21 Newborn Winter Essentials Every Parent Will Actually Use
21 Newborn Winter Essentials Every Parent Will Actually Use
Cozy, practical baby essentials that make winter with a newborn easier
Sep 17, 2024
Are you a new parent preparing for your baby’s first winter? Or expecting a winter baby and wondering what you’ll actually need? You’re in the right place.
Below, we’re sharing our top newborn winter essentials to help you keep your baby warm, comfortable, and safe (but not too warm!) during the colder months.
Winter Baby Essentials Checklist
There are some baby items you’ll need no matter when your little one arrives. But babies born in winter have slightly different needs than summer babies.
In warmer months, parents are often focused on keeping newborns cool. In winter, it’s all about managing layers so your baby can handle cold temperatures, wind, and even snow, without overheating.
Read on for our complete list of newborn winter essentials, covering clothing, sleep, and everyday gear.
And as you go, don’t forget to create a baby registry on Moonsift so you can save all your favorite items in one easy-to-manage place, from any store, not just one retailer.
Newborn Winter Essentials: Clothing
Wondering what a newborn should wear in winter? A helpful rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing.
Look for clothing that’s soft, breathable, and easy to put on and take off. Not only will this keep your baby comfortable, it’ll make frequent outfit and diaper changes much easier for you.
Here’s what most newborns need during the colder months.
1. Sleepsuits
Cotton sleepsuits are a winter essential. They’re warm, breathable, and gentle on a newborn’s sensitive skin.
Choose styles with nickel-free snaps to avoid irritation and make diaper changes easier.
We recommend having at least six sleepsuits on hand, though 10–12 is even better (a mix of newborn and 0–3 months). Babies grow quickly, and extra outfits are a lifesaver when accidents happen.
2. Bodysuits
Bodysuits (or vests) are also important for a winter newborn.
Remember how we said that your baby should normally wear one layer more than you? Slipping a bodysuit on them beneath their sleepsuit is the perfect way to achieve this.
Invest in a mix of long-sleeved and short-sleeved bodysuits for a winter baby. While short-sleeved bodysuits are good for layering throughout the year, a long-sleeved bodysuit will be your best friend in very cold weather.
Like with sleepsuits, we recommend getting six in newborn size and six in 0-3 months to make sure you’re covered.
3. Sweaters or Cardigans
Lightweight sweaters or cardigans are ideal for layering in winter.
They’re especially useful for short outings or car rides, where bulky outerwear like snowsuits isn’t safe.
Look for breathable materials such as cotton or wool, and plan on having two lightweight options ready.
4. Hat
A hat is a newborn essential at any time of year.
It’s probably the first thing they’ll pop on your baby in hospital. For this, a breathable cotton hat is perfect.
However, if you’re expecting a winter baby, it might be a good idea to get your hands on a warmer, knitted hat too. This way, you can keep your newborn’s head nice and toasty when you take them outside for frosty winter walks.
5. Mittens
Lots of parents use scratch mittens to stop their babies from hurting themselves. After all, babies have surprisingly sharp nails!
But winter babies could probably do with a thicker pair of outdoor mittens too.
This way, you can stop their little hands from getting uncomfortable in chilly weather. Just make sure to invest in close-knitted patterns so that your baby’s fingers don’t get caught.
6. Booties
Your baby won’t need shoes for a little while. But you’ll still want to make sure their feet are warm and snug when you’re out and about in cold weather.
Booties are the answer!
Just pop them over the integrated feet of your baby’s sleepsuit, or over their socks if they’re in an outfit, to keep those adorable toes comfortable.
7. Snowsuit or Stroller Suit
A stroller suit (sometimes called a snowsuit) acts like a coat for your baby when outdoors.
These are great for walks in cold weather, but they should never be worn in a car seat. Padded clothing can interfere with the harness and reduce safety.
Always remove the stroller suit before buckling your baby into a car seat, and take it off once you’re back indoors to prevent overheating.
8. Blanket
If you haven’t already gathered, dressing a baby in the winter is all about layers.
