The Frankie Raine Layering Guide - How to Layer Your Newborns Clothes
Because knowing how warm baby should be shouldn't feel like guesswork.
As a brand new parent, one of the most common worries is:
"How do I know if baby is too hot.... or too cold?"
It's a real and valid fear - especially here in New Zealand where temperatures change quickly (sometimes within the same hour!), and tiny babies cant regulate body temperature the way adults can.
The good news?
Learning how to layer properly makes dressing baby simple, safe, and stress free - day and night.
And when you're using natural fibres like Merino, it gets even easier.
Why Layering Matters
Newborns lose heat faster than adults, especially through their head, chest, and back.
The right layers help:
- Keep body temperature stable
- Reduce overheating
- Support better sleep
- Minimise night waking's from cold shock
- Make changing weather easier to adjust to
Instead of relying on thick or synthetic clothing, layering gives you flexibility.
The Golden Rule: One Layer More Than You're Wearing
If you're comfortable in a long sleeve top, baby will most likely need:
- A singlet or bodysuit
- A lightweight long sleeve layer
- A hat if they're newborn or sleeping
(This rule is especially helpful when leaving the house or for naps)
Why Merino Makes Layering Easier
Unlike cotton, Merino:
- Regulates temperature
- Breathes when baby is warm
- Insulates when they're cold
- Absorbs moisture and stays dry to touch
- Reduces overheating risk
This means you need fewer layers, and those layers work harder.
How to Layer Your Newborn Based on Temperature
Here's a simple guide:
🌿 Warm Weather (22℃+)
- Lightweight Merino Bodysuit or gown
- Optional thin swaddle
- No hat once indoors
Merino helps release heat - so even one layer is enough
Merino Gown | Sleeveless Bodysuit
❄️ Cooler Weather (15-17℃)
- Merino sleeveless bodysuit
- Merino Long sleeve bodysuit
- Merino Leggings
- Hat & booties especially at night
- Warm Merino swaddle or sleeping bag
Merino Hat | Merino Long Sleeve Bodysuit | Merino Leggings | Merino Booties | Merino Swaddle
🧊 Cold Weather (under 15℃)
- Merino Short Sleeve Bodysuit
- Merino Long Sleeve Bodysuit
- Merino Gown
- Merino Hat & Booties always
- Merino Swaddle
How to Check Baby's Temperature
Skip hands and feet - they're always cooler.
Check:
- Back of the neck
- Chest
- Between shoulder blades
If warm and dry: perfect
If sweaty/damp: remove a layer
If cool or clammy: add a layer
What about Sleep?
A good rule:
Dress baby based on the room temperature, not the season.
Pair layers with a TOG appropriate swaddle or sleep sack if you use one.
Quick Layering Checklist
✔️ Natural fibres only (Merino is best)
✔️ Flexible layers instead of thick clothing
✔️ Head covered outdoors or for newborn naps
✔️ Monitor temperature by touch, not hands or feet
✔️ Adjust one layer at a time
Make Layering Simple
If you want stress free dressing, our pieces are made to mix, match and layer with ease - whether its a scorching February day or a cold July night.
Explore the Newborn Merino Layering Essentials
The Layering Edit: Pieces That Keep Baby Comfortable, Day & Night