Bundle on Board: Babies Need Help in Cold Weather

It turns out that children should be bundled up for cold weather.

Who knew?

Certainly not me. I generally run out the door like a man on a mission—adrenalin and reckless abandon blazing—which is a polite way of saying that I'm selfish. I fail to remember that in addition to traveling with my wonderful wife, I'm also en route with a little person who can get chilled and fussy just as I do.

I realized this on Wednesday when Julie and Micah returned home from a whirlwind day of visiting family, picking up an exersaucer for the ever-energetic boy (thank you, Colorado grandparents!) and grocery shopping.

I went to get Micah out of the car and found him fast asleep in a snug, navy blue hooded sweatshirt.

First, I was overcome with jealousy. He gets a nap and I don't?!

But then I found myself moved. I wouldn't even have thought of that: A sweatshirt!

I guess it's something dads just don't do. If I had to watch my son for a week, he'd probably be lucky to get a onesie on the coldest day of the year.

I decided to teach myself a lesson by reviewing guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics released in December. I've summarized a few of them here:

• Older babies should get one more layer of clothing than Mom and Dad use amid cold weather.

• Cold-air humidifiers can reduce winter nosebleeds.

• Viruses cause the flu and cold, not cold weather. But viruses hang out in cold weather, meaning kids should wash their hands and cough into their elbows to reduce their spread.

• Children age 6 months and older should get the flu shot.

• Sunscreen is still needed during winter.

My eyes glazed over when I started reading instructions for skiing and snowmobiling.

I don't think Micah's quite there yet.