Quick answer: Use light, breathable layers you can add or remove. Start with a cotton or bamboo bodysuit, add a footed sleeper or pants, then a thin sweater or fleece, and top with a wind or rain cover outdoors. Dress baby in one more light layer than you, remove outer layers indoors, and check the back of the neck for sweat or chill.
Layering checklist
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Base: cotton or bamboo bodysuit, footed pants or sleeper
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Mid: knit sweater, thin fleece, or merino cardigan
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Outer: lightweight jacket, pram suit on colder days, stroller or babywearing rain cover
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Essentials: soft hat, socks or booties, optional scratch mitts
What should a newborn wear by temperature
| Outside temp | Outfit formula |
|---|---|
| 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) | Short sleeve bodysuit + footed sleeper or pants + light cardigan. Hat if breezy. |
| 55 to 64°F (13 to 17°C) | Long sleeve bodysuit + footed sleeper + knit sweater or light fleece. Hat outdoors. |
| 45 to 54°F (7 to 12°C) | Long sleeve bodysuit + warm footed sleeper + fleece or quilted jacket + hat. Add stroller blanket. |
| Below 45°F (below 7°C) | Long sleeve bodysuit + warm footed sleeper + pram suit or bunting + hat. Keep outings short, monitor for sweat. |
Adjust for conditions
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Windy: add a thin windproof layer and a hat that stays on.
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Sunny but cool: keep breathable layers, remove sweater in direct sun if neck feels warm.
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Damp or rainy: skip bulky raincoats on baby, use a stroller rain cover or a babywearing poncho that goes over both of you.
Car seat safety
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Do not use bulky coats or thick bunting under the harness.
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Dress in thin, warm layers, buckle straps snug at the chest, then place a blanket over the harness.
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Use only covers that go over the seat, never behind baby.
Fall sleepwear guide
Keep the crib free of loose blankets, pillows, and hats.
| Room temp | Suggested TOG | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| 69 to 72°F (20 to 22°C) | 1.0 TOG | Cotton or bamboo footed sleeper + 1.0 TOG sleep sack |
| 65 to 68°F (18 to 19°C) | 2.0 TOG | Long sleeve bodysuit + cotton sleeper + 2.0 TOG sleep sack |
| 61 to 64°F (16 to 17°C) | 2.5 TOG | Long sleeve bodysuit + warmer sleeper + 2.5 TOG sleep sack |
Signs of too hot or too cold
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Too hot: sweaty neck or hairline, flushed cheeks, heat rash, fast breathing. Remove a layer.
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Too cold: cool chest or back, persistent mottling, unusual sleepiness. Add a light layer.
Use the chest or back to judge temperature, not hands or feet.
What to pack on mixed-weather days
Spare bodysuit, footed sleeper, light sweater, thin fleece, soft hat, extra socks, stroller blanket, rain or wind cover, muslin cloth, zip bag for damp clothes.
Quick answers to common questions
How many layers does a newborn need in fall?
Usually one more light layer than an adult in the same conditions.
Can a newborn wear a hat indoors?
Use a hat outdoors. Indoors, use only if the room is cool and you are monitoring, since hats can trap heat.
Is fleece safe?
Yes in thin layers. Remove fleece when you go indoors or into the car seat.
What about babywearing?
Your body counts as a layer. Remove one mid layer and keep the face visible with clear airways.
How do I know if the sleep sack is warm enough?
Match TOG to room temp and check the neck and chest for comfort after 10 to 15 minutes.
