It was the coldest night of the year – a record breaker, as the news reporter said. My contractions were getting unbearable (although I have low pain tolerance, so, probably pretty mild). We got into the van, in a mutual decision to head to the hospital. To our dismay, it wouldn’t start! I’m kidding. That would have made for a more interesting story, though! Very interesting, indeed. You see, I don’t see my husband as one who could solely deliver a baby (although he would say he could, as he has delivered many a farm animal in the past).
So, as it would happen, the van did indeed start. We live in a rural community, and the drive should have taken us about forty-five minutes. My husband took about fifty minutes to get there, since he was calmly admiring a pack of wolves under the midnight moonlight. How dare he! As the wolves were standing in the snow-covered fields, I wondered if they were really ice-covered fields on this particular, frosty night. Although, I didn’t think so, since if it was that cold, it would have numbed my body from the waist down, and that just wasn’t happening.
Incidentally, we arrived safely at the hospital, and six hours later (it seemed much longer), we (or, I, rather) delivered an eight pound, fourteen ounce, beautiful, baby girl.
Overnight, the temperature dropped to an all-time low. Although, one would not recognize the coldness outside of a hospital, considering the geriatric, balmy, warmth inside the doors of the health centre environment.
So, yes, we brought our newborn home in the frost-bitten cold of that brisk January day. In fact, if you googled January 17th, 2003, the headline would probably read: “Well, folks, it is the coldest day in history. As such, we warn infants and seniors to remain inside where it is warm for health and safety reasons.” We brought our newborn home anyways. But, the big question on everyone’s mind, is: “Were we prepared?” The answer would most definitely be: “Sort of.”
If we only had of known then, what we know now. So, if you are one of those parents who plan to bring a newborn baby home from the hospital in those cold winter temperatures, here are a couple of tips, as well as a list of what I would advise you to pack in your overnight bag.
So, as it would happen, the van did indeed start. We live in a rural community, and the drive should have taken us about forty-five minutes. My husband took about fifty minutes to get there, since he was calmly admiring a pack of wolves under the midnight moonlight. How dare he! As the wolves were standing in the snow-covered fields, I wondered if they were really ice-covered fields on this particular, frosty night. Although, I didn’t think so, since if it was that cold, it would have numbed my body from the waist down, and that just wasn’t happening.
Incidentally, we arrived safely at the hospital, and six hours later (it seemed much longer), we (or, I, rather) delivered an eight pound, fourteen ounce, beautiful, baby girl.
Overnight, the temperature dropped to an all-time low. Although, one would not recognize the coldness outside of a hospital, considering the geriatric, balmy, warmth inside the doors of the health centre environment.
So, yes, we brought our newborn home in the frost-bitten cold of that brisk January day. In fact, if you googled January 17th, 2003, the headline would probably read: “Well, folks, it is the coldest day in history. As such, we warn infants and seniors to remain inside where it is warm for health and safety reasons.” We brought our newborn home anyways. But, the big question on everyone’s mind, is: “Were we prepared?” The answer would most definitely be: “Sort of.”
If we only had of known then, what we know now. So, if you are one of those parents who plan to bring a newborn baby home from the hospital in those cold winter temperatures, here are a couple of tips, as well as a list of what I would advise you to pack in your overnight bag.
First, when you go outside with your baby, he should wear one more layer of clothing than you plan to wear, Affinity Health System recommends (see reference below). If you plan to be outside for an extended period, dress your baby in outerwear, including a hat that covers his ears, made from water and wind-resistant materials. To give your little one extra protection in a stroller, place a blanket over him on top of the harness. While in the car, avoid dressing him in bulky clothing or jackets, HealthyChildren.org recommends. Instead, dress your baby in lighter clothing so the car seat’s straps fit him securely. Then, if necessary, place a blanket on your baby, over the harness straps. When a baby overheats, her skin will tell you. Overheated areas may develop heat rash, which looks like small red bumps that are moist, according to the 'Healthy Children' website (see link below). Also, it is important to dress your winter baby in natural fibres that are breathable (like cotton or natural soft wool), in order to prevent overheating.
The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, has been linked to over-bundling a baby. When you over-bundle a baby, she may overheat, which increases her risk for SIDS, says the National Sleep Foundation. When you get your baby ready for bed during the winter, dress her in light clothing and keep the temperature in the room at a comfortable level. Do not have any bedding, pillows, bumpers, sheepskins, toys or quilts in a baby's crib, because these items can increase the risk of SIDS, according, again, to the Healthy Children website below.
So, here are a couple of suggestions on what to bring to the hospital:
- Apparently, the most popular car seat cover for winter babies is the JJ Cole brand (it is safety inspected).
- A car seat that fastens into a stroller is your best bet, so that baby transfer is easier in winter
- The most popular rain and wind cover seems to be the Jolly Jumper Weathershield.
- a couple of baby hats (refer to momstown article: Mittens for your Kittens, and Hats for your Cats)
- 3 pairs of footed pajamas
- a bundler or stroller muff
- Baby Balaclava (LanaCare, organic merino wool is natural, breathable, and prevents overheating)
- a fleece bunting bag or one-piece snowsuit
- wearable cotton blankets (sleep sacks)
- 2 thick blankets for outdoors or in chilly hallways
- 2 long-sleeved onesies with feet
- fleece Carter's Sleep n' Plays
- a wipe warmer
- a bottle warmer and 8oz bottles (if not nursing, and longer drive home)
- scratch mittens (fleece)
- bibs
- nursing pillow (if nursing)
- disposable diapers and wipes or cloth diapers (available on our Sponsor website : Mamma Mila)
*Don't forget to bring warm clothing for yourself too!
For more information and ideas on baby care, refer to other articles on our momstown website!
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