Of all the overwhelming aspects of becoming a parent—the late nights, the diaper changes, the complicated feeding schedules, the array of bodily fluids that will inevitably end up all over you— newborn baby clothes are probably not an aspect of child care that you have put a significant amount of thought into. As your child makes the transition from newborn to baby to toddler, you may feel like they’re growing too fast for you (or their wardrobe) to keep up with. But with a few simple steps, you can feel confident in the knowledge that you’re prepared for all of the obstacles that parenthood might throw your way. Shopping for baby wear can be overwhelming, with the countless array of styles, indecipherable children’s size charts, and the sheer number of accessories available (why does a baby even need a pair of five hundred dollar Gucci sneakers?). And so, you eventually resign yourself to the hand-me-downs and last-minute baby shower gifts from friends and family to fulfill your little one’s fashion needs. However, it’s just as important to think about the clothes your baby is wearing as it is to consider the brand of formula or the type of stroller you purchase. Think about it—your baby is going to spend some of their most formative years in these clothes, so it’s important to make sure that they’re happy and comfortable with what they’re wearing. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the ways to dress your baby safely, comfortably, and stylishly throughout all the seasons, without breaking your bank (I promise!).

What Clothes Are Best For Newborns?

The three most vital aspects of newborn baby clothes are comfort, convenience, and safety—you want to make sure that the clothing is made of soft, breathable material that will not chafe or restrict the child’s breathing, while also allowing you to quickly and easily change diapers and clean up messes. It’s also important to make sure that the clothes are appropriate for the weather and occasion.

First things first: you want to make sure that your baby is dressed according to the time of year, whether it’s the freezing winter months, the damp chill of spring, the blazing heat of summer, or the frosty winds of fall.

If you are a parent who lives in a colder part of the world, winter is probably the season you dread most—babies are not able to regulate their body temperatures as well as adults, leaving them much more at risk when the temperature begins to plummet. The key to keeping your baby warm and cozy is to layer, layer, layer. Although it may seem easy enough to throw a thick winter coat over a pair of footie pajamas and call it a day, it’s important to plan out a solid cold-weather “strategy” for dressing your baby, so that you can both have comfort and peace of mind despite the chill. A nice template for a layered baby outfit is a warm onesie as the very first layer, followed by one or two long-sleeved shirts and pants, then a warm sweater, and then, finally, a thick winter coat. Remember to keep your baby’s feet, hands and head warm as well—a couple layers of socks, mittens, boots, and a thick hat are also incredibly important. Adding several layers to your baby’s outfit allows you to add or remove layers according to the temperature, so that the baby doesn’t get too cold or feel stifled and uncomfortably hot.

What are the best baby clothes for traveling?

If you’re traveling somewhere in a car, consider leaving the bulky coat or snowsuit off, and then putting it on before getting out of the car. According to experts, overly bulky winter clothing can affect the effectiveness of children’s seat belts and prevent the harness from tightening enough. Another option is to dress your baby in a sleeper gown and hat, fasten the car seat buckles, and then place layers of blankets on top. If you plan on transporting your baby in a stroller or portable car seat, layers are once again of the utmost importance, with a snowsuit over everything if possible. Avoid extremely thick socks with winter boots, as they can cause the boots to become too tight and limit circulation to the feet—if the baby has to wear thick socks, make sure their boots are one size bigger than their usual size to allow room for the sock. Although frostbite is rare, it can be incredibly serious, with the baby’s ears, hands, and feet mainly at risk. It’s also best to avoid clothes and accessories with strings or laces, as they can be strangling hazards. Although all these tips and warnings may seem a bit overwhelming at first, being organized and prepared will make life much easier in the long run for you and your little one.

How should I dress my newborn baby for Winter?

It’s impossible to talk about winter without mentioning one of the biggest holidays of the season: Christmas! For those who celebrate, the holidays can be a whirlwind of wrapping presents, baking, and visiting family. There’s nothing cuter than seeing a baby in an adorable Christmas dress, or a cute little holiday suit—but how do you get your baby to Grandma’s house without him looking like he’s been riding Santa’s sleigh through a blizzard? Every parent wants those perfect holiday pictures, but it’s a yearly battle to get kids into itchy party dresses and stiff formal shoes. The key to a stress-free holiday season is to lower your expectations—think festive but comfortable clothes, sneakers, and warm tights. In general, look for clothes with wide, stretchy necks to make getting in and out of them much easier. When you have a baby, stains and spills are a regular occurrence. Get ahead of them by dressing your baby in materials and patterns that hide stains, such as plaid or denim. Rather than choosing little loafers or Mary Jane shoes, go with slip-ons or shoes with velcro so that you’re not fussing with laces or buckles at the last minute. Remember to pack one or two changes of clothing as well.

