Winter can often feel like a time for hibernation, especially for new parents. But even though the days are shorter and the weather colder, there are still ways to keep your baby happy, healthy, and engaged.

Tip 1: Maintain a Regular Sleep Routine

One of the most important things you can do for your baby during the winter months is to maintain a regular sleep routine. This includes sticking to a consistent schedule and wake-up time, even though the shorter days might tempt you to adjust bedtime. A warm bath and a bedtime story can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down for the night. Make sure that your baby’s caregivers are aware of your sleep routine and are dedicated to maintaining it, especially if they are present when your baby wakes up in the morning.

Tip 2: Embrace the Outdoors

Fresh air is necessary for babies and parents alike. Of course, you may be hesitant to take your new baby outside in cold weather. However, bundling up and taking a daily walk around your neighborhood can be a great and easy way to get some fresh air and exercise. Don’t be afraid to take your baby outside for a stroll, just make sure they’re dressed warmly. You can and should go outside as part of your baby’s regular routine, weather permitting.

Remember, your baby cannot yet regulate her own temperature, so she is much more sensitive to weather and temperatures than you are. If the wind chill is above -15 degrees Fahrenheit, dress your baby in weather-appropriate layers, monitor their reaction and mood for discomfort, and enjoy the outdoors together. If the wind chill is below -15 degrees Fahrenheit, only venture outside for very short trips, like from the car to your front door.

Tip 3: Keep Your Baby’s Skin Hydrated

The cold, dry winter air can wreak havoc on your baby’s delicate skin. Keep dry, itchy skin and the discomfort it brings at bay as much as possible. When you bathe your baby, use warm water and keep bathtime to less than 10 minutes. When you dry your baby off, and between baths, make moisturizing a daily part of your baby’s routine. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free baby lotion and apply it to your baby’s skin. If your baby’s skin becomes red or irritated, call your doctor.

Make it an activity by adding some gentle baby massage. Practicing baby massage can promote restful sleep, reduce stress hormones, improve muscle flexibility and body awareness, aid digestion, alleviate constipation, enhance circulation, boost immunity, increase tolerance to stimuli, reduce skin sensitivity, and mitigate colic symptoms like irritability and sleep issues. For parents, baby massage has a whole list of benefits too! By massaging your baby, you can gain confidence as a caregiver, understand your baby's cues, strengthen your bond, create calm moments, and build trust for healthy development.

Tip 4: Try Something New Together

When the weather outside is frightful, try something new – delightful! Try baby yoga together as a gentle form of exercise that can help improve your baby’s coordination, strength, and flexibility. It can even help decrease fussiness and sleeplessness! YouTube is full of great baby yoga videos that you can follow along with at home. You’ll love bonding together through movement, while working on your baby’s development while staying at home, and may even want to make it part of your daily routine.

Tip 5: Easily Keep Your Baby Engaged

Darker days affect everyone! Parents included. With limited sunlight, you might feel that you have less energy to find ways to entertain and engage your baby. During the darkest part of your year, having a way to connect with your child helps . Happy Little People™ Toddler and Baby Activity Cards take the guesswork out of figuring out how to connect with your baby. Choose an activity, set it up easily with everyday items from around your home, and play together together – whether you’re indoors or out.