With that in mind, a light cellular blanket is arguably the most versatile item you’ll own.
Wrap it round your baby as an extra layer, drape it over the two of you while you’re doing skin to skin or place it over their lap during chilly car rides (remember, your baby mustn’t wear bulky layers like stroller suits in the car).
It’ll also be vital for keeping your newborn warm while they’re sleeping – although once they’re big enough, they can progress into a sleeping bag. Which brings us onto…
Winter newborn must haves: bedtime
Temperatures drop at night, so you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to keep your baby comfortable despite the frost forming on the ground outside.
Let’s be honest, this will also give you the best chance of a few hours’ sleep (fingers crossed!).
Here’s what you’ll need.
9. Sleeping bags
Once your baby is big enough, you might choose to progress from a blanket to a sleeping bag to keep your baby warm at night.
Choose a tog rating based on your room temperature. As a general guide, a 2.5 tog sleeping bag is often suitable for rooms between 16–20°C (61–68°F).
But always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and your room temperature to make sure you’re selecting the right tog.
10. Sheets and Mattress Protectors
What your baby sleeps on matters just as much as what they sleep in.
Breathable sheets and a mattress protector help regulate temperature and protect against leaks.
Avoid loose bedding, pillows, or crib bumpers, as these can pose safety risks.
11. Baby Room Thermometer
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is generally between 16–20°C (61–68°F).
A digital room thermometer can help you keep track and adjust layers, heating, or ventilation as needed.
12. Baby Monitor
Babies are recommended to sleep in the same room as their parents for the first several months. When you do transition to a separate room, a baby monitor is essential.
Some monitors also track room temperature, a helpful feature during winter when heating can fluctuate.
You can save and compare monitors like these on Moonsift until you’re ready to buy.
13. Hooded Baby Towel
After getting out of the bath, your newborn can quickly get cold.
Although you can technically use any towel to dry them, a hooded towel is the most practical – especially during winter.
This way, you can quickly wrap them up warm and cover their head, to get them cozy and dry in no time.
Make sure to buy a few as you’ll probably get through them quickly!
14. Bath Thermometer
The temperature of your baby’s bathwater could drop quickly during the winter months.
That’s why investing in a bath thermometer could be a good idea.
When you know that the temperature is comfortable and safe, bathtime will be much more enjoyable for both you and baby.
Head over to our selection of newborn bath essentials for more bathtime must-haves for any time of year.
Winter Essentials for Baby: Everyday Gear
Whether you’re out and about or huddled indoors, there are a few more must-haves that will tide you over during the colder months.
Here’s the lowdown.
15. Humidifier
If you’ve constantly got the heating on during those winter months, you might find that your home gets quite dry.
In this case, a humidifier can be a godsend.
A humidifier will help to soothe any dry skin or airways. Plus, it will create white noise, which could even help your little one to drift off to sleep!
16. Baby Moisturizer
In a similar vein, if you’re out and about in very cold weather, your newborn’s delicate skin could easily become chapped or irritated.
That’s why it’s helpful to keep a soothing moisturizer to hand for your winter baby.
Just make sure that you choose one that’s suitable to be used on a baby’s delicate skin – the best moisturizers will be mild, gentle and safe.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy one especially for babies. But doing so could give you peace of mind that it’s designed with your baby’s sensitive skin in mind.
17. In-ear Thermometer
It’s almost impossible to get through the winter months without succumbing to colds and illnesses. Especially if you’re planning to send your little one to nursery!
An in-ear thermometer will become your go-to during cold and flu season, allowing you to easily check your baby’s temperature so that you can keep it within a safe range.
Which brings us onto…
18. Cold and Flu Essentials
When those sick days inevitably roll around, you’ll be a lot less stressed if you already have some remedies up your sleeve.
Calpol is a must for keeping temperatures down (just make sure you check the age range and follow the guidance on the packaging).
Many parents also swear by nasal aspirators (more affectionately known as snotsuckers), which can help you keep your little one’s nose clear from congestion.
