3 Top Ways to Keep Your Baby Warm in a Stroller (Winter Guide)

Key Takeaways

 

• Babies under 2 cannot regulate their own body temperature, so it’s important to always dress them appropriately for the weather.

• A good rule of thumb is to add a layer of clothing for baby in addition to what you’d wear yourself—maybe two layers, if you’re dressed to workout.

• Consider accessories like a foot muff or weather shield for your stroller if you live in an especially cold climate or an urban environment.

Winter weather doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor walks for you and your little one. For city dwellers, especially, being able to use your stroller even in cold temperatures is vital. To keep your baby warm in their stroller this winter, a little preparation, a dose of common sense, and a few extra accessories are all you need.

Why Keeping a Baby Warm in Their Stroller Matters

 

Babies cannot regulate their own body temperature until they’re 18 months to 2 years old. This means when it’s hot out, they don’t sweat, and when it’s cold, they don’t shiver. 

This is why it’s important to always dress your baby appropriately for the weather and monitor their comfort levels. Choosing a stroller that’s made of breathable materials and utilizing the appropriate cold weather accessories can go a long way to making sure your baby stays warm in their stroller.

Layering Strategies for Babies in Strollers 

 

When dressing your baby for a walk in cold weather, add at least one additional layer to what you’d wear yourself (ie, if you’re in long sleeves and pants, dress your baby in the same but add a jacket + blanket). If you’re underdressed in preparation for a workout, like a run, you may need to add two additional layers for your baby to be comfortable.

Layer One: Thermal Onesie or Separates

 

For your baby’s first layer, consider a thermal onesie or top and bottom made of cotton. Something soft made of natural fibers is a great first layer.

Layer Two: Shirt + Bottoms

 

Use thicker fabrics if you need protection from wind as well as the cold.

Layer Three: Jacket + Blanket or Snowsuit

 

For the outermost layer, you can use a jacket and blanket or footmuff, or a snowsuit. Remember to keep the layers even on both your baby’s upper and lower half. 

Essential Winter Accessories to Stop Your Baby Getting Cold in a Stroller

 

While dressing your baby properly in layers is important, the right winter stroller accessories are key to safe strolling when temperatures drop.

A Footmuff

 

A footmuff is a sleeping bag-type accessory that replaces a blanket to keep your baby warm in their stroller. Usually the exterior is a water resistant material while the inside is a warm fleecy type so your baby stays cozy.

Weather Cover

 

Weather covers can shield from both wind and rain to keep your baby dry, warm, and comfortable when strolling.

Stroller Gloves

 

While keeping your baby warm is important, some winter accessory sets also include stroller gloves to keep your hands warm, as well. 

Safety Tips for Your Baby During Cold Weather Stroller Walks

 

Even with the proper layers and winter weather accessories, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your baby safe on a winter walk

Limit Your Time in Extremely Cold Weather

 

If the actual or wind chill temperature is below 30F, you should limit your time outside to no more than 30 minutes, even with the proper attire and precautions.

Keep Tabs on Your Baby’s Comfort

 

Remember that babies cannot self regulate their temperature and don’t show the standard signs of overheating or hypothermia, like sweating or shivering. If their skin is cold to the touch or they fuss with discomfort, it’s time to head inside.

Store Your Stroller Indoors

 

Many parents opt to store their stroller in the trunk of a car or the garage to save space. Consider switching to keeping your stroller indoors during cold weather, so that it’s warmer when you put your baby into it.

Common Stroller Baby-Warming Mistakes to Avoid 

 

While safe winter strolling is doable with the right precautions, make sure you avoid these common mistakes.

Overdressing Your Baby

 

Keep in mind that overheating is just as dangerous as the cold to your baby, and remember that more doesn’t necessarily mean better. If you cannot safely dress your baby for the outdoors with just one or two additional clothing layers, it might be too cold to safely stroll.

Underdressing Your Baby

 

Pushing a stroller takes effort, especially if you’re doing it as part of your exercise, so you may feel warm or even work up a sweat. Keep in mind, though, that your baby is just along for the ride without exerting effort and will likely be colder than you are.

Not Adjusting Between Indoors and Outdoors

 

If you’re running errands or moving between being inside and outside in your stroller, make sure that you’re adding and/or removing layers accordingly. 

Winter Walks Reimagined: See the Orbit Baby Stroller Difference

 

When it comes to taking your winter walks in comfort and style, Orbit Baby has you covered. The G5 stroller winter kit includes a weather shield for your baby’s comfort and faux-fur lined stroller gloves for yours. Pair the winter weather kit with a stroller foot muff for extra coziness so your winter strolling never misses a step.