When I brought my first baby home, I spent so much time wondering if I was dressing them properly. I kept checking their neck, adding a layer, removing a layer, putting the sleepsuit back on… then changing my mind again five minutes later. Every parent I know has done the same.
What helped me most was learning how layers work with room temperature and how to check if my baby was comfortable. Once I understood that, dressing for sleep, daytime naps, and even summer nights felt a lot easier.
In this guide, I’m sharing the clear, practical rules I use at home. They work for newborns, older babies and those confusing in-between weeks when the weather changes every hour. If you want even more detail on sleep specifically, you can pair this with our guides on:
Let’s start with the simplest answer.
How Many Layers Should a Baby Wear? A Simple Guide I Use at Home
Most babies wear one more layer than you are wearing yourself.
For sleep, the number of layers depends on room temperature. A good starting point is:
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24°C or warmer: one light layer
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20–23°C: one to two light layers
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18–20°C: two layers
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16–18°C: two to three layers plus a sleep sack
What Counts as a Layer?
Before choosing how many layers your baby needs, it helps to know what a “layer” actually is. I keep it simple at home so I never have to overthink it.
A layer is one item of clothing made from a single fabric weight.
For babies, the most common layers are:
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Sleepsuit or footed romper
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Light cardigan or jumper
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Sleep sack or swaddle (this counts as a layer)
What doesn’t count as a layer:
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Hats or mittens indoors
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Blankets in the cot (not safe for sleep)
If I’m unsure, I go back to the simplest rule:
Bodysuit = one layer. Sleepsuit = one layer. Sleep sack = one layer.
This makes the temperature guide much easier to follow.
How Many Layers a Newborn Needs? (First Few Weeks)
Newborns lose heat faster and often need a little more warmth than older babies. My newborn rule is:
One extra layer compared to what feels comfortable for me.
For newborns in their early weeks:
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Short-sleeve bodysuit + sleepsuit works for most rooms
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Add a light sleep sack if the room is below 20°C
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Skip hats indoors
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Use breathable natural fabrics like organic cotton to reduce overheating
If you’re unsure about fit, our Baby Clothes Size Chart Calculator helps you choose the correct size before layering.
Daytime vs Nighttime Layers
I approach daytime and nighttime dressing differently because babies move more and sweat differently during naps.
Daytime
I start with:
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One bodysuit
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Add or remove layers depending on outdoor temperature
If the house is warm, my baby stays in a single layer. Outdoors, I add a cardigan or leggings from our breathable, natural fibre pieces like Organic Cotton Baby Clothes.
Nighttime
Layers depend on room temperature, not what is happening outside.
I keep fabrics soft, breathable and free from extra bulk.
If your baby sleeps warm, start with fewer layers. If they sleep cool, add one.
Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold
I learned very quickly that hands and feet are not reliable indicators. I always check:
If baby might be too hot
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Warm or sweaty neck
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Damp hair
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Rapid breathing
If this happens, I remove one layer.
If baby might be too cold
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Cool chest or belly
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Pale or blotchy skin
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Waking unsettled
If this happens, I add a lightweight layer.
More detailed sleep comfort guidance is in our blog: How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep.
Layering for Summer
In summer I keep layers minimal, especially for newborns. My go-to outfits:
Warm days indoors (23°C and above)
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Short sleeve bodysuit only
Warm nights
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Short-sleeve bodysuit
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Optional thin sleep sack depending on how warm they naturally sleep
Outdoors
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Soft, breathable cotton outfits
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No hats unless directly in sun, If you need ideas, our Neutral Unisex Baby Clothes.
Layering for Winter
In winter, warmth comes from light, breathable layers, not heavy ones.
Indoor winter dressing
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Sleepsuit
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1–2 TOG sleep sack if below 18–19°C
Outdoors
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Add leggings, a soft cardigan or jacket
Our Baby Winter Clothes Collection
Baby Layering Guide FAQs:
How many layers should a baby wear at night?
Most babies need one to two layers, depending on room temperature.
Use one light layer in warm rooms and add a sleep sack if cooler.
How many layers should a newborn wear?
In the first few weeks, newborns usually need one extra layer compared to adults in the same room.
How many layers should a baby wear during the day?
One base layer such as a bodysuit. Add or remove layers depending on warmth and activity.
How do I know if my baby is too hot?
Check the neck or chest. If warm or sweaty, remove a layer.
How many layers in 20 degrees?
Two layers.
Example: bodysuit + sleepsuit.
Can a baby sleep in just a onesie?
Yes, in warm rooms above 23–24°C.
Do babies need hats indoors in winter?
No. Hats are not recommended indoors.
Are there colours best for summer?
Light, breathable shades stay cooler and work well in warm rooms.
Should newborns wear long sleeves in summer?
Yes, if the room is cool or they are exposed to sun outdoors. Choose breathable fabrics.
