Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season to dress your baby. Mornings get crisper, temperatures can still be pleasant during the day, and before you know it, it suddenly gets much colder.
But what exactly should you dress your baby in?
The answer often isn't one thick layer, but rather multiple soft layers that you can easily adjust. This way, you can respond to the temperature and ensure your baby stays comfortable, both indoors and outdoors.
Why layers are so handy
Autumn temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit throughout a single day. A chilly morning can turn into a warm afternoon, and as soon as the sun disappears, it quickly cools down again.
By working with layers, you don't have to immediately put a thick sweater or coat on your baby. You can easily add or remove a layer.
A good basic set consists of:
1. A soft romper
The romper forms the first layer and sits directly on the skin. Therefore, preferably choose a soft, breathable fabric that feels comfortable, such as bamboo or cotton.
2. A shirt or thin sweater
When it gets a bit cooler, you can add a second layer. A finely knitted sweater or shirt provides extra warmth without immediately dressing your baby in heavy clothing.
3. A cardigan or jacket
For outdoors, you can then add an extra layer. The advantage of a cardigan is that you can easily open it when it gets warmer.
4. An extra layer for on the go
In the stroller or baby carrier, your baby might feel different than when you are walking together. A soft blanket that you can use during a walk can then be pleasant.
Don't just think about the temperature
When dressing your baby, not only the outside temperature is important. Wind, sun, humidity, and your baby's activity also play a role.
A baby lying still in the stroller, for example, has different needs than a baby who is actively moving.
Indoors, temperatures can also vary. A living room feels different from a cool bedroom.
Therefore, it is often better not to blindly stick to a certain number of layers, but to regularly check if your baby is comfortable.
How do you know if your baby is warm enough?
Your baby's hands and feet can feel quite cold without your baby actually being cold.
A better way to check this is to feel the back of their neck with the top of your fingers. A neck that feels lukewarm is generally a good indication that your baby is comfortable. A sweaty or very warm neck, on the other hand, can mean that your baby is dressed too warmly.
The power of a good base layer
Especially in autumn, a good base layer is important.
A romper is ideal as a first layer because it sits close to the body and at the same time keeps the rest of the outfit comfortable. Choose a material that is soft and breathable and remains pleasant when your baby moves a lot.
It should be a layer in which your baby can move freely, softly, and comfortably.
That's why, when it comes to our materials, we don't just look at how something looks, but especially at how it feels on the skin and how it performs during daily wear.
Merino wool: a fine layer for autumn
Merino wool can be a particularly beautiful addition to your baby's wardrobe in autumn.
The fine wool fibers feel soft, and merino wool is known for its natural temperature and moisture-regulating properties. This means it can help retain warmth when it gets colder, while remaining breathable at the same time.
A thin merino wool layer can therefore be beautifully combined with a romper underneath, for example.
Want to know more about merino wool?
Autumn clothing is not about being as thick as possible, but about smart combinations.
Layers in the stroller
A walk in autumn often requires a little more attention.
When your baby is lying still in the stroller, they move less than you do. As a result, your child can cool down faster.
Therefore, work with different layers here too, instead of one extremely thick layer. During a longer walk, occasionally check their neck and adjust clothing when the temperature changes.
An extra soft layer or blanket can be pleasant on the go, but make sure your baby doesn't get too warm.
And what about sleeping?
Sleeping requires different considerations than a walk or a day at home.
A bedroom temperature of approximately 16–18°C (61–64°F) is considered suitable by VeiligheidNL. To determine if your baby is comfortable, you can again feel their neck. The TOG value of clothing and sleeping bag can also help to compare the warmth of different layers.
For young babies, a well-fitting baby sleeping bag is the safest choice. VeiligheidNL also advises an empty crib and discourages a duvet for children under 2 years old.
A woolen blanket can therefore be wonderful for cuddle moments, on the go, or under supervision, but loose bedding in the baby's crib requires extra attention for safe sleep.
A simple autumn rule
Unsure about what to dress your baby in?
Start with a comfortable base and add a layer if necessary.
Romper → shirt or thin sweater → cardigan → extra layer for outdoors.
This way, you can easily adjust throughout the day without having to immediately bundle your baby in a thick outfit.
And perhaps that is the most important idea behind dressing well in autumn:
not more, but smarter.
Soft materials, breathable layers, and clothing that you can easily adapt to the moment.
Soft through every season
At Lumae, we believe that baby clothes should be comfortable, conscious, and simple. That's why we look for materials and designs that suit daily life with a baby — from the first crisp autumn morning to a peaceful afternoon walk.
Layer by layer. Soft for soft. Made with care for the little ones.