How to layer your baby’s clothes

Winter is coming!

As the seasons change and we go from hot to warm to chilly to cold – often throughout the course of the day – babies and toddlers benefit from a few layers of clothing that can be added or removed with ease.

The warmer months are generally easier for parents because warm temperatures mean fewer pieces of clothing, which means less laundry…

And while the temperature can skyrocket in the middle of the day, dressing your little one so they are warm enough for the start and end of the day can be a challenge – and good old parent guilt can kick in if you’ve sent them to daycare in the ‘wrong’ clothes.

So how do you keep your little one warm or cool as ‘four seasons’ in one day play out? How can you tell if your baby or toddler is hot or cold? And as they ‘grow like weeds’, what are the best quality, inexpensive pieces of clothing to layer?

How many layers does a baby need?

The general rule of thumb for babies and toddlers is the same number of layers that you are wearing, plus one. This doesn’t work all the time, of course; you might be someone who feels the cold, or someone who runs warm.

Babies will likely ‘tell’ you if they are too hot or too cold by crying, and toddlers will seek your body warmth or other things to snuggle up to if they are chilly. Once they can tell you – winning!

Hands and feet can feel cold to the touch, simply because they are at the ‘end’ of the body. Rather than checking your child’s hands or feet to see if they are cold, putting the back of your hand or fingers against their chest or torso will give you a clearer idea.

It goes without saying that toddlers are a lot more active than babies, and once they are walking, they’ll create their own body heat as move around. They often rush around seemingly unaware of the changes in temperature, so adding or removing a layer becomes something parents have to do throughout the day.

Layers, from the inside out

In cooler or changeable weather, always start with a bodysuit or short onesie for your baby or toddler. These items of clothing are simple yet genius as you can easily strip your child down to just a onesie if they get too hot in the middle of the day.

A thin skivvy might be enough on top of the bodysuit, and you can pair this with leggings and pop a jumper over the top for an extra warm layer.

The great thing about layering up is that several, easy to wear layers, can be removed or put on throughout the day with little drama for you or your bub.

The best layers to buy for your baby or toddler

Choosing from the new Best & Less range, which starts at just $5, you can buy good quality, affordable clothing that’s made with baby and you in mind! Cotton-rich, neutral, on-trend colourways that have sweet little details that make all the difference!

Here are a few examples of the terrific pieces of clothing from the range that are just perfect for your baby or toddler’s wardrobe, and they practically beg to be layered.

The bodysuit – the iconic foundation!

You can’t go past these comfy Best & Less bodysuits made from 100% cotton. They are super soft and gentle on your little one’s skin and for just $5, these little beauties are the foundation for your child’s layers. In sizes 00000 to 18/24 months, Best & Less bodysuits have been designed with snaps at the gusset for easy nappy changes. The envelope-style open neck not only makes it easy to dress baby but also means their delicate skin won’t be irritated by tight or restrictive seams. Available in a wide range of colours and prints, you are sure to find a style for you.

Leggings for the win

What did we do before leggings? For $5 – the price of a takeaway coffee – Best & Less Stretch Cotton Rib Leggings come in six neutral tones that make mixing and matching your tot’s wardrobe a breeze. The stretch cotton makes them easy to put on and pull off if it gets too warm, making them a must-have addition for bub’s seasonal wardrobe.

Pick a jumper (and make it cute)

Short sleeves aren’t going to cut it all through the day while they weather is up and down, so adding a 100% cotton knitted jumper to layer up is a smart move. This adorable jumper has been thoughtfully designed with buttons at the back so it’s easy to pop on and off without hurting anyone’s ears! Plus, the ribbed waist and cuffs stop it from riding up and letting the cold air in. For $16 you can choose from four on-trend colours.

The ‘plus one’ layer

So, you’re dressed and ready to go but your little one needs that one extra layer… A steal at $16 , and as snuggly as can be, the 100% cotton knit cardi can be buttoned up for extra warmth, left open for a cooler fit and is handy to keep in your nappy/day bag for chillier times. This Best & Less cardi is available in two colours and also looks adorable worn over the bodysuit.

Now you’re all set for the day in an inexpensive, adorable quality outfit that has those thoughtful touches that makes all the difference. You just need to add a hat for windswept walks and away you go, taking off or putting on what you need, when you need it.

Brought to you by Best & Less