We are an outdoor family, always trying to find something to do outdoors and I kindly forced my children to be outdoor loving little men. What I mean by that is they all started being outside a couple days after their birth, and that also counts napping outside, either in a baby carrier, in a sled or in the stroller.

Daily temperature here in Montreal, Canada, oftently drops to -5C to -10C and it’s really common for us to leave our little Axel for a sleep in his stroller outside on winter days.

 

I think it’s good for them to be in the fresh air as soon as possible especially during winter when there is so much diseases around. All my three boys slept outside from an early age and mostly during winter time. Maybe it’s just me but they seem healthier. 

Borned in december myself, my mother had me sleep in the pram almost daily as soon as I was a couple of weeks old… and I survived haha!

The theory behind outdoor napping is that children exposed to fresh air, whether in summer or the depths of winter, are less likely to catch coughs and colds and I truly believe in it.And you know what?! All my 3 sons slept much more longer outside in the stroller compaired to naps indoors.

I’m pretty sure that 2 things really helps: fresh air being the main reason and also, the fact that I swaddle him a lot and he doesn’t get overheated because of the cold environment surrounding.

Key to long naps outdoors and making sure that baby wont be cold.

• Warm clothes & many layers
• warm sleeping bag
• stroller with extended canopy

My routine to get baby ready for an outdoor nap:

1. dress baby, if possible with a merino wool suit ( never cotton )
2. dress baby in layer
3. on colder days, I always add on a fleece pant and top
4. wool socks are a must and some baby lined booties
5. put a well covering hat, neck warmer and little gloves ( although his winter suit has hand flaps )
6. we got a 1 piece snow suit, light one, not to bulky
7. we got a baby sleeping sack that we use almost 7 months a year. on warmer days, it’s just so practical since I sometimes don’t need to dress baby as warm or I can remove a layer as the bunting bag just keeps him warm.
8. extended canopies on strollers will protect baby for stronger winds or snow fall. Although I like when there is a breeze going to my little one’s face so he can get the fresh air, I just want to make sure that he doesn’t get to many snow flakes in the face or direct stronger winds which would probably end that peaceful napping and freeze his fragile skin. ( I love the Valco baby for that reason and + many other great features, it rides so well in the snow) 
9. finally I always check again and again my little one just to make sure he’s not cold since he doesn’t move as much as we do outside and  that he could get colder much faster then us moving.

my MUST HAVE LIST for dressing baby in winter time.

• 7am enfant (Igloo sac)
• NorthFace Thermoball bunting
• Robeez lined booties (Classic baby boots)
• Valco baby stroller ( we have the Tri mode X)

My 3 boys really enjoy the outdoors at the moment, since they were little, cold or not and I really think that it helped them bond with sometimes not so clement weather. it’s all about having fun and to share more happy moments as well so being prepared and well dressed will all make it much more easier and joyful.

Have fun in the cold.

Stéphanie xx