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How to Dress a Baby in Winter

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Anastasia Vasilieva

Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneur

Anastasia Vasilieva is a sustainable fashion researcher and founder of Treehouse, a certified organic kidswear brand. Her work on non-toxic clothing has been featured in podcasts, press, and guest lectures at FIT and Georgetown.

How to Dress a Baby in Winter

CONTENTS

    The Worry Every Parent Has

    Winter hits, and suddenly you’re asking yourself two questions on repeat: Is my baby warm enough? And did I overdo it? This guide cuts through the second-guessing. We’ll walk through indoor outfits, outdoor layering, nighttime dressing, and newborn-specific tips. Simple rules, breathable fabrics, and zero overthinking.

    The Basics: One Layer More

    Babies generally need one more layer than you. If you’re in jeans and a sweater, they’ll be fine in a onesie plus a sleeper. The golden rule? Breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics like organic cotton and soft knits. Bulk doesn’t equal warmth; layers do.

    👉 Related read: Newborn clothing essentials.

    How to Dress a Baby Indoors During Winter

    Room Temperature Sweet Spot

    Babies sleep best at 68–72°F (20–22°C). Any hotter, and you risk overheating.

    What to Wear Indoors

    Think practical and soft: long-sleeved onesies, cotton sleepers, light sleep sacks. Always stick with breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics.

    Shop our organic cotton baby sleepers or long-sleeved bodysuits.

    How to Dress a Baby Outdoors in Winter

    The Three-Layer System

    • Base: cotton onesie

    • Middle: warmer sleeper or sweater

    • Outer: snowsuit, jacket, or bunting bag with hat, mittens, and booties

    Browse our baby hats.

    Winter Walk Checklist

    Hat, mittens, socks, stroller blanket. Adjust based on wind chill. If you’re cold, assume your baby is too.

    How to Dress a Baby for Sleep in Winter

    Sleepwear That Works

    A cotton onesie, cotton sleeper, plus a wearable blanket. No loose blankets in the crib. Signs of overheating: damp hair, sweaty neck, flushed cheeks.

    Try our organic cotton baby sleepers and organic cotton blankets.

    How to Dress a Newborn in Winter

    The extra fragile phase.

    Why They Need More Care

    Newborns lose heat quickly, their temperature control isn’t mature, and dry winter air can irritate skin.

    Indoors with a Newborn

    Cotton onesie + footed sleeper. Add a soft hat only if the room runs cool. Don’t judge by hands and feet; check the chest or neck for real warmth.

    👉 Related read: How many newborn onesies do I need?

    Outside with a Newborn

    Layer up:

    • Base: organic cotton onesie

    • Middle: cotton sleeper or cardigan

    • Outer: snowsuit or bunting bag.

    Always cover head, hands, and feet.

    Your Winter Baby Wardrobe Checklist

    Item Recommended Number Notes
    Onesies (long sleeve) 7–10 Organic, hypoallergenic base layers
    Sleepers / Footed PJs 4–6 Warm, breathable, easy to change
    Hats 2–3 Cotton indoors, knit outdoors
    Mittens 2–3 Warmth + scratch protection
    Socks / Booties 4–6 Wool blends outdoors only
    Outerwear (snowsuit/jacket) 1–2 Skip in car seats
    Sleep Sacks 2–3 Safer than blankets
    Blankets 2–3 For swaddling & stroller only


    Hot or Cold? The Quick Test

    • Too hot: sweaty neck, flushed skin, damp hair.
    • Too cold: cold chest, bluish lips, constant fussing.

    Check the chest or neck, not hands and feet.

    Our Picks for Winter Baby Clothes

    We designed our line for exactly this season. Organic cotton baby sleepers, soft long-sleeved bodysuits, and cotton hats cover the bases without irritating sensitive skin.

    Simple, Not Stressful

    To be honest, babies don’t need piles of outfits, just the right ones. Breathable, hypoallergenic layers are safer than heavy, synthetic bundles. Keep it practical, keep it light, and trust the one-layer rule.

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    Our commitment to you extends beyond just the our clothing - we prioritize the well-being of your children, the environment, and the workers who craft our pieces.