new parents, winter December meant no outdoor time and enjoying the fresh air with our kids. My husband and I both enjoyed our walks with our children. 

But when it’s winter, it means we keep the baby inside and stay indoors. I decided to take charge and research the topic.

But how do you walk a baby in a stroller in the winter? I took expert advice and asked my pediatrician.

I was surprised after learning the benefits of winter weather walks. As long as I ensure my babies remain warm.

Winter walks are fun, enjoyable, and healthy if you prepare your baby adequately. If you are new parents and worried about it, I am here to help.

Before you start learning How Do You Walk A Baby In A Stroller In The Winter, it is essential to buy the best stroller for snow and winter weather.

Extra Layers to Keep the Cold out

We don’t need complex thinking to understand the importance of a few layers of warm clothes to keep the body warm. The same thing goes for your baby.

To keep your baby’s core temperature in the optimal state, add an extra layer of clothes.

Your baby should be head to toe covered in layers of warm clothes.  As new parents, prepare for winter by stocking up on warm clothes before winter arrives.

We need to be careful as the baby’s skin is a lot more sensitive and susceptible to skin problems. 

How to Dress Your Little One

1st Layer: Choose Breathable Fabrics: 

For the first layer, always opt for soft cotton fabric. This is the layer that will be directly in touch with your baby.

So this needs to be comfortable. Choose a cotton romper (onesies) or a full-sleeve t-shirt followed by full pants. 

2nd Layer: Add Warmth 

For the second layer, put on thermal sets. There are several designs of thermal dress options available.

You can choose either onesies, t-shirts and pants or vests. Always remember that children need one extra layer of clothes more than adults do.

For example, if you are wearing three layers, add a fourth layer for your kids. Young infant, till they reach age two, are sensitive and more prone to get affected by cold weather.

For my babies, I add a layer of merino wool clothing, which I will talk about shortly. 

3rd Layer: Sweater

Woolen sweaters are excellent for protecting your baby’s body heat in cold weather. Don’t dress your baby depending on your indoor temperature.

You can go for turtlenecks to get better protection from the cold. 

Check the weather outside, then take the necessary steps. Add a bulky pair of pants that matches their entire outfit. Babies need to be stylish, too, right? 

4th Layer: Jacket

Baby jackets are the most important and must-have winter clothing for babies. I use a puffer jacket for my children to keep them warm.

You can also choose a jacket with sherpa lining to prevent wind chills from disturbing your baby’s stroller ride. Zip up the jacket and make sure all the layers that you added are perfectly sealed. 

Along with the top part, always be careful about the bottoms. Add similar layers of pants to protect your baby’s legs from the dangerously cold atmosphere. 

Some More Tips on How Do You Walk A Baby In A Stroller In The Winter

Along with the layers we discussed above, your baby needs additional safety for their head, ears, hands, neck, and feet.

Ears and Head

Go for a woolen beanie and hat to cover up your baby’s head. Woolen ear muffs and fleece earflap hat are also good options for all overhead coverage.

There are different styles of baby hat available in the market. Choose the one that best fits your little one’s personality. 

Neck

If your baby is wearing a turtleneck, their neck will already be covered. But if not, get an infinity scarf or neck warmer. 

Hands

Mittens and hand gloves are available for kids of all ages. From infant to toddler, you will get woolen mittens and hand gloves in all sizes.

Cover your baby’s little hands from the wind chill. 

Feet

Layer up the socks on your baby’s feet. Sometimes one pair of socks might not be enough for the wind outside.

For the first layer, go for soft cotton socks. It can be either long or short, whatever you prefer. 

For the second layer, choose woolen socks for the best coverage. So go for longer socks this time to ensure the feet up to the legs are completely covered. 

5th Layer: Wearable Blanket

To make the stroller ride more enjoyable with your baby, you can dress your baby in a wearable blanket or overall puffer jacket. You can even tuck your baby in a stroller blanket. 

There are plenty of blanket options for you to carry in the stroller. Suppose you find it all too troublesome. Just toss in a small blanket and wrap your baby with it as the final layer. 

Keep Your Stroller Winter Ready

Apart from keeping the baby warm, the baby carriers need winter-proofing as well. Firstly, when buying a stroller, make sure you are buying the one that is appropriate for your location.

As a New Yorker, I needed a stroller that performs well in all seasons. 

It won’t even be cost-effective for a parent of two to own multiple strollers for different seasons.

As much as babies need fresh air, winter months can get extremely windy, and let’s not forget about snow. 

