When I brought my first baby home, I remember staring at her tiny vests and sleepsuits, wondering, “Is this too much? Too little? Should she be wearing socks? A hat? Am I missing something obvious?”
If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. Dressing a newborn can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Their temperature changes quickly, the UK weather is unpredictable, and everyone seems to have different advice.
After two babies and plenty of trial and error, I’ve learned that newborn dressing doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few simple rules, you can keep your little one comfortable, safe, and cosy without second-guessing yourself all day.
How to Dress a Newborn — The Simple Rule I Follow Every Day
Dress your newborn in one more light layer than you’re wearing yourself.
That’s it — the simplest way to stay on track.
For most days, this looks like:
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A soft organic cotton bodysuit (base layer)
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A light extra layer like leggings or a sleepsuit
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A cardigan or breathable layer if it’s cool
And indoors, newborns don’t need hats. They can cause overheating.
If you’re ever unsure, check their chest or back — not their hands or feet, which are usually cooler.
How Many Layers Should a Newborn Wear?
I follow one layering principle that’s never failed me:
Base layer → Middle layer → Optional warmer layer
And every layer should be soft, breathable, and easy to remove.
Base layer:
A short- or long-sleeve organic cotton bodysuit (you can browse ours here:
Organic Baby Bodysuit).
Middle layer:
Leggings, rompers, dungarees, or a sleepsuit — gentle fabrics, relaxed fits.
Aneby’s baby leggings and unisex dungarees work beautifully here because they allow movement without bulk.
Outer layer (when needed):
A cardigan, soft jumper, or pram suit — but no bulky layers in the car seat, ever.
Newborns lose heat quickly, but they also overheat easily. Light, breathable layers make it much easier to adjust as needed.
Learn More: How many layers should a baby wear? Complete Guide
Understanding Baby Temperature Cues (So You Don’t Have to Guess)
This part changed everything for me.
How to tell if your newborn is too hot:
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Warm or sweaty chest
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Damp hair
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Flushed cheeks
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Fast breathing
How to tell if they’re too cold:
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Cool chest/back
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Pale or blotchy skin
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Fussiness
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Cold tummy (hands and feet don’t count!)
Think of yourself as your baby’s thermostat. These cues are much more accurate than any blanket "rule", and they’ll guide you far better than touching hands or feet.
What Newborns Should Wear Day-to-Day?
In the early weeks, I quickly realised that newborns don’t need an overflowing wardrobe — they need a small rotation of soft, breathable pieces that make dressing and changing simple. The goal is comfort, temperature regulation, and easy layering rather than quantity.
Below are the everyday essentials I reached for most often, and the ones I recommend building your newborn’s wardrobe around:
✔ Organic Cotton Bodysuits (Short or Long Sleeve)
The bodysuit is the foundation of almost every newborn outfit. I use them as the base layer all year round because they sit close to the skin, regulate heat well, and prevent clothing from bunching.
Explore breathable options here:
✔ Leggings or Footed Trousers
Light, stretchy bottoms are ideal for layering and allow newborns to move freely. They’re also quicker to remove during changes than full sleepsuits.
→ Baby Leggings & Infant Trousers
✔ Dungarees or Rompers
If you want a complete outfit without fuss, these are my go-to choices. They provide warmth without bulk and work perfectly over a simple bodysuit.
→ Baby Rompers
→ Baby Dungarees
✔ Lightweight Cardigans or Jumpers
These make temperature control easy — simply add or remove as needed. I avoid hoodies for newborn sleep, as they can interfere with safe-sleep positioning.
✔ A Soft Hat "For Outdoors Only"
Newborns lose heat quickly outside, so a hat is useful when you're out in cooler weather. Indoors, it’s best to remove hats to reduce the risk of overheating.
Why I Choose Natural, Breathable Fabrics for Daily Wear?
Newborn skin is incredibly delicate, and breathable fibres like organic cotton keep their temperature more stable throughout the day. Natural textiles wick moisture, prevent overheating, and feel gentler against sensitive skin — something I noticed immediately with my own babies.
Many of Aneby’s pieces are made using higher-weight ribbed organic cotton, which holds its shape beautifully, washes well, and stays comfortable over long periods of wear. Those qualities matter more than we realise in the early months, especially when your newborn spends so much time being held, fed, cuddled, or napping.
How to Dress a Newborn Infant in Winter?
Winter dressing was the first thing that truly confused me as a new parent. The UK cold can be damp, sharp, and unpredictable — and newborns can’t regulate their temperature well yet. After going through this twice, I now follow a simple, safe approach that keeps things warm but never bulky or overheating.
