Surviving Winter with a Newborn in NZ

Surviving Winter with a Newborn in NZ: A Parent’s Honest Guide

There’s something incredibly cozy about winter in Aotearoa - crisp mornings, hot drinks, woolly socks, and steaming porridge. But add a newborn into the mix? It’s a whole new ballgame.

As a parent who's lived through the sleepless nights, chilly 3am feeds, and the constant question of "Is my baby too cold?", I thought I'd share a few things that helped us survive (and sometimes even enjoy) winter with a brand new little human.

👚 Layering Is Your Best Friend

When it comes to dressing your baby - and yourself - layers are key. In NZ homes, where central heating isn’t always the norm, temperatures can really fluctuate. I found it easiest to dress bub in a singlet, a long-sleeve onesie, and then layer with a soft merino. The general rule? One more layer than you’re wearing.

As for me? I lived in comfy leggings and breastfeeding-friendly layers from Esther & Albie. Having something I could pull aside or easily unzip while holding a very hungry baby, made feeding so much smoother - especially when it was freezing and I didn’t want to fully undress to feed.

🌧️ Don’t Be Afraid to Leave the House

Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it takes approximately 47 minutes to get out the door. But fresh air saved my sanity. On the tough days, even a 10-minute walk around the block helped settle the baby and clear my head.

Invest in a good baby wrap or carrier, ideally one that keeps them close to your body for warmth. Add a beanie, booties, and a blanket over top, and you’re good to go. It doesn't have to be long, far or fast paced, but the fresh air really will do you both wonders.

❤️ Create a Cozy Nest for Feeds

Night feeds in winter are no joke. Our house used to get really cold, so I set up a corner in the lounge with a soft chair, a dim lamp, and a heated wheat bag. I kept a water bottle, snacks, and burp cloths close by - plus a spare swaddle wrap and change of clothes for unexpected 2am spills (and explosions 💩)

Wearing something like the Esther & Albie Long Sleeve Zip Top made a big difference - it kept me warm and made nursing or pumping super easy without needing to get half undressed.

💤 Lower the Bar, Especially on Sleep

Winter tends to amplify the tiredness. The nights feel longer, darker, and a bit lonelier. So if you need to nap during the day, skip the laundry, vacuum another time or ask a trusted friend to hold your baby while you nap. Your job right now is survival, not perfection.

Co-sleeping? White noise? Letting them contact nap while you binge Netflix under a blanket? All valid. You're doing amazing.

Remember, It’s Just a Season

Winter with a newborn can feel never-ending. But like everything in parenthood, it does pass. The fog lifts. The days get easier. The feeds become quicker. You start to feel like yourself again (a slightly different, more sleep-deprived version, but still you).

Until then, bundle up, be gentle on yourself, and lean on the village - whether that’s your partner, a parent group, or even the lovely strangers on Instagram who remind you you’re not alone.

And if you need something that makes you feel good to wear, even on the longest days? Esther & Albie has your back - because mums deserve comfort, too.

With love,
A fellow winter mum, Holly 💛