As the frost thaws and the days become longer and brighter, many of us begin to pack away our winter coats and opt for brighter colours to reflect the welcome arrival of Spring - and your baby is no exception. Every parent wants to ensure their precious little one is wrapped up in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes all year round. Spring is notorious for being somewhat unpredictable regarding temperature and weather conditions, making smart daily outfit choices for your little one all the more important. In light of the changing of the seasons, here are some must-have items for your baby’s spring wardrobe.
The residual winter chill of March means layering is still the key to protecting your baby from the cold. Onesies are excellent base layers, effective in keeping your little one warm and comfortable. Furthermore, onesies deny nappy access for curious little hands. You may still favour a thicker, long-sleeved onesie while temperatures are still low, swapping to short-sleeved alternatives as the season progresses.
Spring mornings can be profoundly chilly, and it’s not uncommon to awaken to discover a thin layer of frost, despite how pleasant the midday temperatures can be. The beauty of layering multiple thin layers is you can remove them throughout the day to avoid overheating, which can be highly dangerous for your baby. Instead of thick, winter-appropriate sweaters and coats, dress your little one in layers of light hoodies and long-sleeved shirts to keep them at a comfortable temperature.
A pair of dungarees is a cute way to add an extra layer to your baby’s outfit. In winter, thick denim dungarees layered over a sweatshirt may be suitable for the frosty weather; you can dress your little one similarly in Spring by opting for a pair of lightweight, cotton dungarees layered over a t-shirt. While dungarees look adorable, they can be decidedly inconvenient for nappy changes; however, you can purchase dungarees with press stud fastenings on the legs for convenient changing.
While your baby may not require a woolly winter hat once Spring rolls around, you may want to dress them in a lightweight cotton beanie to keep their temperature regulated on chilly mornings. UV rays are stronger during the spring and summer months, making a selection of weather-appropriate baby hats necessary for protecting your baby’s delicate skin. Ensure your choice of sun hat features a wide brim to shield their face and neck.
Spring is renowned as the UK’s rainy season, which would be all well and good, provided the weather forecast was accurate. Planning a fun day in the sun with your little one can be quickly ruined by the unexpected onset of heavy rain. Keep your baby warm and dry in harsh conditions by carrying a lightweight waterproof jacket or all-in-one suit whenever you venture outdoors.
Along with a waterproof coat or suit, once your little one begins to walk, they’ll want to jump in all manner of muddy puddles. While jumping in puddles can result in a damp, unhappy baby, it can help develop leg strength and balance, so make sure they are dressed appropriately for wet weather. Little walkers will love a pair of wellies or waterproof booties so they can splash around to their heart’s content.
Helping your baby to regulate their temperature at night is vital. While most babies are perfectly fine wearing a simple cotton sleepsuit, you may wish to add a 3.5 tog sleeping bag during the colder months. During Spring, it is advisable to switch to a sleeping bag with a lower tog rating - 2.5 for a comfortable room temperature and as low as 0.2 during the late Spring months.
When selecting clothes and bedsheets for your little one, it is crucial to consider the fabric their garments are made from. The ideal material for baby clothes is organic cotton due to its feather-soft, hypoallergenic, breathable and anti-moisture-wicking qualities. You may also find high-quality baby products made from bamboo fibre. However, organic, sustainably-grown cotton is often the preferred choice for young, delicate skin and is less likely to exacerbate conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.