Ready for a winter baby

Cold temperatures, rain, wind, even snow? The weather isn’t great for welcoming a new baby into the world, but with adequate clothing and accessories, a properly-heated home and a few simple precautions, even winter won't douse that "burning" love for your newborn... Don't worry, giving birth in winter also has its advantages...

The influence of winter on births

The colder it is, the fewer babies are born! This statistical “rule” is repeated every year. In the Northern parts of Europe, May is the month when most babies are born. As we reach autumn, the proportion of births decreases, reaching its lowest point in January and February.

Why? The hottest months – which are also often the holiday period – encourage more parents to welcome a new baby. People imagine that this a better moment, a more relaxed time of year...

This isn’t the only anecdote about the cold. Cold temperatures have a favourable effect on babies' birth weight too. Babies born in the winter weigh slightly more than those born in summer or autumn. Astonishing how smart these babies already are, arriving ready-prepared to brave the cold weather!

A number of advantages for winter babies

While cold temperatures can present a few problems when it comes to taking baby out for a little stroll with the pram, do keep in mind the many positive aspects of giving birth in winter:

For you

• You’ve got more than 6 months ahead of you to recuperate from the birth and tone up those abs before having to wear a bikini again. This deadline is more than enough time and all the better, as right now all your attention will be focussed on your baby.

• You may not have realised it yet, but the end of your maternity leave should coincide with the longer days, a much nicer time to return to work (if you're planning to go back to work) and for making the most of baby when you get home in the evenings. Returning to work will be easier at a warmer time of year.

For baby

• Newborns are more vulnerable to heat. When the temperatures outside are close to zero, risks of overheating or dehydration are obviously considerably reduced.

• Tell yourself that when it’s warmer your baby will be coming on for 6 months and will be able to travel and make the most of the seaside or swimming pool with you.

• And at school, being one of the eldest in the class will give a slight advantage on an intellectual level during the first few years.

And some disadvantages for winter babies...

On the other side of the coin, in cold weather, you’ll need to pay particular attention to:

• Higher allergy risks. Babies born during the coldest months of the year have higher immunoglobulin E levels in the blood – the antibody responsible for reactions linked to asthma and allergies – compared to those born in warmer months. Why? Because baby spends more time at home and his body is instantly on alert to the slightest threat in the environment: animal fur, dust mites in sheets, pillows and blankets, etc.

• Risks relating to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The cold doesn’t cause SIDS... quite the opposite. SIDS is linked to overheating during sleep.  Curiously, this phenomenon is more frequent during the winter when temperatures are lower. As it happens, parents - often overly worried - wrap baby up too much and upset his wellbeing rather than improve it.

Ideas for autumn/winter baby’s wardrobe

• 16 cotton outfits (2 sets of 8 outfits in 2 different sizes)
• 12 long-sleeved vests (2x6 sets in 2 different sizes)
• 6 short-sleeved vests (2x3 sets in 2 different sizes)
• 8 jersey sleepsuits, with hoods
• 6 jersey sleepsuits, without hoods
• 2 sleepsuits in hypo-allergenic wool
• 2 outfits in hypo-allergenic wool (jacket, trousers, booties, hat and mittens)
• 2 natural yarn sleepsuits
• 2 terry towelling sleepsuits
• 2 cardigans in hypo-allergenic wool
• 3 pairs of slippers in hypo-allergenic wool
• 6 pairs of cotton socks
• 3 terry towelling pyjamas
• 4 jumpers
• 1 piece of protective clothing against wind and rain

Laurent Juillet

Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo

Posted 08.12.2010

Get more on this subject…