Bundle up the baby and head outside

Whether heading outdoors to attend a stroller fitness class, taking the baby out for a quick run in a jogging stroller, or putting him in the front pack for a quick stroll around the block, it’s imperative that babies be properly attired for cold weather.

“Exercising moms and dads will generate their own body heat by working out, but the inactive baby, strapped in the stroller [or carrier] needs to be properly bundled up to ward off the winter chill,” said Lisa Druxman, fitness expert, speaker, author, and founder of Stroller Strides, a nationwide group fitness program for new moms. “Setting a healthy example for your children shouldn’t stop when the weather turns cold. This means not only promoting fitness but preventing illness as well, so it’s especially important to prepare babies for the winter chill.”

Here are some tips for dressing babies for your winter exercise outings:

Help baby maintain body heat with a toasty hat since most body heat is lost through the head.

Add mittens and warm socks or booties to exposed hands and feet on cold days. If baby has a tendency to suck on his hands, bring extras. Wet hands are cold hands!

Dress your baby in layers—Lycra and silk are better insulators next to skin than cotton since cotton will stay damp when it absorbs moisture. Baby generally needs one more layer of clothing than you do.

Invest in stroller accessories made for cooler weather. Fuzzy seat liners and vented rainproof and windproof stroller covers can keep baby comfy in inclement conditions.

If your baby is over six months old, apply a dab of chemical-free sunscreen to his/her sensitive face for protection from the winter sun—even on overcast days.

Remove a layer of clothing when heading indoors. Keeping baby too bundled could cause him to perspire, making his warm clothes wet and cold when you return to the cold air outside.

Avoid wrapping a scarf or any material over baby’s mouth or nose. Baby’s moist breath will turn cold on her face, and the wet, compress-like material can irritate skin and inhibit normal breathing.

“For many new moms, getting a comprehensive workout is a satisfying part of their seasonless health regimen,” said Druxman.

“Ensuring that both mom and baby are safe and comfortable helps keep both in great health and high spirits, which really warms up a cold winter outing.”

For more information about Stroller Strides, visit their website.