If you’re set on a certain outfit for your baby, you can have them change into it right before taking pictures, and then change back into something more comfortable afterward. For newborn infants who are prone to spit-ups and accidents, a bib will keep their holiday clothes clean and photo-ready. Invest in a nice bib that will coordinate with their outfit, and you can rest easy in the knowledge that your baby will be protected while still looking dapper. If your infant is particularly fussy, don’t worry about getting them into a particular holiday outfit—one Christmas-themed statement piece, such as a Santa hat or some fun patterned socks will go a long way. For babies that are a little older, and are able to crawl around (and wreak havoc), make sure that their clothes aren’t overly constricting. Forgo the big, poofy Christmas dresses, as the skirts can become itchy, stained, or rip. Instead, try a festive Christmas sweater with pants, or a shorter skirt with leggings underneath. Overall, skirts generally do not stay down—provide a little extra coverage with some leggings, a diaper cover, or warm patterned tights to keep the diaper hidden. For little boys, make sure that their button-down shirts will still look cute when not tucked into their pants (as they most certainly will not be by the end of the night). Rather than zippered or buttoned pants, go with elastic-waisted pants, as they make bathroom breaks and changing clothes much easier for both you and your little one. At the end of the day, it’s impossible to ensure that your child will look picture-perfect, but that’s part of the fun—just remember to pack an extra change of clothes!

How should I dress my newborn baby for Spring?

As the frigid chill of winter thaws into spring, a whole new set of questions arises: how do you dress your baby for a time of year when the temperature fluctuates wildly? Just like it was for winter, the key here is layers. As a general rule of thumb, your baby should be wearing one more layer of clothing than you yourself are wearing. In spring, the mornings tend to be a bit cold, with temperatures rising gradually as the day progresses, and with multiple layers, you can gradually remove articles of clothing as the weather gets warmer. Some of the main factors you should consider when dressing your baby in the spring are: the baby’s temperature, the room’s temperature, and the environment where your baby will be. An easy way to determine your baby’s body temperature is to feel their chest or the nape of their neck, as their hands and feet are often colder than the rest of their body. As most new parents who’ve spent their time obsessively monitoring the temperature in the nursery can attest, maintaining a comfortable room temperature for your baby is very important. Doctors recommend a room temperature between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

And, of course, parents should be mindful of changes in temperature in the environment—for example, if you’re taking a walk outside and then decide to stop for some coffee, you might take off your jacket if it’s warm inside the coffee shop. It’s important to remember that if you feel warm, so does your baby. Make sure that you are helping them adapt to the temperature of the environment they’re in. 

One of the best parts of springtime is saying goodbye to the drab, heavy winter outfits and welcoming lighter clothes, floral patterns, and bright colors. Denim is a seasonally appropriate and very fashionable material for springtime—your baby can rock a little denim jacket, overalls, or jeans. Not only will it look stylish, denim will also keep your baby warm in case the unpredictable spring weather takes a turn for the chilly. When you’re deciding which clothes to layer with, try to use options that are easy to put on and take off—the last thing you want to be doing while dealing with an uncomfortable, fussy baby is fumbling with buttons and zippers. Blankets are a nice, easy layer that you can easily add and remove for trips outside. Make sure to add some light cotton hats, warm sweaters, and thick socks to your baby’s spring wardrobe. If you’re worried about your baby getting too hot, just watch him or her for signs of discomfort—squirming, crying, flushed skin, and excessive sweating are all good indications to remove a layer or two.

Infant bodysuits are a great option for the spring; they’re essentially onesies with long sleeves and no legs, and they pair well with pants and some warm socks. Merino wool is an excellent material for bodysuits, because while it keeps the baby warm, its cooling, breathable fabric ensures that the baby will not overheat. While bodysuits are great for spring, you should also note that they leave the baby’s legs bare which may cause them to get cold more easily. This issue is easily solved with a cute pair of pants or leggings, or even some baby leg warmers so your little one can serve some 80s realness!

