It can sometimes be tricky to decide whether your baby should wear a short- or long-sleeved bodysuit or romper. At what temperature should you switch to short sleeves? And how many layers should go on top? Here, we’ll explain when to choose a long- or short-sleeved romper.

Dressing your baby: warm enough but not too warm

The most important rule when dressing your baby is: always dress your baby in one layer more than what you’re wearing yourself. This ensures your baby stays warm enough without overheating. For newborns, this extra layer is especially important since they struggle to regulate their body temperature. Always trust your instincts and adjust based on your specific situation.

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Long-sleeved bodysuits

For a newborn, always choose a long-sleeved romper, regardless of the season. On colder days with temperatures below 15°C, a long-sleeved romper is an essential base for your baby’s outfit. Layer a cozy sweater or cardigan over it when it’s really cold, or a light T-shirt on the first spring day. In summer, a thin long-sleeved romper helps protect your baby’s delicate skin from the sun, eliminating the need for an extra shirt on hot days.

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Short-sleeved bodysuits

Short-sleeved rompers can be worn as an underlayer beneath a thick sweater on cold days. However, they are most useful in spring and summer. On really warm days, a short-sleeved romper might be the only thing your baby needs to wear, besides a diaper. During spring days, a short-sleeved romper serves as a great base for your baby’s outfit. Layer it with a short-sleeved T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, or a light sweater to ensure your baby stays at a comfortable temperature.

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Using bodysuits as…

…an underlayer for a sleeping bag

By smartly combining your baby’s rompers and sleeping bags, you can always choose the right outfit for the season. When it’s still cold, opt for a long-sleeved sleeping bag and dress your baby in a long-sleeved romper underneath, possibly with pajamas. Want to know exactly what your baby should wear while sleeping at different temperatures? Check out this guide.

Read also: Tips to get the most out of your baby sleeping bag

…outerwear

With today’s beautiful prints and colors, baby rompers are too cute to be hidden under other clothes! In spring or fall, a long-sleeved romper works perfectly as a top for your baby. In summer, a short-sleeved romper can also be worn as a stylish little T-shirt. Pair it with trendy pants or a skirt, and your baby’s outfit is complete!

Conclusion

Whether to dress your baby in a short- or long-sleeved romper depends on the temperature and what additional layers they are wearing.

• Long sleeves: Ideal for newborns, as an underlayer on cold days, or as outerwear on warm days (possibly paired with extra clothing like a shirt, sweater, pants, booties, etc.).
• Short sleeves: Great as an underlayer on mildly cold or warm days, or as outerwear on hot days (possibly paired with extra clothing like a shirt, sweater, pants, booties, etc.).