Baby clothes in winter: Tips to protect them from the cold and excessive heat

With the arrival of winter and the drop in temperatures, parents face the annual challenge of protecting their infants from the cold without falling into the trap of overheating, which can harm their little ones' health. In this context, the website "Al-Tabib" (The Doctor) has provided a set of important medical guidelines aimed at educating mothers on the best ways to choose children's clothing, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure their protection from colds and seasonal flu.

Child's physiology and cold

It is essential to understand the medical context of infants' bodies before choosing clothes. Medical facts indicate that infants lose body heat approximately four times faster than adults because their body surface area is large relative to their weight, and their thermoregulation system is not yet fully developed. This reality makes choosing appropriate clothing a vital matter that goes beyond mere fashion, becoming a cornerstone of maintaining the child's health and safety.

Dress codes inside the house

When indoors, the golden rule is "warmth without being heavy." Experts recommend dressing your child in multiple layers rather than one very heavy garment. A layering system (two to three layers) is preferable, including a cotton undershirt (flannel), an outer shirt, and a robe that covers the body down to the feet. This method traps air between the layers and provides excellent thermal insulation.

The following points should also be considered:

• Avoid overheating: Overdressing can cause a child to overheat and sweat, making them more susceptible to catching a cold when exposed to a draft, as well as the risk of dehydration.
• Freedom of movement: Clothing should be loose and comfortable to allow the child to move their limbs freely. The child's natural movement helps stimulate blood circulation and thus generate their own heat.
• Head covering: If the house is noticeably cold, it is advisable to wear a light cotton hat, as the body loses a large percentage of its heat through the head.

Safety during sleep

Sleep is a particularly sensitive time. Doctors recommend avoiding very heavy blankets that could restrict a baby's breathing or movement. Instead, a warm but lightweight blanket or a baby sleep sack is preferable, as these provide both warmth and security.

Getting ready to leave the house

When going out in cold weather is unavoidable, the strategy changes slightly to provide maximum protection. In addition to layers of clothing, an insulating winter coat and a wool hat to protect the ears should be added. It is also advisable to avoid going out in the late evening or very early morning hours when the cold is at its peak, to reduce the chances of exposure to viruses active in cold weather.