Join GreenKiddie on

Follow GreenKiddie at Twitter

Articles > Mother and Baby Winter Essentials

Your Guide to Mother and Baby Winter Essentials

Is it just great when the winter is white and when kids have lots of fun playing outside, making snowmen? Rather than spending the weekend in front of the TV, join the kids outside and have fun together as a family! Even when temperatures go below zero, it is still beneficial even for the very small children and babies to go out for a short walk and have some fresh air. Just make sure you’ve got handy your winter essentials. Don’t underestimate that while winter may be hard for you, it’s even harder for your little ones. Below is a top list of what every parent needs to have handy to ensure that both mother and her little pumpkins have a safe and happy winter.

Mother and Child

Super food for strong immunity
Nutritious diet is what will help us survive the winter without too much colds and flu, and will make us be healthy during the cold months. If breastfeeding, proper diet is extremely important for both mother and baby. Have more food rich in Vitamin C (kiwi fruit, lemons oranges, peppers, potatoes, blueberries, mangoes), beta-carotene and Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and butternut squash), as well as foods rich in zinc (turkey, red meat, oily fish, such as salmon, lentils, peas, and grains). If you are weaning your baby, provide nutritional meals and snack like banana and avocado puree, pumpkin, carrot and potatoes mash, apple, or banana and mango milk shake (get some more recipe ideas here). Mothers will benefit from garlic raw or in cooking (to avoid strong flavour and aroma) at least 3 times a week. Garlic infusion left in the baby room for 15mins would also help killing bacteria. Read more about the top super foods for strong immunity.

Sunlight
Sunlight is what we miss most during the winter. And it’s not just about the mood and winter blues. Getting at least 15min sunlight a day is necessary for our bodies to form Vitamin D (not found naturally in any food). On a sunny winter day aim to spend as much time outside with your kids, as possible. If the winter is gloomy though, give your little one Vitamin D in a form of baby vitamin drops (they usually come as Vitamin A, C & D drops).

A jar of organic honey and a handful of bee pollen
Did you know the golden bee honey, especially when a handful of bee pollen has been dissolved in it, is a little miracle when it comes to straightening our immune system? A spoonful every morning will keep colds, fly and infections at bay; mixed with onion juice will sooth a coughing child and will give him a good-night sleep; used externally will help wounds because of its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Note – never give honey internally to an infant, better wait till the child reaches two.

Mother

Gloves
Seems obvious, right? I definitely wouldn’t go out in a cold day without my gloves. Let’s face it – going outside on a higher humidity and cold weather after we’ve spend hours inside in a warm dried air may be damaging for the skin and nails. So gloves are here to help - they prevent hand skin from drying and cracking. And from bones pain, too.

Warm drinks throughout the day
Herbal tea or warm milk sprinkled with warming cinnamon and vanilla will make you feel much better in a winter day. My favourite tea is Ayurvedic herbs and spices infusion. Mm, I love it! I choose my Ayurvedic tea base on my dosha, or type. If you are wondering what that is, get some top-line information here. Or you may wish to take part in our Ayurvedic test to find out which dosha you are? – Then you can make your personal Ayurvedic tea, and see the difference! Some ready-made tea bags are already on the stores’ shelves – watch out for Pukka herbs or Yogi Tea!

Natural lip-balm
I never go outside in a cold day without my homemade lip-balm. It soothes dry or chapped lips, makes them soft and appealing. Check here for my recipe.

If you prefer a ready-made one, try the miracle lip balm from BalmBalm – it works wonders! Shea butter, sunflower, beeswax, jojoba & calendula, gently melted together to create a soft balm formulation to soothe, moisturise and nourish your lips or anywhere else that might need caring for.

This product is fragrance free so won't interfere with eating, drinking or kissing. It is so gentle that it can even be used on new born babies - not as a lip balm of course as babies have no need of lip balm, but as a multi purpose moisturiser it's the perfect answer to all your babies moisturising needs. Plus it’s small and comfy enough to fit in a bag.