There are a few accessories that you can buy to winter-proof your baby’s stroller to enjoy a peaceful walk with a stroller. Here is how you can prepare your stroller for winter: 

Stroller Cocoon

Stroller cocoons, stroller warm muffs or stroller sleeping bags are perfect for keeping your baby safe from the wind chills.

You can easily zip the baby in and out of the bag. Stroller cocoons are useful for babies from newborn to age 4. 

Even if you don’t like layering your baby too much, the cocoon will keep the temperature warm inside the stroller. 

Stroller Hand Muffs

Even after putting on heavy layers on the baby and ourselves, hand muffs are often neglected.

When we put on gloves before coming out of the house, managing the baby, their accessories, stroller, and our essentials gets difficult and clumsy. 

To avoid the hassle, you can buy stroller warm muffs. These muffs will be attached to the stroller and protect your hands from freezing.

So every time you come out of the house, there will be one less thing to worry about. 

Stroller Rain Cover

The Stroller cover is not only useful in the rain. The sheer protective shield will also keep your baby safe from snow and wind chill.

Excessive wind can cause breathing problems in babies, so to keep the warmth and regulate adequate air circulation, a stroller cover will help. 

Stroller Ski

Stroller wheels are not enough while walking on snow ice. No matter how sturdy the stroller wheels are, their round shape is not enough to glide through the ice.

And it can make the walking experience bitter for both of you. 

This is why stroller skies are important. You can quickly and easily install them on your stroller wheels, and it turns your stroller into a sled. 

Bonus Tips for New Parents with a Baby in a Stroller in Winter

Sun Protect your Little One

Winter does not mean the UV rays are not there. According to the Cancer Council NSW, children under one year of age are more susceptible to skin problems caused by UV radiation. 

So check your UV levels before heading out with your baby in the stroller. But if you have to go out during high UV levels (3 or above), wearing sunscreen is a must. 

Moisturize

The little ones’ soft and delicate skin loses five times more moisture than adults. This means you must always keep those squishy cheeks moisturized before going out. 

Babies don’t usually need to bathe every day in winter. But when they do, make sure you are using lukewarm (not hot) water.

Pat them dry, then soon apply a good baby emollient on damp skin. You can keep a baby lotion with you outside for any emergencies. 

Check your Baby for Hot or Cold Skin

For the first couple of times you go out with your little one, keep them in check. Peek on them and check if they have hot or cold skin. 

Either Way, it is among the warning signs. You need to keep your baby warm and not too hot or cold.

Cold hands and feet, red cheeks, sudden crying, or discomfort are all part of warning signs. It can mean either excess heat or your baby is too cold. 

Take breaks and go inside if necessary to ensure your baby’s temperature is fine. 

Check the Stroller and your Baby (Again)

Did I mention you have to check your baby’s diaper before starting everything else?

This step should be done even before you start dressing up your baby and also in between walks. 

It is important that the baby is dry, and so is the stroller. Imagine walking in wet clothes at minus 4 degrees. No one wants that. 

Listen to your baby’s body language and stay alert for surprises (pee or poo) during your walk with your baby in a stroller. 

If it is nap time for your child, I will say not to go out during that time. I made that mistake with my first baby, and it wasn’t a pleasant time outside for both of us. 

Your child may be cranky and crying all the way, making you frustrated and confused. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I walk outside with my baby in winter?

Yes, you surely can. With proper preparation and protection, you and your baby can enjoy winter walks outside. 

How should little ones be dressed in winter weather?

In layers. Yes, dress your baby in layers in winter to keep your baby warm. 

Which stroller is best to take on a lower temperature?

You don’t need a particular brand or type of stroller for winter. Just accessorize your stroller according to your temperature and location, and you and your baby are good to go. 

Can I walk my baby in a stroller in the snow?

Yes, you can walk your little one in a stroller in the snow. But do not forget to put on plenty of warm clothes. 

Should I take breaks while walking my baby in a stroller in the winter?

Yes, it is recommended you take breaks while walking your baby in a stroller in the winter. Check their diaper if they are excessively hot or cold or even for a snack. 

Conclusion

Let your baby explore the world around them and enjoy their first winters of life. Make lots of memories, take pictures, catch snowflakes, or make a snowman. 

You do not have to limit your activities for your baby. Let yourself go out in the fresh air. It is good for you and your little one as well. 

Take the necessary precautions and seek medical attention if you have any doubts. So layer your baby in warm clothes, take the stroller, and head out to have the best winter.

Let your baby know how it feels like walking on the clouds. Because when there’s snow on the ground, it’s like walking on the clouds.