Getting dressed in the morning usually doesn’t require much thought. You might check the weather and pick something from your closet. Dressing your baby, however, can be a bit more complicated. Babies cannot regulate their body temperature yet, and they can’t tell us when they feel uncomfortable.
As the weather changes throughout the year, it’s important to know how to keep your baby comfortable and safe. Here are some helpful tips for dressing your baby in warm weather, cold weather, and during bedtime.
Dressing Your Baby for Warm Weather
Keeping babies cool during the summer can be challenging—especially in hotter climates. When temperatures reach around 75°F (24°C) or higher, one lightweight layer is usually enough for your baby.
Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton, and if your baby is in a carrier or wrap, make sure the material allows air circulation.
The sun can be strong even when temperatures are mild, so using a lightweight hat to protect your baby’s head is recommended. Ideally, babies should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible, as sunscreen is generally not recommended until they are at least six months old.
If you do need to go outside, try planning outings early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense.
Dressing Your Baby for Cold Weather
In colder temperatures, a simple rule of thumb is to dress your baby in the same number of layers you are wearing, plus one additional layer. Layering helps trap warmth while allowing you to remove clothing if your baby becomes too warm.
If you are out for a walk, a blanket can count as your baby’s extra layer.
However, overheating can become a risk when moving from cold outdoor temperatures into warm indoor environments. Once you come inside, remove extra layers promptly—even if it means waking your baby from a nap—to reduce the risk of overheating and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
When placing your baby in a car seat, remove bulky outer layers such as winter jackets. These layers can compress during an accident, making the car seat straps less secure.
What Should Babies Wear to Sleep?
When putting your baby to bed, pay attention to the room temperature and how it might change during the night. The following chart provides general guidance on how to dress your baby for sleep depending on the nursery temperature.
| Room Temperature | Recommended Baby Sleepwear |
|---|---|
| 78°F+ | Short-sleeved onesie |
| 75–77°F | Short-sleeved onesie and a 0.5-TOG sleep sack |
| 71–74°F | Long-sleeved pajamas and a 0.5-TOG sleep sack |
| 69–70°F | Long-sleeved pajamas, a short-sleeved onesie, and a 1-TOG sleep sack |
| 64–68°F | Long-sleeved pajamas, a long-sleeved onesie, and a 1-TOG sleep sack |
| 61–63°F | Long-sleeved pajamas, a long-sleeved onesie, socks, and a 2-TOG sleep sack |
| Below 60°F | Long-sleeved pajamas, a long-sleeved onesie, socks, mittens, a hat, and a 2-TOG sleep sack |
*TOG is a unit used to measure how well a blanket or sleep sack retains heat.
The recommended nursery temperature typically falls between 68°F and 72°F. Avoid using loose blankets in the crib, as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
To check whether your baby feels too warm or too cold, gently touch the back of their neck. If the neck feels sweaty, remove a layer. If it feels cool, consider adding one.
With time, you will become more comfortable dressing your baby appropriately for the weather. Until then, feel free to refer back to this guide whenever you need it.
Have your own tips for dressing babies in winter or summer? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
