How to dress a newborn for the weather
A newborn usually needs one layer more than an adult: a vest bodysuit, a long-sleeve top, a warm layer and a snowsuit in the cold.
What to wear (Newborn (0–3 months)) at different temperatures
- Base layer
- Vest bodysuit, Long-sleeve top
- Warm layer
- Cardigan, Fleece
- Outer layer
- Snowsuit
- Head
- Bobble hat
- Hands
- Mittens
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Vest bodysuit, Long-sleeve top
- Warm layer
- Fleece
- Outer layer
- Snowsuit
- Head
- Bobble hat
- Hands
- Mittens
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Vest bodysuit, Long-sleeve top, Trousers
- Warm layer
- Fleece
- Outer layer
- Light jacket
- Head
- Bobble hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Vest bodysuit, Long-sleeve top, Trousers
- Warm layer
- Cardigan
- Outer layer
- Light jacket
- Head
- Thin hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Vest bodysuit, Long-sleeve top, Trousers
- Warm layer
- not needed
- Outer layer
- not needed
- Head
- Thin hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Vest bodysuit
- Warm layer
- not needed
- Outer layer
- not needed
- Head
- Sun hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Vest bodysuit
- Warm layer
- not needed
- Outer layer
- not needed
- Head
- Sun hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
More details
A newborn barely moves when you are out, so they usually need one layer more than an adult. Below are guides for different temperatures.
At 0 °C: vest bodysuit, long-sleeve top, cardigan, fleece, snowsuit, bobble hat, mittens. For 15 °C, choose vest bodysuit, long-sleeve top, trousers, cardigan, light jacket, thin hat. At 30 °C: vest bodysuit, sun hat.
In the pram, shield your baby from wind but avoid overheating: a thin layer is enough under a blanket. Newborns do not need a scarf: the snowsuit and hat cover the neck. Indoors and in the car, remove the outer layer so your child does not overheat. Dress for the feels-like temperature: wind and humidity make the air feel colder. Take a spare layer: the weather and your plans can change. A cotton base layer breathes well, while fleece keeps warm and stays light. If your child gets sweaty, change into dry clothes as soon as you are somewhere warm.
Feel the back of the neck: warm, dry skin is a good sign. This is a guide, not medical advice.
Other temperatures
Pick a temperature to see the layers for every age.
Questions and answers
How do I know my baby is not too warm?
Feel the neck or back: warm but not sweaty is right.
Is a hat needed in summer?
In the sun, a light sun hat.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is a clothing guide; watch how your child feels and follow your GP’s or health visitor’s advice.
Where can I get advice for my weather?
In the Layer app: it reads temperature, wind, humidity and UV and suggests layers by age.
What should my child wear today?
Layer suggests layers from the forecast for your town.
iPhone and Android
Not medical advice