A newborn in winter typically needs:
a breathable base layer + a warm middle layer + a soft outer layer for going outdoors, with hats only used outside.
The Winter Dressing Formula for Newborns
Use this 3-step formula whenever you’re heading out or dressing for colder indoor days:
1. Base Layer (Against the Skin)
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A long-sleeve organic cotton bodysuit
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Soft, breathable fabric to prevent overheating
→ Browse gentle options: Organic Baby Bodysuits
2. Middle Layer (Warmth + Comfort)
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Leggings or footed trousers
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A comfy romper or dungarees
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Or a long-sleeve sleepsuit
→ Warm layering essentials:
Baby Leggings
Baby Dungarees
3. Outer Layer (For Going Outdoors)
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A soft knitted cardigan, fleece, or pram suit
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Mittens and socks
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A hat only when outside
For winter walks, I prefer a warm pram suit because it keeps everything enclosed without restricting movement.
→ Explore warm choices here:
Baby Winter Clothes Collection
How to Dress a Newborn Indoors in Winter?
Indoors, your baby does not need heavy layers. Most UK homes sit around 18–20°C, which is perfectly safe for light winter layering:
Indoor winter example outfit:
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Footed trousers or leggings
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Light knit cardigan (optional if the room is cool)
Avoid hats and thick outerwear indoors; they can quickly lead to overheating.
Winter Outfit Examples
Mild Winter Day (8–12°C)
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Leggings
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Jumper
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Light pram suit
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Hat and mittens
Cold Winter Day (0–7°C)
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Sleepsuit or romper
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Knitted cardigan
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Pram suit
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Blanket (for pram only)
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Hat + mittens
Very Cold Day (Below Freezing)
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Footed sleepsuit
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Fleece cardigan
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Insulated pram suit
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Thick hat + mittens + socks
Infants shouldn’t be outside long in freezing temperatures, but for quick trips this layering keeps them safe and warm.
How to Dress a Newborn Infant in Summer?
Dressing a newborn in summer is all about preventing overheating while still protecting their skin. Newborns can't cool themselves efficiently, so lightweight, breathable layers matter far more than the number of layers they wear.
Use the lightest breathable layer possible — usually a short-sleeve or sleeveless organic cotton bodysuit.
Add a second light layer only if you're outside in cooler wind or shade.
The Summer Dressing Formula for Newborns
1. Base Layer (Most Days)
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Short-sleeve or sleeveless organic cotton bodysuit
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Avoid synthetic fabrics — they trap heat
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Choose light colours to reflect sunlight
→ Short-Sleeve Organic Bodysuits
2. Optional Light Middle Layer (If Needed)
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Lightweight leggings
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A loose romper
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A soft muslin cardigan for breezy days
3. Sun Protection
Newborns can’t wear sun cream yet, so clothing does the protective work:
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Wide-brim hat when outdoors
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Keep babies in shade as much as possible
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Use pram sunshades responsibly (ensure airflow)
Indoor Summer Dressing (18–24°C)
Indoors, babies rarely need more than one layer.
Indoor example outfit:
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Short-sleeve bodysuit
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Optional leggings if room is cool
If the room is warm (24–25°C+), a sleeveless bodysuit is usually enough.
Outdoor Summer Dressing (Walks, Garden, Errands)
Warm Day (22–26°C)
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Short-sleeve bodysuit
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Lightweight leggings or romper
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Breathable hat
Hot Day (27°C+)
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Sleeveless bodysuit or just a nappy with a muslin drape (at home only)
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Shade at all times
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Regular chest-temperature checks
Tip: Even on hot days, avoid leaving babies in direct sunlight or letting prams overheat — pram canopies can trap heat quickly.
How to Dress a Newborn Infant in Autumn & Spring?
Autumn and spring are the seasons that trip most parents up, not because they’re extreme, but because UK temperatures swing from warm to chilly in the same afternoon. The goal in these months is flexible layering: light pieces you can add or remove quickly without disturbing your newborn too much.
Use two light layers indoors and add a third layer outdoors when it's cool or windy. Prioritise breathable fabrics and easy button/zip-free items that won’t irritate sensitive newborn skin.
The Transitional Seasons Dressing Formula (Simple & Reliable)
1. Base Layer
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Long- or short-sleeve organic cotton bodysuit depending on the day
2. Middle Layer
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Leggings
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A soft romper or dungarees
These provide enough warmth without overheating.
→ Baby Leggings
→ Baby Dungarees
3. Outer Layer (For Outdoors Only)
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Lightweight cardigan
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Knitted jumper
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Soft jacket (not padded)
This is the layer you’ll remove the most often.
