Baby winter clothes: How to dress your baby in cold weather

As the weather gets colder, there's no way around it — if you're planning on heading outdoors with your baby in tow on winter days, you need to ensure they are dressed properly so your little one stays cosy and warm without overheating. But how to dress an infant in winter to ensure they are both safe and warm? There's a lot of winter wear for newborns, including many cute and snug baby outfits, but what baby winter clothes should you choose?

Layer up

When it comes to dressing babies and toddlers for winter weather, layering is key. The general rule is to dress your baby in one layer more than what you’re wearing. ‘Wrapping your little one up in several layers means that not only can you ensure she is warm and cosy, but you can easily remove a layer to prevent her from overheating,’ says Linda Torstensson, Founder of Kozi Kidz. ‘Starting off with a good quality base layer helps to simultaneously regulate temperature and draw moisture away from your child’s skin.’

Pick the right layer

An effective thermal base layer is key for babies and toddlers. ‘Wool or polyester is the ideal base layer, but avoid pure cotton as it’s very porous and generally holds more moisture which doesn’t wick away easily,’ says Nikki Horne, managing director of cold weather clothing company Raindrops. ‘Merino wool is the only natural fibre that can absorb up to 40% humidity without feeling damp. It also has the ability to respond to changes in your baby’s body temperature.’

Staying warm and dry

When buying outerwear for your baby, such as puddle suits, look for technical features and fabrics. ‘To ensure full protection from wet weather, make sure the garment has a waterproof rating of at least 1500mm or more,’ says Linda. Don’t forget to look at the coat or all-in-one’s hood, it should fit snugly around her face for maximum protection.

Look for details

When choosing a garment look out for details such as reflectors or detachable hoods that prevent children from becoming caught. ‘Also bear in mind comfort-focused features such as zip garages (special covers so your baby can’t catch herself) or soft linings that will be gentle against a child’s sensitive skin,’ says Linda.

Go for easy-to-remove clothes

If you are choosing an all-in-one, consider how easy it’ll be to put on and take off your baby. ‘Look for a full-length front opening which makes nappy changes or undressing a sleeping child much easier,’ says Linda.

Ditch coats in the car

If you’re heading outdoors but travelling in a car first, it’s worth thinking about how your baby is dressed. Cars can warm up quickly and you don’t want your baby to overheat. Remove hats and gloves and especially snowsuit and coats.

The NHS say: "Leaving your baby’s coat or snowsuit on in the car creates a gap between your baby and their safety harness. In a collision, the harness isn’t as close to your baby’s body as it needs to be to allow it to properly restrain them. You should pull the harness tight enough that you can just get two fingers between your baby and the straps."

Be aware of the compression of layers against the car seat straps in a collision; the straps should be snug against your baby. If the car seems cold, you can drape a breathable blanket over your baby's body.

Remember the extremities

Whether you opt for a coat or all-in-one, protecting little hands and feet will help to maintain your child’s core temperature. ‘Snug feet = happy baby or toddler = relaxed parent!’ says Nikki. ‘For toddlers, thick-soled non-skid tread, waterproof and breathable snowboots or thermal-lined wellies are a good investment to keep toes snug, while for babies I’d recommend warm socks or soft-soled moccasins.’ Mittens and gloves are also a must for toddlers – look for ones that can be clipped onto coats so your child won’t lose them if she pulls a glove off. And remember a baby hat – it’s the easiest way for your baby to lose heat so keep their head covered when out.

Best winter baby clothes at a glance:

•Best baby winter boots: JAN & JUL First Walkers shoes for Baby Winter Snow Boots, £25.50

•Best baby winter hat: KAKU NANU Toddler Winter Hat, £8.99

•Best baby thermal vest: Thermo Merino Wool Babygrow, £18.20

•Best baby overall: Navy Shell Waterproof Baby Overall, £100

•Best baby mittens: AIDIER Baby Winter Knitted Mittens, £8.89

If you want to head out with your your little one during the chilly weather, but you are wondering how to dress a newborn in winter, you won't need to worry about if they are warm enough, or too warm, with some of these great baby winter clothes below.

Baby winter clothes

What should a baby wear at night in winter?

You want to ensure your little one stays warm and snug on chilly nights, but also you don’t want them to overheat, so it can sometimes be tricky to decide what baby should wear to bed. A soft, one-piece, footed cotton sleepsuit will help keep your baby warm all night. If it is really cold then you can add a vest under their sleepsuit. Also, a baby sleeping bagis a great item for all seasons. It is recommended for safe sleep by the Lullaby Trust and the NHS and there are different tog ratings for the changing seasons.

When should I buy winter clothes for my baby?

Babies grow quickly so it’s best to buy winter clothes when baby needs them, most likely just before it starts to get cold. In the months leading up to winter, shops, both online and on the high street, will start to stock up with winter clothes and there should be lots to choose from including coats for babies, or cosy jumpers.

Baby clothes are expensive and often not used for long before they grow out of them, so do check local charity shops as well, and in the run up to Christmas there should be some sales to keep an eye out for. Also, if you are travelling with baby, especially to chillier climates, such as skiing, plan ahead what baby ski wear you will need, for example.

Baby winter clothes should have a long life, so if there are little siblings, pack them away to use again and make the most out of them.

Linda Torstensson is the founder of Kozi Kidz, a range of Swedish designed outdoor clothing for kids 0-10 years. Established in 2008, Kozi Kidz is now part of the Muddy Puddles family.

Nikki Horne is the Managing Director of Raindrops, part of Waterproof World, which designs outdoor clothes for kids ensuring they are appropriately dressed for outdoor play.

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.