Those expecting a baby in winter face different challenges than parents of a summer baby. The first strolls in the fresh air, the step from the warm apartment into the frosty day, the question "how many layers are enough?" – all of this shapes the initial equipment. In this article, you'll get a complete checklist for your winter baby's layette, sorted by clothing categories, with specific quantities and tips on materials that really keep warm.
What matters for a winter layette
Babies cannot regulate their body temperature themselves during the first months of life. They cool down faster than adults and overheat just as easily if dressed too warmly. The art of the winter layette lies in using the right layering principle and choosing naturally temperature-regulating materials.
Three basic principles help with selection:
- Layers instead of thick individual pieces: Several thin layers keep you warmer than one thick one and can be flexibly adapted to the situation.
- Prefer natural materials: Merino wool and boiled wool naturally regulate temperature and moisture – in contrast to synthetics.
- Buy a little less: Babies grow incredibly fast. A compact, high-quality layette is more sustainable than a full wardrobe.
The Checklist: Winter Baby Layette
The following quantities refer to the first two to three months. In terms of size, winter babies usually start in 50/56, some directly in 56/62. It's better to plan for something a little larger – items that are too small often only fit for a few weeks.
Base layer: directly on the body
- 6–8 bodysuits (long-sleeved): For winter babies, ideally with an envelope neck, so you can pull them over the head without hyperextending the baby.
- 4–6 rompers or pajamas: With feet, they are ideal in winter because the leg is not exposed.
- 3–5 pairs of socks: Even in rompers with feet, the legs can sometimes ride up – warm socks are worth their weight in gold.
A good tip: Choose at least half of the bodysuits made of merino wool. They are soft, skin-friendly, and keep the baby evenly warm – even when sweating. Synthetic bodysuits, on the other hand, can quickly cool down once they get damp.
Middle layer: warmth
- 2–3 sweaters or wrap jackets (Schlüttli): A merino wool wrap jacket is particularly easy to put on and provides a perfect second layer.
- 2 warm pants: Fine-knit merino wool pants with a high waistband keep the baby's tummy and legs warm.
- 1 knitted overall or wool suit: For particularly cold days or as a warming inner overall under boiled wool.
Outer layer: for outdoors
- 1 boiled wool overall: The centerpiece of the winter layette. Boiled wool reliably warms, is breathable, and wind- and water-resistant. A good boiled wool overall accompanies the baby all winter long.
- 1 boiled wool sleeping bag with legs: Ideal for the car seat, stroller, or as additional protection during cold walks.
- 1 thicker hooded hat and 1 thinner undercap: Even indoors, newborns often wear a thin hat for the first few days; outdoors, a warmer hat goes over it.
- 1 pair of warm gloves or mittens: For very small babies, the long sleeves of the boiled wool overall are often sufficient; from the third month, mittens become more important.