Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?
It’s that time of year! The weather forecast often ranges anywhere from cold and sunny to cold and freezing rain to cold and snow (a rare and celebrated event in this part of North Carolina!).
Of course, it may be your baby or your toddler’s first snow event so you DEFINITELY have to let them experience a winter wonderland. Plus, those pictures will look “snow cute” on your Insta page!
If this is the first winter weather experience for your little one you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
The first thing to think about is how to dress a baby or toddler for cold temps and frozen precipitation. The main thing to think about is to dress them in layers. Start with a long-sleeved onesie as your base and then put a long sleeved shirt or sweatshirt on top. Long pants should be on their bottom half. You can also put them in warm, long-sleeved footie pajamas over the onesie…..put some socks on their feet before you put them in the jammies. Then you can put them in a snowsuit or in a warm coat that zips up. You also want to make sure their hands, ears, and head are covered. Babies lose a lot of their body heat through their hat so the hat is a must.
Ok, now that you have your baby bundled up it’s time to head outside. Babies learn so much from using their senses so let them look around at the snowscape. Talk to them about what they are seeing. Scoop up some snow in your hand and let them check it out up close. If you have a toddler, let them use plastic shovel or spoon to fill a small bucket with snow. Show them how to make a snowball. If it’s not too cold and not windy, take them on a short ride on a sled.
Once outside keep the temperature in mind. Babies don’t like to be cold so plan on making the outing a short one. Certainly, if there is a temperature advisory for extreme cold it’s best to view the winter weather from your warm living room.
After your outside adventure, take off hats and coats and gloves and any other article of clothing that may have gotten wet from snow. You’ll probably need to change your baby’s diaper anyway so you may consider putting them in a new warm outfit.
If the weather is just too cold to be outside, bring in some snow in a cup for your baby or toddler to explore. Read some board books about snow. Sing songs about winter. If you are feeing up to it, consider doing a winter craft with your toddler. Make and drink some hot chocolate or apple cider.
Overall, do what works for you and your kids! If you don’t feel like getting everyone bundled up and outside that’s totally OK. If you don’t have it in you to do any songs or crafts that’s ok. Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves and our kids is to lean in to the winter stillness and just quietly sit and be. Cuddles and cozy blankets strongly encouraged.