19. Baby Wipe Warmer
Your newborn might not be too happy about being undressed during cold weather before being wiped over with a freezing cold wet wipe.
After all, how would you like it?
With that in mind, a baby wipe warmer could be a great shout.
It’s true that it’s not exactly an essential. But it will certainly help to make those winter diaper changes much less stressful for everyone involved!
20. Stroller Footmuff
Just because it’s cold outdoors, that doesn’t mean you want to be stuck at home until spring rolls around.
Luckily, a stroller footmuff can make getting out and about a lot more convenient.
Wriggly babies will just kick off a blanket, but a footmuff won’t go anywhere. It’ll also be much thicker than a blanket, providing more warmth in cold weather conditions.
Not to mention the fact that it won’t get forgotten at home – where your stroller goes, your footmuff goes too!
21. Car Seat Blanket
Similarly, a car seat blanket can make trips out of the house way more comfortable.
Stroller suits and coats aren’t safe for your little one to wear in their car seat. This is because padded clothing can prevent the car seat harness from holding your baby securely and safely.
On the other hand, a car seat blanket is tailored to accommodate your car seat harness, so that your baby can be wrapped up while being clipped securely into their seat.
This way, you can keep your newborn snug without sacrificing their safety.
Keep track of your newborn winter essentials with Moonsift
Now that you know what you’ll need to get through winter with your newborn, it’s time to start planning.
You can browse inspiration, then create your own free Moonsift collection to save everything in one place, from any store in the world.
You can even switch your collection to baby registry mode, making it easy to share with friends and family who want to help welcome your new arrival.
Create your free Moonsift account today and start organizing your winter baby essentials with ease.
Check out this collection of gorgeous newborn essentials for inspiration.
FAQs
What does a newborn need for winter?
A newborn needs clothing and essentials that help regulate body temperature during colder months without causing overheating.
Key winter essentials for a newborn include:
Sleepsuits
Bodysuits (onesies or vests)
Sweaters or cardigans
Hats
Mittens
Booties
A snowsuit or stroller suit
Lightweight blankets
Layering breathable fabrics is the best way to keep your baby warm and comfortable throughout winter.
What should a newborn wear home from the hospital in winter?
When bringing your newborn home in winter, it’s important to dress them warmly while keeping safety in mind.
A typical winter outfit may include:
A bodysuit
A sleepsuit or outfit
A sweater or cardigan
Socks or booties
A hat
Mittens
If you’re using a stroller, a snowsuit or blanket can provide extra warmth. However, snowsuits and bulky coats should never be worn in a car seat.
If you’re traveling by car, use a car seat–safe blanket or place a lightweight blanket over your baby after they are securely buckled in.
What should newborns wear indoors during winter?
Indoors, a good guideline is to dress your newborn in one more layer than you’re wearing.
For example, if you’re wearing a shirt and sweater, your baby may be comfortable in:
A bodysuit
A sleepsuit
A light sweater or cardigan
Remove outdoor layers such as hats and snowsuits as soon as you come inside to prevent overheating.
What should a newborn wear to sleep in winter?
Most newborns sleep comfortably in winter wearing:
A cotton sleepsuit
A baby sleep sack (or a lightweight blanket, following safe sleep guidelines)
Choose a sleep sack with a tog or warmth rating appropriate for your room temperature, and adjust layers if your baby feels too warm.
If your baby is sweating or their chest feels hot, remove a layer. Babies should never be overdressed for sleep.
What temperature should the house be for a newborn in the winter?
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 61–68°F (16–20°C).
Instead of overheating your home, adjust your baby’s clothing and layers as needed. Using a room thermometer can help you monitor temperature changes, especially at night.
How do I prepare my newborn for winter?
The best way to prepare your newborn for winter is to gather essential clothing and gear ahead of time.
Focus on:
Layering breathable clothing
Having safe sleep essentials ready
Stocking basic cold and flu items
Planning for outdoor warmth without bulky clothing
Preparing early helps reduce stress once colder weather arrives, and ensures you always have what you need on hand.
