Winter is actually not a bad time to have a baby. You’re already in the mood to be cozy and hibernate a little, and it gives you a good excuse to slow down, stay in, and focus completely on caring for your newborn and yourself.
But let’s be honest. It’s also flu season. And if you have older kids, there’s a good chance someone’s going to bring home a virus or two. Not to mention, cold weather can make it feel tricky to get outside with a newborn, even though fresh air is so good for both of you.
I’ve been through this season a couple of times now, and I’ve learned that with a little prep and a flexible mindset, winter with a newborn can be both beautiful and manageable.
Here are some things I’ve found helpful for keeping everyone comfy, warm, and healthy.
How to Keep Newborn and Mom Warm and Healthy in Winter
1. Open the Windows (Yes, Even in Winter)
This might sound counterintuitive, but I try to air out our house in the morning once a week, even in the colder months. Especially if someone’s been sick recently. It just feels good to move that stale air out and bring some fresh in.
But I do this strategically: I open windows in one room or on one floor at a time. I always move the baby to another part of the house to avoid drafts, and I bundle up myself (and any toddlers nearby) while the air circulates.
It only takes 10 or 15 minutes, but it really makes the house feel fresher. And honestly, I feel more awake and refreshed, too.
If you don’t do it weekly, at least a few times during the winter.
2. Safe Outdoor Time (Even Just a Little Bit!)
If the sun is shining, go outside. Even for a few minutes. There’s something magical about crisp winter air and sunlight on your face. Especially when you’ve been inside for days.
Sunlight helps your baby develop melatonin naturally, which supports better sleep rhythms. It’s also a gentle way for you to reset your mood and energy.
Here’s how we do it:
- I bundle the baby in soft layers (preferred wool onesies plus sweaters or winter puffy overalls) with a warm hat (don’t forget mittens if hands are exposed).
- If the baby is in a carrier, I add a carrier cover or winter cover to block wind and cold air. You can also use a super warm blanket to cover your baby.
- I cover exposed skin and keep the outing short. 20 minutes is plenty.
- I also try to get myself bundled properly. A warm coat and a hot drink in hand make the cold much more bearable.
Even if all we do is take a short walk down the street and back, I always feel better afterward. And so does baby. I prefer wearing a baby in a carrier. Baby and I can get heat from each other.
3. Keep an Eye on Nursery Temperature
Not all rooms in our house heat the same way. Some stay cozy, others are chilly. It’s hard to tell unless you’re actually measuring it.
We now keep a small thermometer in the nursery, and it’s been such a game-changer. It gives peace of mind—especially during those long winter nights.
The ideal sleeping temperature for babies is around 68–72°F (20–22°C). I personally find 68° is too cold. We keep it around 72° and use a sleep sack and adjust the baby’s clothing layers as needed. I try to avoid overheating, which is a safety concern, and check the back of the baby’s neck to see if they’re too warm.
Lots of baby monitors can test the temperature now. I find it very helpful.
4. Gentle Movement for Mom
The temptation to stay wrapped in a blanket all day is real, but a little movement helps so much during postpartum.
I’m not talking about workouts. Just gentle movement, walking around the house, tidying a room slowly, stretching while the baby naps. Sometimes I even take the baby in the stroller through a garden center or grab a quiet coffee to go.
It’s not about burning calories. It’s about getting your blood flowing, lifting your mood, and feeling like you again. It also helps with postpartum recovery and energy levels.
5. Nourishing Food (Especially for Mom)
Winter calls for warm, comforting meals. And thankfully, those are the kinds of foods that support our immune systems, too.
I try to keep a few staples on hand for easy, nourishing meals:
- Soups with garlic and ginger (hello, cozy and healing)
- Beef stew with root veggies for iron and protein
- Hot tea with lemon and honey for immune support and hydration
- Oatmeal with cinnamon and apples for a quick, hearty breakfast
I also sip warm water with lemon or bone broth during the day when I need a reset. Hydration and warmth go a long way in winter—especially when you’re recovering from birth or breastfeeding. Find more details about healthy food in the winter from my other post.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Cozy
Winter with a newborn doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be a chance to lean into a slower season to rest, to bond, and to take care of your own health along the way.
Focus on the basics: fresh air, warmth, gentle movement, and nourishing food. Don’t try to do everything. Don’t worry if the laundry piles up or you haven’t gone further than your porch in days.
This season is about nesting, not hustling.
It’s about savoring, not sprinting.
And most of all, it’s about caring for your baby and for you.
So light a candle, make that soup, take a walk when the sun comes out… and let winter be a cozy, healing backdrop to this sweet chapter.