Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Winter Essentials for New Parents

Babies need a lot of stuff, and the colder months can make your diaper bag grow even bigger. But those warm jackets and cold-weather essentials are necessary in blustery weather. Here’s what to consider adding to your shopping list (or registry) to prepare for “Brrrrr!" season.

Health and Wellness Stash

When my kids were babies, I’d always pack a few health-and-wellness essentials in their diaper bag (and keep extras in their nurseries!) to help them stay comfortable when the sniffles would inevitably strike.

Babies can’t blow their noses yet, so a saline mist or drop solution was one of my absolute essentials. A product like Equate Infants’ Nasal Spray/Drops ($2.82) helps break up the gunk with a newborn-safe, no-medication formula.

Also, keep Parent’s Choice Baby Petroleum Jelly ($3.48) on hand to rub on chapped noses, nostrils, and cheeks. It can protect your baby from irritated skin on a frosty day if you put a thin layer on their face right before you head outside. After bathtime and a few times during the day, layer Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion ($8.98) to lock in moisture and prevent irritation and flaking.

Cozy Winter Wardrobe Staples

Babies can’t regulate their temperatures well. That’s why layers are a must in the winter. Bonus if those layers are easily removable to make diaper changes more convenient!

Your baby’s winter wardrobe should include a solid one-piece that prioritizes warmth and convenience, like the Wonder Nation Baby Teddy Fleece Pram ($19.98). It’s thinner than a winter jacket, yet covers baby’s whole body instead of just their upper half.

For sleepytime, the Halo SleepSack ($34.97) is an absolute dream. I was gifted one for my first baby, and I’m not sure how I ever survived without it. It keeps babies swaddled but with a little freedom to kick and move. Unlike pajamas, it zips up from the bottom for convenient diaper changes during the night.

Other cozy pieces to round out your baby’s winter wardrobe include:

• Layerable onesies and leggings
• Cotton or fleece-footed pajamas
• Soft knit hats or mittens
• Warm booties or socks with grips
• Snowsuit with a hood

Nursery Must-Haves for Cooler Weather

Your baby’s nursery should be a warm and cozy retreat from the cold outdoors. One thing I’ve always sworn by in my littles’ nurseries was the Equate Invisible Cool Mist Humidifier ($33.97) to prevent congestion and make the environment a little more comfortable. It’s small and easy to clean, use, and refill, taking up less than five minutes of our nightly routine to set up.

For late-night feedings, the Tommee Tippee Closure to Nature Portable Bottle Warmer ($13) is so convenient. It’s completely portable, so you don’t have to fumble around half-asleep for a power outlet, and it ensures your baby has a warm bottle when they’re ready.

Consider also including these nursery additions, perfect for cooler months:

• Thick blackout curtains that help keep drafts out of the room
• Breathable flannel crib sheets for extra warmth
• The VTech Digital Video Baby Monitor ($39.97), which has a temperature sensor that you can view from the parent unit

Winter Travel Gear

Don’t let winter stop you from getting outside with your new baby. To make sure they stay warm, find a good car-seat cover to block out wind and cold air when heading to (or from) your vehicle. The SafeFit XtraGuard Car Seat Cover ($22.24) does triple-duty because you can also use it for a nursing cover or high-chair liner.

Also, stock the diaper bag with winter-friendly extras to keep your baby comfortable wherever the day takes you:

• I always kept a stainless steel thermos, like the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle ($24.97), filled with warm water to quickly make a bottle when needed.
• The Parent’s Choice Premium Ultra Soft Plush Blanket ($12.98) folds down thin, so it doesn’t take up much space in the diaper bag, but it’s perfect for swaddling baby for extra warmth.
• And, of course, don’t forget a spare outfit and mittens, just in case spills, drool, or surprise diaper leaks happen while you’re out.

Having a successful winter with a new baby takes a little extra planning, but these practical essentials should help you feel more prepared for whatever the elements have in store.