How to Dress Baby for Fall Weather
- Dress baby in breathable, lightweight layers including a onesie, sweater, jacket, hat, and booties to keep them warm as temperatures fluctuate.
- Use jackets when it’s below 21°C (70°F) and thicker winter gear like snowsuits below 7°C (45°F).
- Ensure baby wears socks, shoes, and a warm cap to keep their feet and head warm, and remember to follow sun safety practices even in fall.
As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it can be hard to know how to dress baby! In the early months of life, baby is not able to regulate their body temperature, which means keeping them cool and warm is often done by what they’re wearing. Wearing comfortable layers and warm items like beanies and booties will help baby as the weather starts to cool. Here are some tips to dress baby for fall!
A general rule for dressing baby in the fall
Every baby is different, but in general for fall:
- If it is colder than 21 degrees Celsius or 70 degrees Fahrenheit, baby should wear a jacket.
- If it is colder than 7 degrees Celsius or 45 degrees Fahrenheit, baby should wear thicker winter gear, like a winter jacket or snowsuit.
Dress baby in layers
Because the temperature can change a lot in a short period of time in the fall, or a beautiful day can also come with a cool breeze, layers are key to keep baby warm. Babies lose body heat much faster than adults, so layering up can better keep the warmth in.
Some layers baby can wear:
- A lightweight, breathable onesie
- A light sweater or long sleeve shirt
- A lightweight jacket
- A knitted hat
- Booties (or shoes if baby is walking)
Another rule for parents trying to decide how many layers baby needs is to give baby one more layer than you’d dress yourself in. So if you’re going out in jeans and a long sleeve shirt, dress baby in long pants and a shirt with a jacket on top.
Choose breathable fabrics
Because you’ll be layering baby’s clothes, choose something that is lightweight and soft. Most baby clothes is made of cotton, which is a great breathable fabric for baby.
Cover their feet
Even if baby isn’t walking yet, their little feet might need shoes to stay warm as the temperatures drop in the fall! Put warm booties on baby. If baby is starting to walk outside, give them lightweight, flexible shoes with non-skid soles. Make sure they wear socks with their shoes for extra warmth. Learn more about shoes for baby.
Wear a warm cap
Keeping baby’s head warm and key to keeping the rest of their body warm. A fitted, soft, knitted cap (like a beanie) will keep baby warmest and most comfortable. If going outside, put a hat on baby. If they seem uncomfortable when going inside, it can be removed.
Stay protected from sun
Remember that if you’re spending a comfortable fall day outside, the sun’s UV rays may still be shining on baby! Follow these sun safety best practices in the fall.
