How to keep your baby warm and well in winter – and your home cosy too
From layering up for chilly walks to keeping bedrooms the right temperature at night, here's how to navigate winter safely with a baby in tow
Winter might bring festive fun and cosy nights in, but for parents of babies and toddlers, it also comes with a few seasonal worries. Are they warm enough on the school run? Should I use a blanket or a sleeping bag at night? And can I dry the washing without turning the whole house damp?
We've rounded up practical, NHS-backed advice on keeping babies warm in cold weather – plus tips to help you manage winter bugs, keep pets cosy, and even de-ice your car the safe way. And with new snow and ice warnings issued across the UK, there’s no better time to be winter-ready.
Dressing your baby for cold weather
Babies and children under five are especially vulnerable to cold weather, so it’s important to keep them warm when you’re out and about.
According to NHS guidance, layering is key – multiple thin layers help trap warm air better than one thick one. Don’t forget mittens, socks and a hat, as heat escapes quickly from little heads and hands.
“Babies and children should wear several layers of clothes to keep warm, including a hat and mittens to stop heat loss,” the NHS advises.
If you're carrying your baby in a sling, be mindful of overheating – the sling counts as one layer, so you might need fewer layers underneath. Make sure their face is always visible and not pressed into clothing or fabric.
In the car, bulky coats and pramsuits are a no-go. Safety experts recommend strapping your baby into their car seat in just their indoor clothes, then laying a blanket over the top if needed. This ensures the harness fits snugly and does its job in the event of a crash.
Keeping baby cosy at night (without overheating)
It’s tempting to crank up the heating when it’s frosty out, but babies don’t need hot bedrooms.
The NHS recommends keeping your baby's room between 16–20°C (61–68°F). Overheating has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so a cooler room is safer.
At bedtime, dress your baby in a sleepsuit and use either a baby sleeping bag or a lightweight sheet and/or blanket. Avoid fleece or padded blankets, and if using layers instead of a sleeping bag, go for cellular blankets (those with little holes for breathability).
If your baby seems cold in a sleeping bag, you can add an extra layer of clothing – but not extra blankets.
Weather warnings: What parents need to know
With Arctic air sweeping across the UK, the Met Office has issued amber warnings for snow in parts of Scotland and yellow warnings for snow and ice across large areas of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued an amber cold health alert for all of England, in place until 6 January. These alerts highlight an increased risk to health, particularly for the elderly, babies, and vulnerable groups.
Snow is forecast to fall in many areas, with 10–20cm expected in lowland Scotland and even 30–40cm on higher ground. In parts of England and Wales, 1–5cm of snow is possible, especially on higher ground.
Parents planning to travel with children are urged to plan routes carefully and pack winter essentials like warm clothing, water, snacks, a blanket and an ice scraper.
Beating winter bugs at home
With people spending more time indoors during winter, it’s no surprise coughs, colds and other infections spike.
Flu, Covid, and norovirus are all in circulation this winter, and while we can’t avoid every germ, ventilating your home – even for just 10 minutes a day – helps reduce transmission.
“Opening windows where possible and practising good hygiene can help stop the spread of illnesses,” NHS guidance says.
If you're eligible, you can get your Covid winter booster and flu jab for free on the NHS until 31 January 2026. Others can pay privately at many high street pharmacies.
Drying washing without damp and mould
Drying baby grows and muslins indoors can be a battle in winter – and draping clothes over every radiator can leave your home damp and musty.
One savvy alternative is a dehumidifier, especially one with a laundry setting. It’s a more energy-efficient way to remove moisture from the air and dry clothes faster.
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has said using a dehumidifier is "far, far cheaper" than putting the heating on just to dry washing.
Staying warm safely at home
If you’re using portable heaters or electric blankets to take the chill off, follow these safety guidelines from Electrical Safety First:
- Keep heaters on a flat surface and at least 3ft (1 metre) from anything flammable.
- Never use heaters to dry clothes or leave them running unattended.
- Avoid plugging heaters into extension leads – this can be a fire risk.
- If your electric blanket shows visible wires, smells odd or has damage to the cord or controller, it’s time to replace it.
- Always use the timer function on electric blankets and avoid leaving them on overnight.
Don’t forget your furry family members
Your pets feel the cold too! According to vet charity PDSA, dogs and cats benefit from extra blankets in their beds, and older pets may appreciate a raised bed to avoid draughts.
Cats often seek out high-up dens indoors, while indoor play can help keep pets active on chilly days. If you have outdoor rabbits or guinea pigs, consider moving them into a more sheltered spot or even indoors – but make sure they’ve got enough room to move around.
If you're walking the dog, shorter, more frequent walks are safer in icy weather. For thin-coated or elderly dogs, a jumper or winter coat can help keep them warm, and always check their paws for salt or grit after a snowy stroll.
Winter parenting hacks: a few final tips
- De-icing your car? Skip the kettle – boiling water can crack the glass. Instead, turn on the engine, use the heater to warm the windscreen, and scrape off snow and ice with a soft brush and scraper.
- Plug-in heaters and electric blankets can help keep energy bills down – just follow safety advice and don’t leave them running unattended.
- Worried about heating costs? Focus on warming the room you spend the most time in, and close doors to keep heat in.
Whether you’re battling sniffles or just trying to get through another nursery run in the drizzle, winter doesn’t have to mean stress. With a few smart swaps and a focus on warmth and safety, you and your family can stay happy, healthy and snug all season long.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.