Bundle Up!
How to Dress Your Baby For Each Season
Read to learn how to properly dress your baby for sleeping in winter, spring, summer, and fall. Information on fabrics, their weather appropriateness, and more are below. Contact us or see our other guides for additional information.
Among all the things to think about with babies, knowing how to dress them for sleep is one of the most important. As temperatures rise and fall throughout the year, dressing them right will ensure a comfortable and healthy night’s sleep.
Choosing the right clothing for the season is crucial for health reasons as well. A baby is unable to undress themselves when they get too hot, which means overheating becomes a major concern.
Alternately, a baby who becomes too cold is at much higher risk of getting sick. Even serious ailments such as hypothermia can happen in dry conditions at 40 degrees, so dressing your baby right becomes a safety consideration.
Time of the Season
Different types of fabric are best for different seasons. Some insulate better, while others allow for more breathability and temperature regulation.
Typically velvet and silk are best for colder weather, while simple cotton or cotton blends are great for milder and warmer climates.
Now Let’s Dive In
Now that you know the ins and outs of baby sleepwear, it’s easy to see why special attention is paid to the quality, material, and how well it insulates.
When choosing baby sleepwear, one size doesn’t fit all. And always remember babies grow quickly - make sure to plan for different sizes throughout the year for the most comfy fit possible.
Read below on how to choose the right pajama combos to keep baby cozy and comfortable year round.
Winter
Time to Bundle Up!
When temperatures fall to 59 degrees and below baby needs to bundle up! Especially in extreme cold months when temperatures reach the low single digits, the right baby sleepwear combination is crucial.
Head to toe, and all over again
For extreme cold temperatures, baby should have a complete set of sleepwear. A nice set of cozy bottoms, an undergarment, and warm top will keep baby nice and toasty in winter!
Silk is one of the best materials for sleepwear because of its moisture-wicking properties. In fact, it’s ability to regulate temperatures for cold and warm months makes pajamas made of this material great year round.
Velvet’s another great material for baby sleepwear, and at Catimini we have tons of selections for girl, boy, and gender neutral styles.
You’ll want to make sure that whatever sleepwear material you choose is a proper fit for baby - too tight can feel constrictive and uncomfortable, while sleepwear too loose-fitting won’t keep your infant warm.
Remember that months of extreme cold can make baby sick quite easily - the right winter sleepwear is an investment in your baby’s health, and your peace of mind.
Spring
Time to Bloom!
When spring is in the air, it’s time to shed some of that sleepwear! For temperatures between 59 and 70 degrees, cotton and polyester are perfectly suitable - sometimes baby will need to be warm, but that begins to change in the later months leading up to summer.
Shorter sleeves and thinner weaves
Think breathability and even some warmer weather choices. Short sleeves are reasonable once the temperature approaches 70 degrees, and undergarments will often be too much after 65 degrees.
Thinner materials, while still somewhat padded for infants, will allow breathability. Cotton is a great material for springtime baby sleepwear because it’s soft and insulating, but still allows air to pass through during milder temperatures.
Cozy bodysuits, such as our 100% cotton Secret Garden series would work perfectly with a nice set of cotton pants.
The objective for springtime baby sleepwear is comfort and movability. Lighter cotton and polyester clothing is typically thin enough so as not to be constrictive, and allows baby to give off excess heat or retain heat depending on room climates.
Summer
I’m Coming Out!
Warmer months mean even less, and even lighter. Single layers are best for temperatures 70 and above, as well as thinner fabrics - cotton is perfect - for breathability.
Typically single-layer cotton baby sleepwear is ideal for early summer, providing just the right amount of insulation level for the dead of summer. These thinner fabrics will keep baby comfortable and ensure they don’t develop a fever.
Bodysuits and short sleeves
Bare legs and arms are perfectly acceptable - even recommended - for the summer months. The cooler nighttime air will feel good on baby’s skin and help further regulate their body temperature.
A great short sleeve cotton bodysuit is the perfect single garment for summertime sleeping - thin and breathable, and it lets the cool air hit their legs and arms.
Even cotton/polyester blends are perfectly breathable and comfortable for warm nights. Single-layer two piece sets are also find, as long as the clothing is not too tight.
A Word of Caution
Just as extreme cold months can lead to hypothermia, temperature regulation is important in hotter months because of overheating. Overdressing your baby when it is too hot can lead to risk factors related to SIDS. That means proper summertime baby sleepwear is crucial to keep baby safe.
Fall
Bundle Up, Buttercup!
The cool temperatures of fall can befall us quickly, which means parents should be vigilant for quick changes in temperature. Starting in mid-autumn, you’ll want to start dressing your baby with a focus on retaining warmth and proper fit for the most comfortable sleep.
Those quick changes in temperature also lead to higher rates of sickness. To avoid your little nugget from catching a cold, ere on the side of warmer clothing.
Like Spring, but different
Spring and fall are the equinoxes, but they’re still polar opposites. Springtime baby sleepwear is most effective when it is more breathable, which allows baby’s body temperature to slowly adapt to warmer weather.
Fall baby sleepwear goes in the other direction - warmer and more insulating materials will help keep baby comfortable as it gets increasingly colder.
Popular trends for fall baby sleepwear are dark colors and bolder prints. Even a stylish pair of fleece jogging pants is warm and breathable enough for the chilly autumn nights.
Wrapping It All Up
Choosing the right baby sleepwear means watching the winds. Yet, the simple lesson is more insulation and specialized materials for colder weather, and less layers coupled with lighter materials for warmer weather.
For milder seasons- spring and fall - the concern is baby’s comfort. You want them to be able to adjust to the increasingly warmer and colder temperatures gradually over time, so it’s easier to get creative with materials and combinations.
During extreme weather months - winter and summer - the concern is temperature regulation. The risk factors associated with very cold and very hot weather include risk factors associated with SIDS and hypothermia.
As long as you focus on appropriate layering and materials, you’ll be able to choose the right fabric for baby’s nighttime dress. Some fabrics have similar ratings, like fleece and velvet, so you can get creative!
The Catimini Promise
At Catimini, we design all our clothes with baby’s comfort, safety, and style in our minds and hearts. Our inspired patterns are made with quality materials that keep baby warm in winter, cool in summer, and comfy for everything in between.
Prepare for the coming months with great deals on winter, summer, fall, and spring baby sleepwear sale selections all year around! Also, bookmark our collection section for the latest bold and inspired prints!