Indoor Transitional Dressing (16–20°C)
You typically need two layers indoors:
Example indoor outfit:
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Leggings or a footed romper
If the room is on the warmer side (19–20°C), a short-sleeve bodysuit with leggings is enough.
How to Dress a Newborn at Night?
Night-time dressing is one of the most common worries for new parents. We all want our newborns to sleep safely and comfortably, without overheating or getting too cold. The good news is that newborn night dressing can be kept very simple, and it always starts with the room temperature.
Because Aneby already has a full, in-depth guide here: How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep
Dress your newborn in one light, breathable layer, and add a second layer only if the room is cooler than 18°C. Always avoid hats, hoods, and any loose bedding.
Newborn Night Dressing Formula (Room-Temperature Based)
This is the simplest way to get it right. Use it every night:
Room 20–22°C (Common UK nursery temp)
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Short- or long-sleeve organic cotton bodysuit
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Lightweight sleepsuit (optional if baby tends to run warm)
Room 18–20°C
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Lightweight sleepsuit or romper
Room 16–18°C (Cooler homes / winter nights)
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Sleepsuit
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Optional light cardigan while feeding, removed before sleep
Room Under 16°C
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Increase heating if possible
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If not,
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Sleepsuit
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Thin, safe sleeping layer (no blankets near the face)
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Important: Newborns should never sleep with hats, thick jackets, pram suits, or loose blankets.
Night-Time Changing Tips (Without Disturbing Temperature)
Late-night nappy changes are unavoidable. Here’s what I do:
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Keep a light cardigan or blanket on hand for feeds or nappy changes, then remove before baby goes back down.
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Choose sleepsuits with two-way zips or easy poppers for quick changes.
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Use dim, warm-toned lighting to avoid overstimulation.
Newborn Dressing FAQs:
1. How many layers should a newborn wear?
Usually, one more light layer than you’re wearing. Start with a breathable organic cotton bodysuit, then add a middle layer (leggings, sleepsuit, or romper). Adjust based on indoor temperature and cues from your baby’s chest or back.
2. How do I know if my newborn is too hot or too cold?
Check their chest or back:
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Too warm: sweaty, flushed, damp hair
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Too cold: cool chest, pale/blotchy skin
Hands and feet are not reliable indicators.
3. What should a newborn wear to sleep?
A breathable bodysuit + sleepsuit, depending on room temperature.
No hats, hoods, or thick layers.
More detail:
How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep (Aneby guide)
4. Should newborns wear hats indoors?
No. Hats can cause overheating inside.
Use a hat only outdoors in cooler weather.
5. What fabric is best for newborn clothing?
Organic cotton — it regulates temperature, prevents overheating, reduces irritation, and stays comfortable for longer stretches of wear.
Explore soft essentials here:
→ Organic Cotton Baby Clothes
6. What should a newborn wear in winter?
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Long-sleeve bodysuit
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Warm middle layer (leggings/dungarees/sleepsuit)
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Soft cardigan or pram suit for outdoors
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Hat + mittens outside only
→ Baby Winter Clothes
7. What should a newborn wear in summer?
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Short-sleeve or sleeveless bodysuit
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Light romper or leggings if breezy
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Shade + breathable hat outdoors
Avoid synthetic fabrics — they trap heat.
8. What should a newborn wear for a walk?
It depends on the weather:
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Pram: base layer + middle layer + outer layer + optional blanket
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Carrier: dress lighter; your body heat warms baby
No bulky coats in the car seat.
9. Do newborns need socks?
Yes, when wearing open-foot leggings or bodysuits.
If the sleepsuit is footed, extra socks are usually unnecessary unless it’s very cold.
10. How many clothes does a newborn actually need?
Not many. Most families get by with:
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6–8 bodysuits
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4–6 leggings or sleepsuits
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2–3 rompers or dungarees
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1–2 cardigans
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1 pram suit for winter
Quality, comfort, and breathability matter more than quantity.
Closing Thoughts: Dressing Your Newborn with Confidence
Dressing a newborn becomes much easier once you stop thinking in terms of “perfect outfits” and start thinking in layers. A breathable base, a comfortable middle layer, and a removable outer layer — that’s really all you need, no matter the season.
Every baby is different, and you’ll quickly learn what your newborn prefers. My advice is to keep outfits simple, choose soft natural fabrics, and check their chest when you’re unsure. With those principles, you’ll always know your little one is comfortable and safe.
If you’d like to build a practical, breathable newborn wardrobe, you can explore our curated essentials here:
You don’t need a huge wardrobe. You just need pieces that feel good, wash well, and work together. That’s exactly why we make clothes the way we do at Aneby — soft, season-flexible, and practical enough for everyday life with a newborn.
