How to Dress Your Newborn for Every Season
What should a summer baby wear? Does a newborn need lots of layers in winter? What should you pack for the hospital if your baby is born in spring or autumn?
When you are expecting a baby, preparing their first outfits is such a special part of getting ready for their arrival. But with bodysuits, sleepsuits, cardigans, rompers and little sweaters to choose from, it is not always easy to know how to dress a newborn depending on the season.
The most important rule is to choose comfortable clothing and make sure you can easily add or remove a layer when needed. Newborn babies are still developing their ability to regulate their body temperature, so it is important to avoid both getting too cold and overheating.
Here are our tips for preparing your baby's first wardrobe, whatever season they are born in.
How should you dress a baby in summer?
Babies do not need to be heavily dressed when the weather is warm. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable clothing, particularly soft cotton.
For a baby born in June, July or August, consider having a selection of clothes in sizes 1 and 3 months, including:
- Lightweight short-sleeved bodysuits
- Cotton rompers
- Lightweight bloomers
- A few fine cotton jersey sleepsuits for cooler nights
- A lightweight cardigan for cooler evenings
- A sun hat or bonnet to protect your baby when outdoors
Babies under one year old should be protected from the sun and should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
Our Les Enfantines tip: A few easy-to-wear bloomers and rompers make it simple to create a summer wardrobe that is both practical and beautifully stylish.
How should you dress a baby in spring?
Spring weather can be particularly unpredictable. A morning can be cool while the afternoon becomes much warmer.
For a baby born in March, April or May, it is best to layer several lightweight pieces rather than choosing one very warm garment.
For their newborn wardrobe, you could include:
- Long-sleeved bodysuits
- Cotton and cotton-velvet sleepsuits
- Rompers paired with knee-high socks
- A wool cardigan or knitted jacket
- A soft, warm sleeping bag for nighttime
Layering makes it easy to adjust your baby's outfit throughout the day as temperatures change.
How should you dress a baby in autumn?
Autumn is another season when layering different weights and textures can be particularly useful.
For a baby born in September, October or November, start with a long-sleeved bodysuit, paired with a sleepsuit or comfortable outfit, and add a wool cardigan when temperatures drop.
For those first few weeks, consider:
- Several long-sleeved bodysuits
- Cotton and velvet sleepsuits
- Wool cardigans
- Practical tights with a comfortable elasticated waistband
- A few warmer outfits for going outdoors
- A wool hat
- A soft, padded and lined jacket
The aim is not to wrap your baby up in layer upon layer, but to be able to easily adapt their clothing to the temperature indoors and outdoors.
How should you dress a baby in winter?
For a baby born in December, January or February, it is natural to think about adding lots of layers. However, it is generally better to think in terms of several comfortable layers rather than relying on one very warm outfit.
As a general rule, you can consider one extra layer compared with an adult in the same conditions, particularly when heading outdoors.
For a winter newborn wardrobe, consider:
- Long-sleeved bodysuits
- Lined rompers or soft velvet trousers
- Warm velvet sleepsuits
- Cardigans or knitted sweaters
- Socks and tights
- A warm hat for outdoor trips
- A wool blanket
- A snowsuit or suitable outer layer for colder temperatures
When you enter a heated room or get into a warm car, remember to remove any extra layers and your baby's hat to help prevent overheating.
Preparing for your baby's arrival? Discover our complete checklist of newborn essentials in our guide to thenewborn layette.
How can you tell if your baby is too hot or too cold?
This is a question many new parents ask themselves.
Your baby's hands and feet can feel cool without necessarily meaning that they are cold. For a better indication of their temperature, gently feel the back of their neck or their tummy. If their skin feels very hot or clammy, it may be a sign that you should remove a layer.
For sleep, the room temperature is also important. A bedroom temperature of 18–20°C (64–68°F) is generally recommended for a baby's sleep.
When it is time to sleep, it is best not to overdress your baby. Babies should be placed on their back in their own cot or crib, wearing a properly fitted sleeping bag or wearable blanket.
Those first clothes become part of your baby's earliest memories: their first outfit, coming home from the hospital, their first walks and all those precious little moments that parents treasure.
At Les Enfantines, we create a delicate and timeless wardrobe from newborn to 8 years old. From those very first baby outfits to dresses, blouses, knitwear and outfits for older children, every piece is designed to accompany little ones as they grow, combining timeless elegance with comfort.
Whether you are preparing for your baby's arrival or building a beautiful wardrobe for a little girl or boy, discover our baby and children's clothing, inspired by a chic, vintage and timeless aesthetic.