How to dress your baby for cold weather

Start with a close-fitting base, add a warm middle layer, and finish with an outer layer that blocks wind or wet. Several thin layers are easier to adjust than one very bulky garment.

Use warm socks or booties, mittens and a hat to protect exposed areas in cold or wind. Check the fit and remove wet items promptly; damp fabric can make a baby colder.

Hands and feet can feel cool even when your baby’s body is comfortable. Feel the chest or back of the neck through the clothing: warm and dry is a useful sign, while a cool chest suggests adding a light layer.

Wind can make a mild day feel much colder, so a wind-resistant outer layer may matter more than adding another thick middle layer. In very cold or extreme-cold conditions, keep outdoor time brief and cover exposed skin.

Do not place a puffy coat, snowsuit or other bulky clothing under the harness. It can compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose. Dress in thin layers, buckle the harness snugly, then add a blanket or coat over the straps if needed.

Nothing bulky should sit under your baby’s body or between the baby and the harness. Keep the face uncovered and remove extra warmth once the car is comfortable.

In severe cold, shorten the trip, shelter from wind and check your baby often. If skin becomes very cold, pale, numb-looking or painful, go indoors and seek medical advice for concerning symptoms.