Remember, you can keep track of all the items you need right here on Moonsift until you're ready to buy, just create a free account.
Are you a new parent preparing for your baby’s first winter? Or expecting a winter baby and wondering what you’ll actually need? You’re in the right place.
Below, we’re sharing our top newborn winter essentials to help you keep your baby warm, comfortable, and safe (but not too warm!) during the colder months.
Winter Baby Essentials Checklist
There are some baby items you’ll need no matter when your little one arrives. But babies born in winter have slightly different needs than summer babies.
In warmer months, parents are often focused on keeping newborns cool. In winter, it’s all about managing layers so your baby can handle cold temperatures, wind, and even snow, without overheating.
Read on for our complete list of newborn winter essentials, covering clothing, sleep, and everyday gear.
And as you go, don’t forget to create a baby registry on Moonsift so you can save all your favorite items in one easy-to-manage place, from any store, not just one retailer.
Newborn Winter Essentials: Clothing
Wondering what a newborn should wear in winter? A helpful rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing.
Look for clothing that’s soft, breathable, and easy to put on and take off. Not only will this keep your baby comfortable, it’ll make frequent outfit and diaper changes much easier for you.
Here’s what most newborns need during the colder months.
1. Sleepsuits
Cotton sleepsuits are a winter essential. They’re warm, breathable, and gentle on a newborn’s sensitive skin.
Choose styles with nickel-free snaps to avoid irritation and make diaper changes easier.
We recommend having at least six sleepsuits on hand, though 10–12 is even better (a mix of newborn and 0–3 months). Babies grow quickly, and extra outfits are a lifesaver when accidents happen.
2. Bodysuits
Bodysuits (or vests) are also important for a winter newborn.
Remember how we said that your baby should normally wear one layer more than you? Slipping a bodysuit on them beneath their sleepsuit is the perfect way to achieve this.
Invest in a mix of long-sleeved and short-sleeved bodysuits for a winter baby. While short-sleeved bodysuits are good for layering throughout the year, a long-sleeved bodysuit will be your best friend in very cold weather.
Like with sleepsuits, we recommend getting six in newborn size and six in 0-3 months to make sure you’re covered.
3. Sweaters or Cardigans
Lightweight sweaters or cardigans are ideal for layering in winter.
They’re especially useful for short outings or car rides, where bulky outerwear like snowsuits isn’t safe.
Look for breathable materials such as cotton or wool, and plan on having two lightweight options ready.
4. Hat
A hat is a newborn essential at any time of year.
It’s probably the first thing they’ll pop on your baby in hospital. For this, a breathable cotton hat is perfect.
However, if you’re expecting a winter baby, it might be a good idea to get your hands on a warmer, knitted hat too. This way, you can keep your newborn’s head nice and toasty when you take them outside for frosty winter walks.
5. Mittens
Lots of parents use scratch mittens to stop their babies from hurting themselves. After all, babies have surprisingly sharp nails!
But winter babies could probably do with a thicker pair of outdoor mittens too.
This way, you can stop their little hands from getting uncomfortable in chilly weather. Just make sure to invest in close-knitted patterns so that your baby’s fingers don’t get caught.
6. Booties
Your baby won’t need shoes for a little while. But you’ll still want to make sure their feet are warm and snug when you’re out and about in cold weather.
Booties are the answer!
Just pop them over the integrated feet of your baby’s sleepsuit, or over their socks if they’re in an outfit, to keep those adorable toes comfortable.
7. Snowsuit or Stroller Suit
A stroller suit (sometimes called a snowsuit) acts like a coat for your baby when outdoors.
These are great for walks in cold weather, but they should never be worn in a car seat. Padded clothing can interfere with the harness and reduce safety.
Always remove the stroller suit before buckling your baby into a car seat, and take it off once you’re back indoors to prevent overheating.
8. Blanket
If you haven’t already gathered, dressing a baby in the winter is all about layers.
With that in mind, a light cellular blanket is arguably the most versatile item you’ll own.