With warmer weather comes—you guessed it—rain! Springtime is famous for its rainy days and windy weather, but this doesn’t mean that your baby has to be stuck inside. Look for clothes made from rubber or plastic that will provide a nice layer of waterproof protection for their clothes. Although cotton is good for cold weather, avoid it when it’s raining—cotton tends to retain water and doesn’t dry easily, resulting in a soggy, cranky baby. For the inner layers, choose wool over cotton, since it absorbs water while keeping the body warm and dry. Layer a cute windbreaker or raincoat over your baby’s outfit to keep them warm and dry, and don’t forget a pair of rain boots so they can splash in puddles to their heart’s content! Ideally, rain boots should go up to the child’s knee, ensuring that water won’t slip through into their socks. Prepare for the inevitable gap between the baby’s pant leg and their rain boot by adding a pair of baby leg warmers or some leggings underneath.

For babies and little crawlers, a waterproof puddle suit is a great investment that will allow them to enjoy the rain without getting wet and cranky. Waterproof pants are also excellent if your little one insists on jumping in mud or crawling through wet grass. And finally, you may have heard about winter gloves, but what about rain gloves? These waterproof gloves are thinner and lighter than traditional snow gloves, but they still keep your baby’s fingers warm and dry when they’re out in the rain. Don’t be afraid to experiment with brighter colors and patterns, either. Ditch the muted whites and grays of winter, and instead opt for a pop of color in springtime colors like pink, green, yellow, and blue.

How should I dress my newborn baby for Summer?

Summer is probably the season in which you and your little one spend the most time outdoors—between barbeques, picnics, and visits to the beach and park, your baby’s summertime outfits will most likely be worn very frequently. Dressing your baby safely for summer may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of practice, you and your baby will be ready to beat the heat. Be ready to remove layers if your baby is showing signs of overheating (on particularly hot summer days, one layer should be enough). Cotton is a great material for infant summer clothes; it’s light and airy, and allows their skin to breathe without being exposed to the harsh sun. A pair of cotton shorts or a cute sundress for your baby girl are the perfect way to stay cool and stylish. When it comes to shoes, less is more—in the summer, it might be a good idea to choose a pair of sandals over heavy, restricting sneakers. You could even let your baby go barefoot! Feet are important in regulating heat, so letting them free will help your baby stay cool in the heat.

If you plan on spending long stretches of time outside with the baby in the summer, it might be a good idea to reconsider disposable diapers and opt for cloth ones instead. The plastic lining on disposable diapers tends to trap moisture and prevent the skin from breathing, which can lead to irritation and diaper rash. Be extra cautious on particularly sunny days—this doesn’t mean you have to stay inside, or slather your baby in sunscreen, but it’s best to cover as much exposed skin as possible to prevent sun damage. If you’re using a stroller, make sure to get a canopy or thin blanket to keep the sun off your baby’s sensitive skin. A small sun hat or bucket hat is a great way to keep the sun off of their faces, while also being an adorable accessory that you can match to the rest of their outfit. You could even top off the look with a pair of sunglasses for extra protection (and style)! Light-colored clothing is also a great way to keep the baby warm. Lighter colors trap less heat than darker clothes—there’s a reason why pastels are trendy in the summer, and it’s not just because babies look adorable in them! 

Keeping babies cool while they sleep at night is a whole other issue that has left many parents puzzled—how do you swaddle your baby while also ensuring that they don’t overheat and wake up screaming in the middle of the night? Rather than the typical onesie that they might wear to bed, go with a short-sleeved onesie made from a lighter, thinner fabric. On especially hot nights, your baby will be fine sleeping in just a diaper. If you swaddle your baby, choose a wrap that is made of one hundred percent cotton, and ensure that the baby is only wearing one light, breathable layer of clothing underneath the wrap. You can also find mesh swaddles or blankets that will allow for plenty of air circulation, or wrap only the baby’s arms so that the rest of their body remains cool and free. Sleep sacks are also a great way to mimic the comfort of a blanket without the stifling heat. 

Getting ready for a fun day by the pool or at the beach? Even before you get your baby dressed, make sure to apply sunscreen everywhere, including their hands, feet, and back of the neck. There are types of sunscreen that are specially formulated for baby skin, but on particularly sunny days, it’s best to keep them in the shade, out of direct sunlight. If they are going to be in the sun, a UV sunsuit is a good way to make sure that they’re protected from harmful rays. Beach shoes are also a good idea—they’ll protect the baby’s feet from sharp rocks and debris, while also allowing them to move around and swim freely. Beach shoes are not as rigid and firm as regular water shoes, functioning instead as a thick, waterproof sock. And of course, you’ll need swim diapers that’ll make going potty on the go a breeze. As you probably already know, regular disposable diapers don’t do very well when they get wet, making these waterproof swim diapers a necessity. You can find both disposable and reusable options, but if you and your little one plan on frequenting the beach or pool, it might be better to go with the environmentally friendly reusable option. If your baby is braving the water for the very first time, a baby lifejacket or flotation vest is an important safety precaution that will help you and your baby feel more confident. Don’t forget towels, blankets, snacks, and (several) changes of clothing!