Aromatherapy bath
Warm-up yourself with nice and relaxing aroma bath. Besides, it’s the perfect end of the day. I use warming, relaxing and seducing essential oils like jasmine, rose, cinnamon, vanilla and lavender. You can get creative and discover your own personal aroma bath mix. Be careful with essential oils though – follow our aromatherapy guide to be on a safe side.

Baby

Hats, mittens and shawl
Ear-infections in babies during the cold months are common. Best way to prevent them is to make sure your baby and small kid always wears a hat when going outside. Same with the sore-throat – a soft cotton shawl will keep it warm. The same way you prevent your hands from getting cold, use mittens for your little one.

Natural organic baby salve
I either make my home-made one with beeswax, calendula oil and a few lavender oil drops, or buy a natural organic Baby Salve from Organic Babies. It can be used all over the body, it’s soothing and prevents the skin from getting dry.

Organic Babies' Baby Salve is a natural product made without Parabens, Lanolin, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants to bring you the purest rescue salve that nature can offer. It is also suitable for babies and kids prone to eczema or other skin irritations. I've tested it on my little one myself and it works wonders! It is water-resistant to protect against dampness, it's so smoothing onto baby’s hands, face, body and bottom, so is can also be used as a nappy cream, and it is 96% organic for sensitive and delicate baby skin. Scented with Fairly traded Lavender Oil, my daughter loves it!

Make sure you use it over your baby’s hands and face every time you go outside – apply sparingly to baby’s skin and gently rub in; I usually apply it 10 mins before going out and leave it to dry.

Propolis tincture
Another miracle bee product, propolis tincture is essential part of my winter natural first aid kit. It’s best given internally to kids and babies – one drop for each year, three times a day. It helps the immature immune system fight infections, winter viruses and bacteria. You may need to be consistent, though – don’t expect results in 3 days… you’ll rather need to give it for 3 months.

Snowsuit or heavy cotton-wool blanket
To make sure you’ll keep your little one warm even during coldest days, snowsuit should be essential part of your baby’s outfit. An extra blanket in the bag is always worth. Baby may fall asleep or just feels cold. Toddlers tend to get colds easily if stay in one place after being active, running and jumping. – You need to be prepared and cover him with a nice and warm cotton wool blanket. A footmuff for the buggy is also a great option.

Humidifier
Dry winter air can wreak havoc on baby's skin. An average-costing humidifier helps keep moisture in and can eliminate or reduce chapped skin, especially around your infant's nasal passages and mouth. Never place a humidifier next to your baby's crib though, and choose one that emits cold steam.

And finally, don’t forget all the cuddles and the mummy’s loving touch which will warm up your baby even during the coldest day!

Hope you liked my winter essential list. Pass it on – share it with friends, join the conversation and continue the list.

How to Treat and Prevent Babies and Kids' Eczema Naturally
When my little one was 2-month old, she has been diagnosed with severe eczema. Poor girl was crying all the time, her skin was dry, red and scaly, she couldn’t sleep and… I was feeling devastated. Doctors prescribed steroid creams, which made me even more nervous and worried than before, because of the possible side effects. As a first-time mum, I didn’t know what to do, or where to seek advice. Then I started talking to people, reading books and researching on the Internet for advice on… Read more

The Real Nappy Guide
A friend of mine told me a story the other day. She’s got a 2-year old lovely daughter, Ester. When Ester was a baby, mum started her on disposable nappies. Baby constantly had nappy rash, so my friend had to change different nappy brands, from Pampers and Huggies to food retailers’ own nappy brand… but no difference at all – they were all full of lotions and nasty chemicals, irritating the newborn gentle skin. Besides, I wasn’t aware about… Read more

What’s Really in Your Toddler’s Breakfast
I am sure every parent is aware of the importance of giving breakfast to children, but how aware you are then it comes to ingredients in your toddler’s bowl? Healthy breakfast options containing appropriate for kids level of salt and sugar is what we need to look for. With some expert help, we did a cereal breakfast research, aiming to establish the salt and sugar level in different cereal and porridge brands, and to find out what are really the healthy options. The results were… Read more

