As the crisp air settles in, and the days get shorter, it’s time to prepare your little one for the cooler temperatures and change in seasons. Fall and winter temperatures can seem like a challenge, but with the right gear, you can ensure your baby stays cozy and comfy all season long. Use this fall and winter baby essentials checklist to create a complete collection of fall and winter baby essentialsbdor your little one. From clothing to cold weather gear, find everything you’ll need for baby in the colder months.
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Fall is a beautiful time of year (my favorite!), full of crisp air, cozy sweaters and extra snuggles, but it also brings the need for extra warmth and comfort for your baby. Whether you’re planning a cozy day indoors, a refreshing walk through the autumn leaves, or a fun day pumpkin picking, having the right fall essentials is key to keeping your baby comfortable, cozy, and happy. Here’s a list of must-have fall and winter baby essentials and cold weather gear to keep your little one happy, cozy and snug as a bug.
How Do I Know How to Dress My Baby in Fall or Winter?
Don’t know how many layers is too many layers? The rule of thumb is to dress your baby in only one more layer than you. A onesie counts as a layer, so does a blanket. So, if you are comfortable and warm in a just long sleeve shirt and pants, this means your baby only needs 1 more layer than that. Putting a onesie underneath the ling sleeve shirt and pants is perfect. You want to keep your baby warm without overheating.
Layering Clothes Examples
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so layering is essential. Start with a soft, breathable onesie as a base layer. Cotton or bamboo fabric is ideal for its gentle touch on your baby’s sensitive skin. You’ll need long sleeve onesies and short sleeve onesies.
Add a cozy long-sleeved shirt, a lightweight sweaterand pants, or a long sleeve sleep and play over the onesie. If going outside, finish with a zip-up hoodie or a fleece jacket to keep your baby warm during cooler mornings and evenings. Layering allows you to adjust your baby’s clothing as the temperature changes throughout the day.
Must Have Fall and Winter Baby Essentials
Cold Weather Clothing:
1. Long Sleeve and short sleeve onesies
Onesies are absolutely essential for babies! Long sleeve onesies and short sleeve onesies allow you to add an extra layer of warmth to your baby without any bulkiness.
2. Warm Hats
A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head so warm cozy hats are a must have! Opt for a snug, yet comfortable hat that covers your baby’s ears. Wool or cotton hats are great choices depending on the climate where you live.
3. Fleece Booties
Soft or fleece booties will keep your baby’s feet warm and cozy, especially if they’re not yet wearing shoes. Look for booties with velcro openings if your baby has a wide or chubby foot like my little one.
4. Baby socks
Keep baby’s feet warm with soft breathable baby socks like these that actually stay on little feet! Did you know you can also use baby socks as mittens? They actually stay on much better in my opinion. Never let a baby sleep with mittens or socks on their hands though as they can be a choking and suffocation hazard. Pajamas with fold over mitten cuffs are the way to go for safe nights.
5. Leggings and Joggers
Keep baby warm and cozy with soft baby leggings like these gender neutral thermal cozy leggings and comfortable joggers or baby sweatpants like these that are great for chubby thighs! Also check out this amazing, gender neutral baby outfit essentials set! It comes with 5 pairs of gender neutral baby leggings with matching onesies, mittens, and hats!
6. Sweaters and Cardigans
A cozy cable knit sweater, snuggly sweatshirt, cute, warm vest, or soft cardigan are cold weather staples. These clothing items are an easy way to add an extra layer of warmth to any baby outfit. Throw one in the diaper bag to always have one on hand.
Sleepwear and Sleepy Essentials:
7. Swaddles
As the nights get chillier, ensuring your baby is warm and comfortable during sleep is a priority. Swaddles are an acceptable option for comfort and warmth. Swaddle blankets made of breathable material like muslin or cotton fleece can keep your baby snug without overheating.
Be mindful not to wrap your baby too tight while swaddling them, and when they show signs of rolling over, stop swaddling your baby! Also according to the AAP, you should never use a weighted swaddle or weighted sleep sack because they can place too much pressure on your baby’s lungs and chest.
8. Sleep Sacks
For older babies, sleep sacks are a safe alternative to blankets, providing warmth without the risk of suffocation. Look for sleep sacks with adjustable sizes so they can grow with your baby throughout the season. Sleep sacks where baby’s arms and legs can move freely are great options too. Remember, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is unsafe for a baby under 12 months to sleep with a blanket.