Wrap it round your baby as an extra layer, drape it over the two of you while you’re doing skin to skin or place it over their lap during chilly car rides (remember, your baby mustn’t wear bulky layers like stroller suits in the car).
It’ll also be vital for keeping your newborn warm while they’re sleeping – although once they’re big enough, they can progress into a sleeping bag. Which brings us onto…
Winter newborn must haves: bedtime
Temperatures drop at night, so you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to keep your baby comfortable despite the frost forming on the ground outside.
Let’s be honest, this will also give you the best chance of a few hours’ sleep (fingers crossed!).
Here’s what you’ll need.
9. Sleeping bags
Once your baby is big enough, you might choose to progress from a blanket to a sleeping bag to keep your baby warm at night.
Choose a tog rating based on your room temperature. As a general guide, a 2.5 tog sleeping bag is often suitable for rooms between 16–20°C (61–68°F).
But always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and your room temperature to make sure you’re selecting the right tog.
10. Sheets and Mattress Protectors
What your baby sleeps on matters just as much as what they sleep in.
Breathable sheets and a mattress protector help regulate temperature and protect against leaks.
Avoid loose bedding, pillows, or crib bumpers, as these can pose safety risks.
11. Baby Room Thermometer
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is generally between 16–20°C (61–68°F).
A digital room thermometer can help you keep track and adjust layers, heating, or ventilation as needed.
12. Baby Monitor
Babies are recommended to sleep in the same room as their parents for the first several months. When you do transition to a separate room, a baby monitor is essential.
Some monitors also track room temperature, a helpful feature during winter when heating can fluctuate.
You can save and compare monitors like these on Moonsift until you’re ready to buy.
13. Hooded Baby Towel
After getting out of the bath, your newborn can quickly get cold.
Although you can technically use any towel to dry them, a hooded towel is the most practical – especially during winter.
This way, you can quickly wrap them up warm and cover their head, to get them cozy and dry in no time.
Make sure to buy a few as you’ll probably get through them quickly!
14. Bath Thermometer
The temperature of your baby’s bathwater could drop quickly during the winter months.
That’s why investing in a bath thermometer could be a good idea.
When you know that the temperature is comfortable and safe, bathtime will be much more enjoyable for both you and baby.
Head over to our selection of newborn bath essentials for more bathtime must-haves for any time of year.
Winter Essentials for Baby: Everyday Gear
Whether you’re out and about or huddled indoors, there are a few more must-haves that will tide you over during the colder months.
Here’s the lowdown.
15. Humidifier
If you’ve constantly got the heating on during those winter months, you might find that your home gets quite dry.
In this case, a humidifier can be a godsend.
A humidifier will help to soothe any dry skin or airways. Plus, it will create white noise, which could even help your little one to drift off to sleep!
16. Baby Moisturizer
In a similar vein, if you’re out and about in very cold weather, your newborn’s delicate skin could easily become chapped or irritated.
That’s why it’s helpful to keep a soothing moisturizer to hand for your winter baby.
Just make sure that you choose one that’s suitable to be used on a baby’s delicate skin – the best moisturizers will be mild, gentle and safe.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy one especially for babies. But doing so could give you peace of mind that it’s designed with your baby’s sensitive skin in mind.
17. In-ear Thermometer
It’s almost impossible to get through the winter months without succumbing to colds and illnesses. Especially if you’re planning to send your little one to nursery!
An in-ear thermometer will become your go-to during cold and flu season, allowing you to easily check your baby’s temperature so that you can keep it within a safe range.
Which brings us onto…
18. Cold and Flu Essentials
When those sick days inevitably roll around, you’ll be a lot less stressed if you already have some remedies up your sleeve.
Calpol is a must for keeping temperatures down (just make sure you check the age range and follow the guidance on the packaging).
Many parents also swear by nasal aspirators (more affectionately known as snotsuckers), which can help you keep your little one’s nose clear from congestion.
19. Baby Wipe Warmer
Your newborn might not be too happy about being undressed during cold weather before being wiped over with a freezing cold wet wipe.