How should I dress my newborn baby for Fall?

And last, but certainly not least, is fall! Fall can be a confusing time of year—chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cold evenings make it difficult to pick out an outfit that won’t leave you sweating or shivering as the day goes on. Do you wear sandals or boots, sweaters or t-shirts, dresses or jackets? As the leaves change color, so should your baby’s wardrobe, as you make sure that they are comfortable despite the dropping temperatures and chilly winds. You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but what about the fall wardrobe cleanse? Fall is a great season to set aside for you to assess your baby’s wardrobe and decide which clothes they’ve outgrown while you pick out some fall-appropriate outfits for them. Although it may feel like your child is outgrowing clothes faster than you can buy them, make sure to invest in clothing that fits them—clothes that are too big or too small will result in a fussy, uncomfortable baby, and that’s no fun for either of you. Swap out the cotton shorts and bright summer dresses for some thicker fall clothes that will keep your baby warm, but not too warm. Try out a short-sleeved shirt or dress with some leggings and a hoodie. For boys, sweatpants and jeans are a classic. Pull-on pants and leggings are a must-have for any baby’s fall wardrobe, since they are easy to put on and take off, while also being comfortable enough to move around freely in. Look for pants with a cute fall-themed pattern to get in the spirit of the season. Woolen sweaters and cardigans are another excellent option for your baby to stay warm and stylish—you could even find them a piece similar to something you own, so that you can match! 

Sherpa jackets are the newest fall trend in baby wear—these adorable wool-lined jackets are the perfect transition piece between summer and winter, and offer a cozy yet stylish way to keep your baby warm. Along with sherpa jackets, peacoats are also in style, adding a bit of vintage charm to your baby’s look. Peacoats can be light enough for layering or for warmer fall days, but they’re also available in thick, woolen styles that will help your little one brave the fall chill. Natural fibers like wool and bamboo are excellent materials for the fall and winter months, as they retain heat while allowing the skin to breathe and without being too bulky. Suspenders are also an adorable fall fashion choice for your little boy—not only are they practical, they’re also incredibly stylish! Who doesn’t want to see a cute little baby toddling around in a pair of suspenders? When it comes to patterns, plaid is an absolute fall classic. A nice plaid button-down flannel or dress will pair nicely with a pair of warm leggings and some boots. On colder days, throw a light jacket or vest over the flannel, and you’re all set! If you don’t want to spend money on fall-specific outfits, a nice statement sweater or long-sleeved t-shirt is also a good option for a fall summer staple that can be worn year-round.    

Along with fall comes many children’s favorite holiday: Halloween! You’ve probably seen countless babies dressed to impress in their adorable little Halloween costumes, and thought to yourself, that’s adorable, but I don’t have the time, money, or energy to dress my baby up. If so, don’t worry! We’ll go over some easy, cost-effective tips so your baby can dress up and look even cuter than usual on Halloween. Pumpkins are an absolute classic in the baby Halloween costume department, and it’s for good reason—babies’ chubby cheeks and their gap-toothed smiles ensure that the pumpkin costume is adorable, seasonally appropriate, and easy to DIY if you don’t feel like spending money on a store-bought costume. If your baby can’t crawl or walk yet, that’s not a disadvantage! There’s a vast array of comfortable, sack-shaped costumes (mermaid, puppy, strawberry, skeleton—the choices are endless!) that will keep your baby comfortable and festive. As a general rule, don’t fret about making the perfect costume or ensuring that every detail is accurate. The simpler the costume, the more likely your baby will be okay with wearing it for long stretches of time. Pop a fun hat or a superhero cape on the baby for a quick, cheap costume that will still have everyone gushing about how cute they look. And of course, remember to take plenty of pictures!

Conclusion

I hope this post will help make things a tiny bit easier when it comes to dressing your baby. Don’t worry about making sure everything is perfect—at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that your baby is happy and comfortable, and these tips will help you make sure that your little one is prepared for whatever the day might bring. When it comes to curating a stylish and seasonally appropriate wardrobe for your child, preparation is key. Although it may seem a bit confusing and overwhelming at first, with a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be an expert in no time!