Newborn Winter Clothes: Everything You Need to Keep Baby Warm in Winter (2023)

Having a baby – even in the winter – shouldn’t keep you cooped up inside. In fact, just the opposite. Getting outside with your newborn is so important.

I live in Minnesota, but the 7-months of cold doesn’t stop us from getting outside, even in the cold winter months.

So how do you dress a baby for winter? Simple. Newborn winter clothes are your answer.

Here you’ll find tips for getting your baby outside in the winter. And learn how to dress your newborn in winter clothes to stay cozy and safe.

Newborn Winter Clothes: Tips for Dressing Your Baby for Winter

First, let’s talk about how to keep your baby warm in the winter. Here are some tips for dressing your baby for winter:

Consider the Tempurature

Contrary to popular belief, babies can (and should) get outside during the winter. Technically, babies can be outside with temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

You also have to consider the wind chill, sunlight, and other elements. If the temperature is -15 degrees Fahrenheit, your baby should not be outside for more than 15 minutes.

I, personally, feel comfortable going outside for a 20 – 30 minute walk in 20 degree Fahrenheit weather. So long as my baby is properly dressed in newborn winter clothes.

Dress in Layers

Dressing in layers is absolutely key to getting your baby outside in the winter. Each layer, as I will explain below, serves an important purpose.

The base layer should fit snug. Not too tight and not too loose. Then, as more layers are added, the fit can become more and more loose.

Merino Wool is Best

If you’re unfamiliar with merino wool, welcome to the pinnacle of clothing. Merino wool is a lightweight, breathable base layer. It regulates your baby’s temperature. And it’s naturally odor resistant.

We use Woolino’s Merino Wool in the winter to keep our baby warm and use it in the summer to keep our baby cool. As we get outside as often as possible throughout the year, it’s worth every penny.

Use a Neck Gaiter

Ditch the scarf. Scarves are finicky and can be unsafe for littles. Neck gaiters, on the other hand, are the most underrated winter accessory on the market. They’re easy, versatile, and cozy.

I recommend using an adult size. That way, it’s not tight when putting it over your child’s head. And it’s still able to keep him warm in the winter.

Heat Escapes Head and Feet

The best way to ensure your newborn is cozy and safe in winter is by covering her head and feet.

Really new newborns are working on temperature regulation, so it’s extra important to keep a brand new baby warm. Having a warm hat and merino wool socks are vital for dressing your baby in cold winter weather.

Newborn Winter Clothes: Everything You Need

Making sure your baby stay warm during the cold winter months is so important. Here is your list of all the newborn winter clothes you need:

1. Diapers

This seems pretty obvious, but we can’t forget diapers. Diapers will be your baby’s true base layer for the next two years!

2. Merino Wool Socks

Merino wool socks are a must-have for keeping your baby warm in the winter.

Because merino wool is moisture-wicking, merino wool socks are necessary to keep your baby’s feet from getting too hot or cold during the frigid winter months. I love these Woolino socks.

3. Merino Wool Base Layer

Next you want a base layer. This should be a breathable fabric that fits your baby snug. My favorite base layer is, you guessed it, merino wool.

We love Woolino’s Merino Wool. Both of our kids start in a merino wool base layer to stay warm and safe in the winter. This one also eliminates the need for socks because it has footies.

3. Fleece Pajamas

Next up is a fleece layer. Polar fleece doesn’t need to fit as snug as the merino wool base layer, but shouldn’t be too loose either. You want the fleece to hold baby’s warmth in the winter.

We use these fleece jammies and love them. Plus, I’m pretty sure there is nothing cuter than a newborn in fleece pajamas.

4. Jacket

In temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure your newborn winter outfit consists of a jacket.

We like the infant North Face Perrito because it’s not too bulky, which makes car rides and stroller rides far more enjoyable. It also has built in cuffs, to keep baby’s hands warm.

5. Bunting

If you’re going to play outside in temperatures lower than freezing, replace your baby’s jacket with a full winter bunting.

Look for features like insulated, wind-resistant, and complete closure. Complete closure means that the cuffs can be folded around baby’s hands and feet.

We love Columbia’s Powder Lite Bunting because it has all the necessary features to keep our baby comfortable and warm during winter walks.

6. Hat

Hats are one of the most important newborn winter accessories. And also one of the most pesky.

We found that the Carhartt kid hat is great. It somehow grows with our toddlers. She is now two-and-a-half and is still wearing her Carhartt beanie.

7. Neck Gaiter

As your baby grows, you’ll want to add a neck gaiter to his winter gear collection. Neck gaiters are so much easier the use than a scarf. They’re also more comfortable and safer.

You can get a merino wool neck gaiter like this. Or for more harsh winter climates, use a fleece neck gaiter like this.

Pro Tip: Get an adult size neck gaiter for your kids. They are easier to put on, still keep your baby warm, and cab be used for many years. Win-win-win!

8. Sunglasses

We tend to think of sunglasses as a summertime accessory, but sunglasses are actually necessary for the winter. We forget how bright it gets when the sun reflects off the snow, but it can be blinding.

We absolutely love our Babiators. They’re incredible durable. Despite being dropped, pulled, bent, and twisted, they have kept their shape.

Newborn Winter Clothes: Q&A

There are many questions about how to dress your baby in newborn winter clothes. Here are all the answers to your questions:

Why merino wool vs. regular wool?

Merino wool is more fine, which makes the fabric much softer and less itchy and more comfortable.

Does a newborn need a winter jacket?

Yes. Assume, if you’re wearing a jacket, your newborn should be too. Though, for safety, a newborn shouldn’t be wearing a jacket in the carseat.

Is there a temperature guided for newborn winter clothes?

Of course! The main difference is: In more mild conditions use a jacket. In more harsh conditions, switch the jack for a full bunting.

The Wrap Up: Newborn Winter Clothes

Your newborn should absolutely be getting outside in the winter. The best way to get her outside is by having warm and comfortable newborn winter clothes.

As the saying goes: There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.

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