When winter storms in, it's your job to make sure your baby stays warm and dry. But if you're like most new moms, dealing with a squirmy baby in a bulky jacket, blankets that fall off, and a diaper bag may sound like a huge hassle. Here are tips and products that make it easy to keep your baby healthy and comfortable, whether you're going grocery shopping or tucking your child in for the night.

How can I keep my baby warm at night without piling on blankets?

You're right not to cover your baby with bedding when you put him to sleep. In fact, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), experts recommend that you put your baby to sleep on his back without any pillows or coverings at all. They also say it's a good idea not to overheat the room. So keeping your baby warm — but not too warm — can be a little tricky.
What helps:
A cozy sleep environment. Choose a warm flannel fitted sheet for your baby's crib (and keep plenty of extras on hand for changes, too). Soft one-piece footed sleepers help your baby stay warm all night by keeping him toasty from head to toe. For an extra layer, put a bodysuit or undershirt underneath the sleeper.

A terrific alternative to a blanket is a sack or wearable blanket that zips up the front and can be worn over a sleeper. These are sleeveless, so your baby can still move his arms around while the rest of his body stays covered.

Tip: You can warm a cold bed with a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or a microwaveable bag. Be sure to remove it before putting your child down to sleep.

What should my baby wear when we leave the house?

There's no way around it — if you're planning to head out the door with your baby in tow on winter mornings, you need an early start. You have a lot to assemble, and your baby may not be the most cooperative once you start putting on that third layer. Here are some things you can use to speed up the process and make it easier for both of you.
What helps:
Easy-on, easy-off outer layers. A snowsuit or bunting provides a great buffer against the cold and snow. Once your baby is dressed in his outfit for the day, you can simply slip him into the snowsuit or bunting just before you head out the door or get out of the car. Snowsuits have form-fitting legs and arms, and most are equipped with hoods, while buntings are more like little sleeping bags, with a seam between the legs to make stroller snap-ins easier. Look for gear with a good layer of insulation and a water-repellent exterior fabric such as fleece, flannel, or fiberfill.
A hat and mittens. A soft hat will help keep out the cold. If your baby's hands are exposed, pull some mittens on them. (If he sucks on his hands, though, keep an extra pair or two handy — once they get wet they'll make him colder rather than warmer.) Make sure your baby has on very warm socks or booties, too.
On frigid days, you can wrap a blanket around the bunting or snowsuit. Don't use a slippery blanket, though, or he may just slide out of your arms. Also handy to have: A stroller blanket, bag, or sack designed to attach to a stroller so it won't slip off.
If you don't want to invest in a bunting or snowsuit, dress your baby in warm, layered clothing, then wrap him in a cotton receiving blanket, and top it off with another, heavier blanket (one made of wool or fleece will work well).
Once you're indoors — even if it's just for a stop at the supermarket — take at least one layer off your baby so he won't perspire. Otherwise, the dampness will make him colder when you get back out in the winter air. And if you've covered your baby with a blanket in the car, you'll want to take it off once the car warms up.
Safety tip: In order to work properly in a crash, car seat straps must be snug — so make sure your baby isn't wearing clothing that's too bulky in the car seat, and don't put blankets between your baby and the straps. Instead, dress him in clothes that allow the straps to go between his legs, adjust the straps to allow for the thickness of his clothes, and pile blankets or other bulky layers on top of the harness straps instead of under them.