Baby hat – yes or no?

It is often said that babies should generally wear a baby hat, because most body heat is lost through the head. When you are out with your child in the open air, this is true, especially during the first months of your child's life. However, in heated indoor rooms your baby usually does not need a hat. On the contrary – our modern, well-insulated living spaces are usually somewhat warmer than necessary, so a head covering could interfere with your baby's natural temperature regulation.

When going for walks and outdoors - what clothing does my baby need?

Hat:\r\nDuring its first months, your baby should always wear a hat outdoors. For the hot season a lightweight cotton cap or a sun hat with ties is suitable, in winter a wool hat with ear flaps.

Jacket, Snowsuit or Blanket:\r\nIn winter a warm jacket or a snowsuit and a blanket are just right. In spring and autumn it's also fine without a blanket; if necessary you can use a footmuff for the stroller. On warm days a romper or a shirt and pants are enough.

Booties or thick wool socks:\r\nBabies who are not yet walking should not wear sturdy shoes yet – in the cold season lined baby shoes or two pairs of wool socks under a blanket are perfectly fine. When it's warmer, baby socks or a romper with built-in feet are sufficient.

Scarf:\r\nA scarf is more for toddlers – for babies scarves and large cloths slip too easily over the mouth and nose. Better are triangular scarves with Velcro – they protect a baby's neck when it gets really cold.

Gloves:\r\nSome baby snowsuits have attached slip-on gloves – practical when it's very cold. Baby mittens in very small sizes are hard to find. But knitted baby socks pulled over the hands keep just as warm.

Basic rule for dressing a baby: the onion look

Surely you've heard that babies should be dressed according to the multi-layer principle whenever possible. But what is the "onion technique" and how does your baby benefit from it? When several thin garments are worn on top of each other, ultra-thin air cushions form between the individual layers. These air layers gradually take on approximately body temperature and act like an insulating layer that retains body heat. Therefore, several layers of thin clothing warm more effectively than a thick sweater or lined trousers. This is especially true for babies who move little at first and therefore release hardly any heat energy. Important, so that the onion look does not lead to overheating:

• Put on thin garments, e.g. bodysuit, undershirt, cardigan, tights, baby pants

• Use natural materials whenever possible: cotton and linen are ideal; silk even has a temperature-regulating effect

To some extent this technique also helps prevent overheating. If it's really hot, however, you should avoid multiple layers of clothing for your baby.