For parents, dressing their baby can be a little overwhelming. There are many things to consider from sizing and type of clothing to weather and temperature. There are also specific considerations for infants who may have certain health conditions that require special care or equipment. One important aspect of this is the need to avoid overbundling or covering a newborn’s face as it can interfere with breathing.

With this in mind, we’ve created a helpful baby clothing layer guide to help you dress your baby properly. This two-page PDF can be downloaded right away and includes size guidance and tips on the types of clothes to use at different temperatures and seasons.

The first page of the clothing baby layer guide focuses on sizing and provides information about what to look for in your newborn’s clothing and how it fits. It also features a size chart to help you find the perfect outfit for your little bundle of joy.

Once your baby is born, the next section of this baby clothing layer guide is all about the right outfit for each season. This section begins with an overview of the basic needs for each temperature and then breaks down the specific clothing items that are recommended for each season. For example, in spring and summer, you should wear a lightweight cotton or breathable fabric on top of your baby’s bodysuit to keep them comfortable. This is in contrast to winter, when you’ll need a warmer and thicker fabric, such as fleece or flannel.

Using this baby clothing layer guide is a great way to get started, but remember that every baby is different and will require slightly different layers of clothing. Always check in with your baby to make sure that they aren’t too hot or cold. If they are overheated, remove a layer of clothing or use the air conditioning to cool down their room. If they are too cold, you can add a light sweater to their outfit or try a blanket swaddle or sleep sack.

Newborns are usually dressed in a gown, shirt, or onesie with a diaper and hat when they are in the hospital. While hats are adorable, they should be removed for sleeping as they can cause babies to lose heat from their heads and are not safe during sleep as per the AAP guidelines around SIDS.

When it’s warm outside, your newborn should be dressed in a long-sleeved bodysuit paired with pants or socks. If it’s raining, your baby should be dressed in waterproof pants and a raincoat or jacket made from soft fabrics that will protect them without adding extra warmth. For cold or snowy weather, your baby should be dressed in a pair of long-sleeved pants or leggings paired with a sweater or sweatshirt and boots or mittens. You may also want to add a hat to their outfit as well to protect their head and ears from the cold wind.