Bringing your baby home from the hospital is an emotional time but it can also make you doubt the simplest things like what to feed or how to dress your newborn!
Are they too warm?
Too cold?
Just right?
To help you feel more confident, here are some easy tips to keep your baby safe and comfy in different weather conditions.
How Warm Should You Dress Your Baby?
Your baby should have about the same body temperature as you every season. They shouldn't be either if you are not too hot or cold.
One simple way to check is by sliding your fingers down their neck to feel their back, between the shoulder blades. Their temperature should feel similar to yours.
Don’t worry if your baby’s hands or feet are cold as it's fine, this doesn’t always mean they are cold overall!
How to Dress Your Baby in the Winter Season?
It’s important to dress your baby in layers when it starts getting chilly. A good rule to follow is to put your baby in one more layer than what you're wearing.
For example, if you’re wearing a sweater, your baby might need a onesie, pajamas, and a warm blanket.
Inside, a diaper, a onesie, and another warm layer (like a swaddle or blanket) should keep your baby comfortable. If your baby was born prematurely, they may need an extra layer until they reach the weight of a full-term baby.
Skin-to-skin contact with you is also a great way to keep them warm while snuggling together!
When heading outdoors, your baby should be covered from head to toe. A beanie, warm socks or booties, and mittens are a must to keep them cozy.
Just be sure the socks stay on as many parents say that baby socks fall off easily! Don’t forget to wrap a blanket around your baby for extra warmth.
Car Seat Tip: Remove any bulky coats or outerwear before putting your baby in the car seat. While it may seem strange in cold weather, thick jackets can compress in an accident, making the straps too loose.
Instead, you can warm up the car first and tuck a blanket around your baby once they are safely buckled in.
Keep your child comfy with this 100% cotton Color Block Knit Raglan Sweatshirt. The soft cotton fabric feels gentle on the skin and the long sleeve top offers warmness, perfect for everyday wear.
How to Dress Your Baby in the Summer Season?
When the temperature rises above 75°F, dress your baby in just one layer of loose clothing to prevent overheating.
Lightweight cotton clothes are perfect for keeping your baby cool and protecting their skin from sunburn. If you're outside, try to keep your baby in the shade as much as possible.
The Easter Bunny Cotton Baby Onesie is perfect for keeping your baby warm and cozy without overheating. Made from soft and breathable cotton, it’s gentle on your baby’s skin while the cute easter bunny designs make it fun and festive.
A hat with a wide brim is also a good idea for sun protection. Choose one with a chin strap to help keep it on because babies just love pulling hats off!
Prepare for Cooler Evenings (Fall Season)
As fall arrives, the weather starts to cool down, especially in the evenings, so it's important to dress your baby in layers that you can easily change.
Long-sleeved onesies are a great choice because they offer warmth without causing your baby to overheat during the day. As it gets cooler, you can add a light jacket or a soft sweater to keep your baby cozy.
Cotton Rib Romper with long sleeves would be ideal as it's made of soft 100% cotton rib material and is gentle against the baby's skin.
Don’t forget to protect their tiny feet by putting on closed-toe shoes or soft booties, which will help keep them warm as temperatures drop.
Dressing in layers allows you to easily add or remove clothes depending on how the weather changes throughout the day.
What Should Your Baby Wear to Sleep?
Your baby should wear one or two layers of clothing before going to bed. Avoid anything with strings or ties, and never cover their head while they sleep.
For newborns, a swaddle or sleep sack is a safe way, but once your baby starts rolling, it’s time to stop using a swaddle.
A wearable blanket or sleep sack is a great way to add warmth safely for babies of all ages. Try to keep the room temperature between 68-72°F.
You can check if your baby is comfortable by feeling their neck. A little bit of moisture is okay, but if they’re sweaty, they may be too hot.
Click here to buy Garden Botanical + Green Maternity Set (Robe, Swaddle, Hat) - a complete set for mommy and baby.
Final Thoughts
Dressing your baby for changing seasons can feel tricky, but with these tips, you’ll be ready to keep them cozy in the cold and cool in the heat.
The goal is to make sure your baby stays comfortable and safe all year long, whether you are layering up in the winter or choosing light, breathable clothes in the summer.
Stella Lane Boutique offers adorable and comfortable clothing for kids and babies for all seasons. Their outfits feature cute patterns and playful designs that your little ones will love.
They use high-quality fabrics made from bamboo and cotton so that your baby’s skin stays soft and free from irritations and rashes.
Shop now and keep your baby happy in every season!