How to dress a baby for a winter walk
Winter is the season of “is he cold?” and “is she too warm?”. The good news: all you need is three layers, one simple rule and two fingers on the back of the neck.
The rule: as many layers as you, plus one
A baby in a stroller does not move the way you do, so they cool down faster. The simplest rule is to dress your baby in as many layers as you are wearing, then add one. If you are in a T-shirt, sweater and coat, your little one needs a bodysuit, sweater and snowsuit, plus a footmuff or blanket.
The exception is a carrier or wrap. Your body warms the baby like an extra layer, so take one off and cover you both with a babywearing coat or cover.
Three layers, three jobs
The base layer is a long-sleeve bodysuit with tights or leggings. Cotton or thin merino wool works best because it wicks moisture.
The mid layer holds warmth. A sweater, fleece or velour sleepsuit.
The outer layer protects from wind and damp. A snowsuit should be windproof and not too tight, because the air between layers insulates too.
Three well-chosen layers keep a baby warmer than five random ones. Too many clothes risk overheating and sweat, and a damp baby gets cold faster.
Head, hands and feet
The hat should cover the ears. In frost, a hat tied under the chin or a balaclava works well. Avoid scarves for babies, as they can slip over the face. Choose a snood or a snowsuit with a high collar instead.
Mittens for the hands, warm socks and lined booties or a footmuff for the feet. Cool hands are normal for babies and do not mean they are cold.
The nape test
The best thermometer is your own hand. After 10 minutes outside, slide two fingers behind the collar and touch the back of your baby’s neck.
- Warm and dry: all good.
- Sweaty or hot: remove a layer or unzip the snowsuit.
- Cool: add a blanket or head home.
Other signs of overheating are flushed cheeks, fast breathing and fussiness. Pale skin, grizzling and a cool tummy suggest your baby is getting cold.
Cheat sheet: layers for the weather
| Feels-like temperature | What to wear |
|---|---|
| 10 to 15°C | long-sleeve bodysuit, tights, sweater, thin hat |
| 5 to 9°C | as above plus a transitional snowsuit |
| 0 to 4°C | bodysuit, tights, sweater, winter snowsuit, warm hat, mittens |
| below 0°C | as above plus a footmuff, and a shorter walk |
This is a starting point. Wind, damp and whether your baby is asleep can shift the feels-like temperature by several degrees. That is why Parento uses the feels-like temperature, not the reading on your window thermometer.
What if it is really cold?
In hard frost many paediatricians suggest keeping walks to 20-30 minutes, and waiting for a milder day with a newborn. You can protect cheeks with a rich barrier cream applied half an hour before heading out. If in doubt, ask the paediatrician or midwife who knows your child.
One more thing: undress your little one as soon as you are back. In a warm flat, a snowsuit turns into a sauna within minutes.
In short
- As many layers as you, plus one. One fewer in a carrier.
- Three layers: base, warm and windproof.
- Check the nape, not the hands.
- Undress straight away when you get home.
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a doctor or midwife. In an emergency call 112.
Writes for Parento and answers parents’ questions in the app. Every piece is also reviewed by a paediatrician.