9. Long sleeve Footie pajamas:
Long sleeve footie pajamas and sleep and plays are an absolute must have! Choose soft materials like cotton pjs and bamboo footie pajamas like my favorite ones with fold over mitten cuffs! Fleece footie pajamas are also excellent for keeping your baby warm and cozy during cold winter months.
Pro tip: Save your sanity and only choose pajamas with zippers instead of snaps. The last thing you want to do is be dealing with all those snaps with a crying baby during a middle of the night diaper change. Also Look for pjs with double zippers (these make diaper changes so easy!) and fold over mitten cuffs.
Fall and Winter Baby Essentials Outerwear:
10. Fall jacket and hoodie
Good options for fall jackets are ones like this unisex fleece zip-up and sherpa jackets and Joggers set like this one. This adorable, comfortable hoodie with bear ears is also a great choice! Denim jackets are also adorable but not essential.
11. Baby Mittens
Keep baby’s hands warm and toasty with a pair of cozy baby mittens. Alternatively if you don’t have mittens use a pair of baby socks to protect your baby’s hands from the cold. Don’t let baby sleep with mittens on as they can be a choking and suffocation hazard. Opt for pajamas with fold over mitten cuffs instead.
12. Baby Bear Suit
The baby bear suit is my number one cold weather recommendation! If there’s anything you need its this adorable footie bear suit with fold over mitten cuffs, or choose the mitten less and footless option. (Footless ones are great for long babies or for extended use). Its so easy to throw on over clothes and keeps baby warm and cozy. They also look so stinking cute in it! This is the easiest, cutest, coziest fall and winter item for your baby.
13. Baby snowsuit
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow (like me!) then a snowsuit is a must-have! Look for waterproof and windproof materials like this adorable hooded snowsuit with mittens to keep your baby dry and protected from the cold while exploring their snowy environment.
14. Winter Coat
A winter coat is essential for bringing baby out to play in the cold winter months. Choose waterproof coats and fleece lined winter coats like this one to keep baby warm and dry. Remember to never put your baby in the car seat while wearing a winter coat as it poses a huge safety risk!
15. Snow Boots
If your baby is walking you’ll definitely need a pair of good snow boots. Look for boots that are water-resistant, warm, and have treads on the soles so baby doesn’t slip while playing outside.
Cold Weather Baby Gear:
16. Car seat cover:
A cozy car seat cover is a must have! This skip hop car seat cover is absolutely amazing; we used it sll the time! It keeps baby warm and cozy without adding any bulky layers. Remember to never put your baby in the car seat with a coat on or bulky and puffy outerwear as it is a huge safety risk!
17. Cozy Stroller Blanket
For stroller rides through the park or neighborhood, a cozy blanket is a must. Choose one that is thick enough to provide warmth but breathable to avoid overheating. Fleece or sherpa-lined blankets are excellent choices for fall. Keep one in your stroller at all times so you’re always prepared for a quick stroll, even when the weather turns chilly.
18. Baby Bunting Bag or Stroller Muff
For extremely cold days consider using a baby bunting bag for the stroller (not to sleep!) or a cozy universal size stroller muff. These essentially cocoon your baby to keep them protected from the cold and keep baby warm and snug from head to toe.
Baby Wearing Essentials:
19. Baby Carrier Cover
If you enjoy babywearing like me, a carrier cover is a great option. These covers fit over your baby carrier, providing an extra layer of warmth and snuggliness.
20. Baby wearing coat
This is a must have if you love baby wearing and using a baby carrier! I loved my baby carrier winter coat ! Bonus, it doubles as a maternity coat AND the inner panel is removable so you can even wear it as acregular size coat! It was such an easy and safe way to keep both me and my baby warm while still being able to baby wear.
21. Baby wearing Hoodie
Yes Just yes. If you enjoy baby wearing than this is a must! A baby wearing hoodie or sweatshirt is so snug and cozy and allows you to continue to safely baby wear even when it gets cooler out. Check out LatchedMama com for even more adorable baby wearing and breastfeeding friendly options! Bonus, they also carry plus sizes.
