Dressing a March Baby – how to Choose Correctly for the Spring-Winter Transition?
Congratulations on Expecting a Spring Baby!
When a baby is born in March, they are like the first flower of spring for the family. The little one brings sunshine, light, and a new beginning. But let’s be honest, March in Estonia is like a lottery. One day the snow is melting and birds are singing, the next day thick snow is still falling and the wind whips your hood over your head! That’s why dressing a March baby is like playing a weather forecaster — sometimes spring-like, sometimes still wintery. It’s important that the baby is comfortable and safe, whether they are cuddled, in a stroller, or greeting the spring sun outdoors.
In our climate, it’s not uncommon for winter to still be present in April instead of spring. Therefore, when choosing clothes for a March baby (especially one born in early March), it’s worth considering that winter clothes might be needed even after their birth month. A warm snowsuit might be necessary for the child for several more weeks. However, a newborn’s length and weight are difficult to predict, as every baby is different in their growth and development. There’s no single size rule, but when making a choice, it helps to know that the average three-month-old baby is about 62 cm long. This is a good starting point when choosing a suitable snowsuit or first outerwear for your spring baby.
Which size is right for your baby?
Size 50 — perfect fit for a tiny baby
A newborn is, on average, 51 cm long. If you want outerwear to fit your baby perfectly right from birth, it’s recommended to choose size 50 and then gradually increase the size as the baby grows.
Size 56 — room to grow for spring
Choose a winter or spring overall with fold-over cuffs in size 56, and as the child grows, also purchase gloves and booties. The fold-over cuffs of Lenne baby overalls can be used until the child has grown to the length indicated on the overall. As they grow longer, gloves and booties can be added.
Size 62 — roomier, but with a long wear time
A third option is to choose size 62, as this provides plenty of room for dressing and even a slightly larger newborn can enjoy their freshly purchased clothes until summer. The downside of a larger overall, however, is that it might be too big when leaving the hospital, but for a smaller baby, there’s hope it might “last until Midsummer’s Day”.
What to Dress your Baby in?
Once the size is known, then…
Parents always want their baby to be warm and comfortable. That’s why so much attention is paid to dressing — every detail counts, as a baby’s comfort often depends on small things. However, family habits and circumstances vary greatly, so there isn’t one single “right” way to put a baby to sleep outdoors.
Some babies nap peacefully in a stroller on a wind-sheltered balcony, while others fall into a deep sleep in a country home’s yard, with snow rustling and wind howling around them. Such differences directly affect how much warmth a baby needs. Babies’ own sensitivity to cold can also vary; some children naturally stay warm, while others are a bit more prone to getting cold and need more layers to feel comfortable.
The most important thing is to observe your baby’s comfort. Their skin should be warm and dry, not damp or sweaty. If their hands and feet feel cool, there’s no immediate cause for concern, but it might suggest adding a warm blanket, an extra layer, or a warmer overall.
Although March brings more light and the first scents of spring, the air can still be chilly and the wind surprisingly cold. A baby who has grown for nine months in the comfortable warmth of their mother’s womb now needs time to get used to the fresh spring air. In the first few days after birth, it’s best to stay calmly indoors and let the little newcomer adapt to the new environment. If the child is in good health and well, after a few days they can start enjoying fresh air by an open window.
Once the baby is accustomed to this new experience, you can gradually try short walks outdoors. In March, it’s advisable to start with up to 20-minute outdoor stays and gentle walks, avoiding strong winds and very cold weather. If the temperature drops below zero, it’s better to stay indoors for a while longer and continue with “walks” by the window. As spring progresses and the weather warms up, the time spent outdoors can be gradually extended until the newborn feels as comfortable in the fresh air as they do in their mother’s embrace.
The ABCs of Outdoor Napping in Changeable Spring Weather
For a baby born in March, you must be prepared to add or remove layers. Therefore, for outdoor naps, it’s advisable to dress the child in enough layers so that something can be added or removed if necessary.
If March brings cooler days, it’s enough for the baby to sleep outdoors if they are wearing:
In warmer spring weather, layers should be reduced. To start, you can forgo a thick merino overall or replace it with a cotton overall. If the temperature is between five and ten degrees Celsius, only cotton indoor clothes, a merino wool hat, and a footmuff are sufficient.
March Baby Sample Gear
But What if the Baby Sleeps in the Car Seat in the Car?
In that case, fewer layers are sufficient for the child:
How to Safely get from the Maternity Hospital to the Car with a Car Seat?
Since the baby is not yet accustomed to the outside temperature when leaving the maternity hospital, they will need slightly warmer clothing for the first trip than for subsequent car rides. The clothing itself is already warm, so there’s no need to set the car temperature too high. Dress the child in:
when moving to the car, to block the wind, add a winter footmuff or some other windproof winter clothing.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your baby will be comfortably warm adapting to the new world, and you will have done your best to help your March baby become friends with the changeable spring at their own pace.
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