Transitioning from Summer to Winter

Summer may be over, but it isn’t all doom and gloom. While the weather may be a little (or a lot) grey, you can still have plenty of fun outdoors with your little one! Whether you’ve got a newborn or your baby has just enjoyed their first summer, keeping them safe during these colder months is essential.

Here, we’re providing our expert advice for transitioning from summer into winter. We’ll be looking into the best prams and pram accessories for this time of year, as well as the important safety tips you need to keep your bundle of joy protected and warm when out and about.

Essential Pram Accessories for Winter

Transitioning to winter is all about the little things you can do and purchase to make the colder months easier, safer, and more enjoyable for you and baby. Of course, just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside – the outdoor walks must still go ahead! The change of scenery stimulates your baby’s senses, helping with their cognitive development as they take in the world around them through new sights, sounds, and smells.

With this in mind, here are our essential pram accessories for winter:

• Footmuffs. These are padded, insulated covers designed to keep your baby warm and cosy during outdoor pram rides, acting like a snug sleeping bag that fits securely over your stroller seat.
• Blankets. Stock up on plenty of blankets you can layer up and swap out when you need to. You should already have blankets, but it never harms to pick up a couple more. We have lots of baby sheets and blankets you can keep stored away for the winter months!
• Rain covers. As a parent in the UK, you’ll know that raincovers are essential all year round, not just in winter. They’re transparent, waterproof shields that fit over your pram, ensuring visibility and ventilation when you’re out walking.

What Makes a Pram Suitable for All-Weathers?

Choosing a pram that works for you and your baby all year round is essential, especially if you plan on walking a lot in the winter months. You need a pram that’s suitable for all terrains and can handle the rain, snow, sleet, and hail. While many designer strollers work perfectly fine whatever the weather, there are a few durability features to look out for that make the pushchair ideal for the winter months, such as:

• A sturdy frame made from aluminium or steel.
• Durable, large wheels with good suspension.
• Water-resistant and UV-protected fabrics.

Thankfully, we have an extensive range of prams right here at Simply Baby that fit the bill! Below is the brand-new Bugaboo Fox 5 Noir Limited Edition Complete in stunning Black Moonlight. This is the ultimate all-weather choice for parents! Its sturdy yet lightweight frame is durable, meaning it can withstand tough weather conditions like wind and snow while still providing a stable and secure ride for your baby. The full, advanced suspension system absorbs bumps and rough terrain, making it perfect for winter strolls on icy or uneven ground. And its water-resistant fabrics give your little one superior protection against the elements.

As official Bugaboo stockists, we’re proud to offer this fantastic all-weather pram. Available here in Black Moonlight, it adds a touch of sophistication to your winter walks. Dark colours are less prone to showing dirt, and the timeless black finish ensures that your pram always looks modern and clean, whatever the weather! But if black isn’t your thing, this limited edition Bugaboo pram also comes in a stunning Midnight Green.

How to Dress Your Baby for Winter Strolls

So, now you’ve got the pram sorted, it’s time to turn your attention to keeping your baby snug and warm on your wintery walks. It’s simple, really – layers are your best friend! Rather than one coat or big thick blanket, opting for layers means you can regulate their temperature by adding or removing a layer as and when it’s needed. You don’t need to worry about them overheating or being too cold if you dress them and tuck them in with plenty of layers that you can swap and change while you’re out and about.

1. Start with a base layer of a soft, breathable fabric like cotton.
2. Add a mid-layer, such as fleece or wool, for insulation.
3. Finish your baby’s outfit with a windproof outer layer like a snowsuit, if needed.
4. Optional extras include a hat, mittens, and booties, but you can assess the weather before deciding to go for these.
5. If your little one is in a pram, add a footmuff and bring a couple of blankets to layer up if necessary.

Winter Safety Tips

Keeping baby safe is your priority as a parent, but what does this look like during winter? With various concerns to consider, such as slips, low temperatures, and overheating, you’ve got a lot more to think about when you’re on the move.

For the Pram

Make sure to avoid overbundling. As mentioned, layers are the best choice, but you must also remember to check your baby’s temperature when they’re bundled up in the pram, or they could overheat. If you’re using a raincover, you must make sure that it’s well-ventilated so you avoid condensation inside the pram, and if your carrycot has ventilation sections in the carrycot base or hood, you should make sure these are open when using for overnight sleeping.

For the Car

If you’re travelling in the car, make sure to heat it up before placing your baby inside. Of course, you need to do this outdoors and not in an enclosed space to avoid carbon monoxide build-up. Once it’s at a comfortable temperature, place your baby in their car seat without a coat. While you’ll want to keep them warm, a bulky coat prevents the car seat harness from sitting snug, reducing its effectiveness.

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about as we arrive at the cosiest time of the year! So, if you’ve realised it’s time to go shopping, make sure you visit us at Simply Baby Lancaster. Our team is more than happy to help you find the best winter pram accessories, blankets, and whatever else you need to keep your baby safe, warm, and happy during the colder months. Find us at 44-48 North Road, Lancaster LA1 1PA, or get in touch today.