Health and Safety Fall and Winter Baby Essentials
22. Moisturizing Baby Cream
The cooler, drier air of fall can take a toll on your baby’s sensitive skin. To prevent dryness and irritation, stock up on gentle, moisturizing baby creams. Opt for thicker creams like this nighttime baby excezma cream. It works great for my baby’s sensitive skin!
23. Universal Stroller Cover
A lightweight stroller cover is perfect for keeping your baby dry and keeps2then from being exposed to the elements. This is great for damp or drizzly autmun days and snowflake flurries.
24. Infant Acetaminophen
You’ll definitely want to have infant acetaminophen or infant Tylenol on hand in the colder months because this is often cold and flu season. We like this infant acetaminophen because it’s dye free and organic! We’ve also used Tylenol brand and Up and Up, just make sure they’re dye free.
25. Saline and Boogie Wipes
With the wind and cold comes extra boogers. Baby saline drops or a saline mist inhaler is a must have for keeping baby’s moist so you can get rid of boogies. Use unscented boogie wipes to wipe your baby’s nose. They’re soft and have saline so your baby’s delicate skin will be protected. They’re also super easy to throw in your purse or diaper bag.
Check out my post on RSV recovery for more infant health info and my cold and flu baby product recommendations here!
26. Snot Sucker
Yup you need one. Keeping baby’s nose and air passages mucus free is absolutely essential! And with colder months comes cold and flu season. This Baby Frida Snot Sucker is the best you’ll find and a must have in my book!
27. Cool Mist Humidifier
A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, especially in dry climates. Since colder weather also usually coincides with cold and flu season, you’ll want to have a cool mist humidifier readily available to help ease cough and congestion. We use this one because it works great, is quiet, has a nightlight, and you can use it as a diffuser too!
28. Thermometer
Cold weather is also the time for cold and flu season. Keep a forehead thermometer on hand as well as a traditional thermometer like this 3 in 1 infant thermometer to help monitor baby’s temperature in case of illness. We have both and they are easy to use.
Optional Extras:
29. Jeep Wagon Stroller
Ok so this one is not a necessity or essential to have but it is so great to have. The jeep wagon stroller is so perfect for apple picking and pumpkin picking! I absolutely love it and we use ours all the time. It’s also perfect for fall and winter festivals, going trick or treating, and taking a nighttime stroll in your neighborhood to look at Christmas lights.
30. Fall and Winter Themed Onesies and Outfits
Fall is the perfect time to have some fun with your baby’s wardrobe. Look for adorable fall-themed onesies or winter-themed onesies and outfits featuring pumpkins, leaves, snowmen, or woodland and arctic animals. Halloween pajamas, Harry potter sweaters, pumpkin patch apparel, and cute Christmas pajamas are also adorable add ons. Not only are they cute, but they also make for great photo opportunities during pumpkin patch visits, Santa photos, or family outings.
31. Baby Carriers and Baby Wearing Wraps
I loved baby wearing and so did my baby! Using a structured baby carrier like this one, or baby wearing wrap like my favorite one here, is a great way to get your hands free while still bonding with baby. And here’s something you may not know; Baby wearing also helps with baby gas! If you have a gassy or fussy baby try baby wearing while walking around. It worked for my little one and he was soooo gassy.
[Another AMAZING option that I LOVE and still use with my toddler is this hip carrier. It’s not necessarily for cold weather but It’s a baby and toddler item that I use literally everyday! Check it out on Amazon OR here on the company’s website and get 15% off through this link!
32. Wipe Warmer
Keep your little one’s tushie clean and warm with this gentle wipe warmer. While not a necessity, it really helped my newborn during diaper changes! This one also doubles as a nightlight with a gentle glow making nighttime diaper changes much easier. Bonus, it comes with resuable changing pad liners!
33. Reclining Swivel Glider
Winter can mean more time indoors so what better way to cuddle up with your baby than in a comfy reclining glider together. Feed and rock your baby comfortably in this convenient glider that comes equipped with lumbar support and built in USB port to make those lat night feedings a breeze!
(NEVER fall asleep with your baby in a recliner, glider, or armchair! This poses a serious safety risk to your baby.)
Cold Weather Baby Safety Tips
- Layering clothing is essential! This allows you to adjust your baby’s clothing as needed throughout the day with Autumn’s ever changing temperatures.
