Woman wearing Marble Hearts dress smiling holding baby dressed in Ditsy Kimono Pram Jacket

Tips for Dressing Your Baby

Welcoming your new baby into the world is a great joy, and we're sure you're ready for the journey ahead.

You've prepared for your new arrival. You have a cot and lots of cosy baby blankets, you're well-stocked on food and nappies, and you've baby-proofed your home. You've also got all the baby clothes you could imagine, from sleepwear to baby dresses, rompers to booties.

Just like us, babies need different clothes for different occasions. Here, we've put together everything you need to know about dressing your baby, whatever the weather, situation, or occasion.

Baby in a white printed babygrow from Cath Kidston, laying on a coloured cushions & blankets

How to dress babies

For everyday wear, onesies are the perfect choice for your baby. The reason onesies are the number one choice for your baby is that they stay in place and keep baby warm and comfortable as they wriggle about.

On a warm day, a bodysuit onesie will be more than enough for your bundle of joy. However, if it's a cooler day, a long-sleeved option provides the perfect base layer for warmer clothes.

The great thing about bodysuit onesies is that they make it easier to change your baby's nappy - no need to undress them, simply undo the snaps.

How to dress babies in the summer

In the summer, it's essential your baby doesn't overheat. A bodysuit without legs will help them to stay cool in the summer heat. We know that British summers can be temperamental, so if you're on an outing with your baby, it's best to keep a long-sleeved onesie with legs in your baby's changing bag in case the weather changes.

Baby in sitting position, wearing a floral printed, ruffle collared babygrow from Cath Kidston

Baby in a lemon romper with lilac unicorn print from Cath Kidston, sitting on a pink knitted blanket

How to dress a baby in the winter

When it comes to winter dressing, it can be hard to estimate how many layers you need to dress your baby in to keep them warm without making them uncomfortable.

Start with a long-sleeved onesie as your base layer, as this will keep your baby cosy and their sensitive tummies won't be exposed to the cold. Hats are essential - babies lose a lot of heat through their head because their full head of hair hasn't grown in yet. You could opt for knitted bobble hats or closer-fitting skull caps to keep their little heads warm. Mittens are also essential, as are booties - it's better if their onesie includes feet for an extra layer of warmth.

You can layer jumpers and coats on top of your baby's onesie, but how do you know if it's enough - or too much? A good rule of thumb is to see how you and the people around you are dressed and add an extra layer. If people are wearing their 'big coats' on an icy day, your baby will need one too, plus a blanket for extra warmth. However, if you feel fine in a just a jumper, that plus a cardigan should be enough for your baby. Look out for a flushed face or a wriggling tot - these are signs that your baby is too warm.

Don't forget your baby blankets if you go out with your baby on a cold winter day. If they get extra cold or it's particularly windy, you can shield them from the chill.

^*Please note that the contents of this article are not to be taken as scientific advice.