As the temperature drops, getting your baby’s nursery ready for winter is essential to keeping them comfortable and safe.
By making a few small changes, you can create an environment that’s snug for your little one, helping them to sleep soundly and stay protected from the cold weather all season long. Here are some top tips for creating a warm and cosy nursery for your baby.
Check The Temperature of Their Room
Maintaining the temperature in your baby’s room is crucial for making sure they’re not too hot nor too cold. Using a room thermometer or a baby monitor with a built-in thermometer, you can check the nursery’s climate – the recommended temperature for your baby’s room is between 16-20°C.
Avoid overheating the room, as a room that is too hot can increase the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You can check your baby by touching their chest or back of their neck to get a feel for their body temperature – if they’re sweating, clammy, have rapid breathing or have flushed cheeks you need to cool the room down – if they’re too cold, they’ll feel cool to the touch and may be unsettled through the night.
Humidify The Room
Air can be dry in winter, which can cause coughs, colds and have effects on your baby’s delicate skin if not protected against. Using a baby-safe humidifier can make the environment much more manageable and comfortable for both you and your little one, maintaining healthy moisture levels in the air. It’s the most effective option of combatting dry air in their nursery, and can offer a restful night’s sleep if used correctly. Keep it a few feet away from the crib and on a dresser or surface that your baby can’t reach.
Use Bedding Wisely
You may think getting in lots of blankets and cosy clothing will help to keep them warm, but it’s important to follow safe sleep practices. Avoid placing loose blankets and pillows in the crib as these pose a suffocation hazard. Instead, choose a sleep sack or wearable blanket that provide warmth without risk of covering your baby’s face.
For extra warmth, fitted crib sheets can keep your baby cosy when paired with a breathable mattress that doesn’t trap heat, allowing your baby to maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout the night.
Avoid cluttering the crib with stuffed animals or other toys too – your baby needs ample space to move during their sleep, without the risk of any toys getting in the way and becoming a safety hazard.
Create An Inviting Atmosphere
Soft furnishings can make the nursery an inviting space during winter. Plush rugs can provide some insulation against cold surfaces and provide a soft spot for playtime. Warm nightlights can be relaxing additions, especially during the long winter nights and there are thousands out there to choose form that will fit with your nursery aesthetics perfectly.
Using a rocking chair with a comfy throw will be perfect for nighttime feeds and cuddles for both you and your baby. Making the nursery a welcoming space will help your little one feel at ease and ready for a restful night’s sleep.
Keep Safety in Mind
As you get your nursery ready for the winter, safety should always be priority. Make sure any radiators, heaters or humidifiers are out of reach or blocked off, and that electrical cords are secured to avoid a trip hazards. Keep flammable items like curtains, throws and blankets away from heat sources and ensure smoke alarms are installed and fully working.
Keep the crib away from windows, radiators or vents as these can create temperature changes that makes it difficult to maintain a consistent and safe sleep environment for your baby.
Regularly check your baby during the night so you can stay aware of how hot or cold they may be. This will allow you to make changes accordingly and keep them from overheating or cooling down too much.
Getting the nursery ready for winter doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task – with a few adjustments you can create a warm place for your child to rest and play when it gets colder. By ensuring you are prepared for whatever winter brings will give you peace of mind knowing you’re ready for the season ahead.