How to Naturally Pamper Yourself in New Year’s Eve
The day before New Year’s Eve it’s time to have a "day off" from the daily routine, leave kids to enjoy their quality time with daddy and find a way to indulge yourself. How we feel is not necessarily related to our outlook, but it does boost the confidence, right? So don’t underestimate it, but rather take advantage of those stolen few hours of “me-time” and pamper yourself naturally, following those 5 easy steps... Read more

Planning a Toddler Christmas Party? – Get Some Healthy Party Snacks Ideas
You are invited to your toddler Christmas party at the nursery, and need to bring some party treats for the kids. Or throwing a Christmas party for your child’s friends and neighbours? I guess many parents would go for some mince pies and cakes, but I will give you a healthier choice. And I bet your little ones would enjoy it even more!... Read more

Christmas Gift Guide: The Perfect Baby and Toddler Eco-Friendly Toys
“Dear Santa, My name is Veronica, I am 2 years old now, and this year I've been sooo good that I deserve the best gift ever! But I am a bit confused – the problem is that I can’t decide what gift to wish for… so I am leaving to you to bring me the toy that you know I would enjoy most. I am sure this toy would be made with all your love, inspired by every funny day spent with me during this year.”… Read more

Have a Magic Eco-Friendly Christmas
Christmas is knocking on the door, so it's time to prepare. How about, apart from dreaming of white Christmas, you think about making it a bit greener this year? If you like the idea, start discussing your intentions to have a green Christmas with your family early in the season... Read more

How to Fight Swine Flu in Babies and Children Naturally
Cases of Swine flu are doubling in the UK weekly, and more and more parents are getting concern about their children's health and the possible side effects of the prescribed Tamiflu for babies and small kids. Well, there is always a better (and safer) alternative, and in this case is to prevent and treat flu naturally. First of all, try to boost your child's natural body defence by… Read more

Eco Halloween – Boo!
With just a few weeks to go, there is enough time to prepare for Halloween. And to think about how to give it some eco twist, without missing out all the fun. Here are some tips on having a “green” Halloween – from Trick-or-Treating to hosting a Halloween party… Read more

Mummy is Back to Work!
How to make sure your childcare provider will keep up your eco habits
Going back to work is an emotional moment for both mother and child. It is hard to believe that someone else will take care of our little ones the same way we do. But mummies do need to go back to work, and children do need to find their new friends at the daycare... Read more

The Healing Power of Water Therapy
Did you know that water can “absorb” our emotions? – There have been lots of studies proving that water structure changes according to peoples’ thoughts, either positive or negative. In a way our emotions are being absorbed by the water, and might be kept there for ages. Our feelings and thoughts affect the health of our bodies… Read more

Summer is Bright, Summer is Colourful… but Why Don’t you Make it a Bit “Greener”
It’s summer time, and the family vacation is on its way! Having a baby on board or small children makes the holiday planning even more exciting… and tricky. If you have chosen to be a green parent, it is possible to keep on with your eco habits… Read more

Healthy Mother and Baby through Ayurveda
From birth each baby is individual, has already a personality, waiting to become more visible to others. One baby may sleep well and sooth easily, while other may be restless even when not hungry, wet or in pain. There is a science explaining why people are different, and, by its individual approach, “recommends” a specific lifestyle… Read more

What’s the difference between an allergy and intolerance?
If you think your child has a food allergy or intolerance, then it's important to get a proper diagnosis. Don't cut food groups out of your diet without medical advice, because she could miss out on important… Read more

Feng Shui for Kids! How to help your children grow and develop in a positive way and enhance family harmony
There are no bad children, only bad behaviour. Our environment affects our behaviour. We know what to expect if we give our kids a lot of sugar or caffeine. They will bounce off the walls. We know what to expect if… Read more

Help Your Kids "Go Green"
Recycling, reusing, waste-reducing – if you really want to make a difference, it’s better to do it together. Children will copy you in everything you do, so the best way to help them “go green” is to be a good role model yourself. So... Read more

Create a Children's Garden
A children's garden is an excellent way to create a safe, summer place to continue learning. In his own garden a child can observe and discover while he interacts with nature. An ideal children's garden will be completely safe and kid friendly. This means no chemical fertilizers or pesticides... Read more