What Should Newborn Babies Wear?
Whether you're raising your first child or if you have done this all before, it's essential to know how to dress your newborn for a variety of occasions, weather and activities – not to mention knowing what's better suited for different ages. Whether you're gearing up for a hot summer's day or some much-needed sleep, there are plenty of looks and accessories to choose from.
So, what should your newborn wear and when?
Winter/autum
When it’s cold out, it can be stressful deciding what your little one should wear to make sure they stay nice and warm but don’t overheat.
A great rule of thumb is to opt for the same number of layers that you’re personally wearing, plus an extra one.
By dressing your baby in multiple layers of thinner clothing, you can add to or take away layers throughout the day. This also means if the weather changes, you have more flexibility to manage how much heat is trapped between the clothing in order to keep your baby warm or cooler.
Note: It's essential to keep your newborn covered from head to toe when the weather temperature has significantly dropped. We recommend using mittens, hats or beanies, and socks to do this.
If you’re heading out with a pram, it’s also useful to take a blanket with you to keep your little one protected from outdoor elements. To avoid overheating, make sure you remove their winter clothing as soon as you're indoors.
Spring/summer
Warmer months are trickier; you need to find the perfect balance of clothing that protects their sensitive skin from the sun with clothing that is cool enough to tolerate the heat and the fluctuating temperatures Australia is known for.
On those warmer days, a light single layer will usually do the trick, but it's also important to keep their head, eyes and body protected from the sun as much as possible to avoid potential sunburn.
If you’re often out in the sun, it can be worth buying your little one a hat and pair of UV protection sunglasses to keep their eyes safe. Also be sure to seek shade and limit your time in the heat if you can, particularly at midday when the sun is at its peak.
Naptime
When it comes to bedtime, it’s crucial that your newborn baby doesn’t get too hot or too cold.
If you swaddle or wrap them up for bed, make sure you don’t overdress them with under layers to avoid overheating. By using a breathable design such as muslin or a thin cotton, you’ll keep them at a good temperature for sleeping.
For those that prefer blankets, opt for one that’s well-suited to the current room temperature, however keep in mind they may kick it off during their sleep.
As babies mostly regulate their temperature through their head, try not to cover it. This allows you to avoid potential overheating.
Tip: When they're resting, be sure to avoid having anything that covers their face or can cause potential choking hazards e.g. bibs – just to be sure.