After all, how would you like it?
With that in mind, a baby wipe warmer could be a great shout.
It’s true that it’s not exactly an essential. But it will certainly help to make those winter diaper changes much less stressful for everyone involved!
20. Stroller Footmuff
Just because it’s cold outdoors, that doesn’t mean you want to be stuck at home until spring rolls around.
Luckily, a stroller footmuff can make getting out and about a lot more convenient.
Wriggly babies will just kick off a blanket, but a footmuff won’t go anywhere. It’ll also be much thicker than a blanket, providing more warmth in cold weather conditions.
Not to mention the fact that it won’t get forgotten at home – where your stroller goes, your footmuff goes too!
21. Car Seat Blanket
Similarly, a car seat blanket can make trips out of the house way more comfortable.
Stroller suits and coats aren’t safe for your little one to wear in their car seat. This is because padded clothing can prevent the car seat harness from holding your baby securely and safely.
On the other hand, a car seat blanket is tailored to accommodate your car seat harness, so that your baby can be wrapped up while being clipped securely into their seat.
This way, you can keep your newborn snug without sacrificing their safety.
Keep track of your newborn winter essentials with Moonsift
Now that you know what you’ll need to get through winter with your newborn, it’s time to start planning.
You can browse inspiration, then create your own free Moonsift collection to save everything in one place, from any store in the world.
You can even switch your collection to baby registry mode, making it easy to share with friends and family who want to help welcome your new arrival.
Create your free Moonsift account today and start organizing your winter baby essentials with ease.
Check out this collection of gorgeous newborn essentials for inspiration.
FAQs
What does a newborn need for winter?
A newborn needs clothing and essentials that help regulate body temperature during colder months without causing overheating.
Key winter essentials for a newborn include:
Sleepsuits
Bodysuits (onesies or vests)
Sweaters or cardigans
Hats
Mittens
Booties
A snowsuit or stroller suit
Lightweight blankets
Layering breathable fabrics is the best way to keep your baby warm and comfortable throughout winter.
What should a newborn wear home from the hospital in winter?
When bringing your newborn home in winter, it’s important to dress them warmly while keeping safety in mind.
A typical winter outfit may include:
A bodysuit
A sleepsuit or outfit
A sweater or cardigan
Socks or booties
A hat
Mittens
If you’re using a stroller, a snowsuit or blanket can provide extra warmth. However, snowsuits and bulky coats should never be worn in a car seat.
If you’re traveling by car, use a car seat–safe blanket or place a lightweight blanket over your baby after they are securely buckled in.
What should newborns wear indoors during winter?
Indoors, a good guideline is to dress your newborn in one more layer than you’re wearing.
For example, if you’re wearing a shirt and sweater, your baby may be comfortable in:
A bodysuit
A sleepsuit
A light sweater or cardigan
Remove outdoor layers such as hats and snowsuits as soon as you come inside to prevent overheating.
What should a newborn wear to sleep in winter?
Most newborns sleep comfortably in winter wearing:
A cotton sleepsuit
A baby sleep sack (or a lightweight blanket, following safe sleep guidelines)
Choose a sleep sack with a tog or warmth rating appropriate for your room temperature, and adjust layers if your baby feels too warm.
If your baby is sweating or their chest feels hot, remove a layer. Babies should never be overdressed for sleep.
What temperature should the house be for a newborn in the winter?
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 61–68°F (16–20°C).
Instead of overheating your home, adjust your baby’s clothing and layers as needed. Using a room thermometer can help you monitor temperature changes, especially at night.
How do I prepare my newborn for winter?
The best way to prepare your newborn for winter is to gather essential clothing and gear ahead of time.
Focus on:
Layering breathable clothing
Having safe sleep essentials ready
Stocking basic cold and flu items
Planning for outdoor warmth without bulky clothing
Preparing early helps reduce stress once colder weather arrives, and ensures you always have what you need on hand.
Remember, you can keep track of all the items you need right here on Moonsift until you're ready to buy, just create a free account.