- Dress your baby in just slightly warmer clothes than yourself. The rule of thumb is dress baby in just 1 more layer than you. You want your baby to be warm but NOT so warm that they overheat.
- Make sure baby is wearing a hat outdoors that covers their ears to protect the from the wind. Choose a soft, breathable material like cotton or wool.
- Protect your baby’s skin from getting chapped and red in the cold by using a thick moisturizing cream. Choose one that is fragrance free and baby safe like this one.
- Baby carriers and baby wearing wraps are a great way to keep your baby warm and close to you. They also free up your hands so you can do you holiday baking while keeping baby comforted.
- If your baby refuses to be swaddled and hates a sleep sack it’s OK! Layering a onesie under a long sleeve footie pajama is perfectly fine. My baby hated both swaddles and most sleep sacks and was always warm enough with a onesie layered under his pajama. For super extra cold nights you can layer a long or short sleeve onesie under a fleece footie pajama depending on the temperature in your home.
- NEVER let your baby sleep with a hat or hood on! Hats and hoods while sleeping can be major suffocation risks. So while those swaddles and footie pajamas with hoods and animal ears are adorable, only let baby wear them while they are awake and supervised.
- Every baby is different, so it’s essential to adjust your layering of clothes based on your baby’s comfort level. Check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of their neck or chest to ensure they are not too hot or too cold. (Checking a baby’s hands and feet are not a good way to see if they’re feeling cold because they naturally feel cooler, especially with newborns.)
How Cold is Tool Cold To Take My Baby Outside?
If you’re a new or first time parent you may be wondering when it’s too cood to bring your baby outdoors. How cold is too cold for my baby outside?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) less than -15 degrees farenheight is too cold for your baby to be outside. However, according to many other sources, a feels like temperature of 20 and below degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for your baby. When I was teaching Pre-K we never took the children outside to play with a feels like temperature of 20 degrees farenheight or below.
Here’s a guide I use:
-15°F and below: Avoid taking baby outside because exposed skin can freeze within minutes.
20°F and below: Recommend to avoid taking baby outside with a feels like temperature below 20°F. If you must then limit outdoor exposure to 15 minutes or less.
20–31°F: Take indoor breaks every 20–30 minutes.
32°F and above: Generally safe to be outside with a feels like temperature 32°F or higher.
Signs Your Baby May be Feeling too Cold
- Fussiness
- Red nose or red skin
- Chest or back of neck feel cold to the touch
- Runny nose
- Blue lips
Cold Weather Car Seat Safety Tips
When transporting your baby in the car during the colder months, remember to remove their winter coat and any bulky outerwear before placing them in the car seat! Thick or puffy coats can interfere with the proper fit of the car seat harness. This puts your baby at risk and in danger. Here’s what to do instead.
- Dress your baby in layers and a hat, and wrap them in a blanket to bring them out to the car. Once they’re safely in their car seat, place a blanket over baby’s lap to keep them warm while In the car.
- If you use a travel car seat system (one that has a handle and clicks into a stroller) put the baby in the carseat while in the house. Then, put on the carseat cover and just click the carseat into the base and adjust the cover as needed.
- Remove baby’s hat once they’re in their car seat to prevent overheating.
- Always make sure your baby is properly secured in their car seat before driving. Your baby should be rear facing and the top of the harness should be by their armpits and snug. Use the 2 finger test: If you can’t slide two fingers under the straps then its too tight. If you can fit more than two fingers then It’s too loose.
Fall and Winter Baby Essentials Final Thoughts
Don’t let the cold stop you from going outdoors with your baby! Fall and winter are magical times for creating the best memories with your little one, and being prepared with the right fall and winter baby essentials ensures that your baby stays warm, comfortable, and happy throughout the cold weather months. From layered clothing to cozy blankets and moisturizing skincare, these fall and winter baby essentials will help you and your baby enjoy all the leaf piles and snowflake catching while staying safe and comfortable. By following these cold weather tips and using this up fall and winter baby essentials checklist, you can ensure your baby stays cozy and comfortable all fall and winter long. Don’t forget to take tons of pictures to capture every adorable memory!
For more baby essentials check out my ultimate baby registry checklist that has everything you need and nothing you don’t, with a free checklist printable!
