12°C in the morning, 24°C at lunchtime, back to a jacket in the evening – late summer in Switzerland can't quite make up its mind. For adults that's a nuisance; for babies it's a real challenge: they can't take clothes off or put them on by themselves yet, and they're not as good at regulating their body temperature as we are. The solution is as simple as it is old: layering. Several thin layers instead of one thick piece – so you can take a layer off or add one at any time.
The rule of thumb: one layer more than you
As a rough guide: your baby needs about one thin layer more than you're wearing. In the first weeks of life it can be a little more, as newborns don't yet produce much heat of their own. Once they start crawling, this often reverses – active babies sweat faster than you'd think.
Layer 1: the bodysuit
The bodysuit sits directly on the skin and is the most important layer. It needs to absorb moisture and still be breathable – so cotton rather than synthetics. For the in-between season, a ribbed long-sleeved bodysuit is ideal: the ribbed texture holds a little more warmth than smooth cotton without being bulky. Short-sleeved bodysuits don't go into storage now – they go under the long-sleeved ones, which is the most flexible combination for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Layer 2: trousers or leggings
Over the bodysuit goes a pair of soft leggings or joggers. Look for a stretchy waistband that doesn't dig in, and cuffs at the ankle – they don't ride up when your baby kicks and keep cold air away from the calves. Ribbed cotton moves with every movement and dries quickly after washing, which is no small detail given the amount of laundry at this stage of life.
Layer 3: what goes on top
For outdoors in the in-between season, a wrap jacket, a cardigan or a light all-in-one is usually enough. More important than thickness is that you can open it quickly – in the pram, on the bus, in a warm shop. A piece of clothing that means undressing your baby completely rarely gets used in everyday life.
Don't forget: neck, feet, head
Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads – outdoors, a thin hat is a must well into autumn. Bandana bibs don't just keep the neck warm, they also catch the dribble during teething so the clothes underneath stay dry. And socks with turn-down cuffs stay on the foot much more reliably than plain ones – a small difference that saves you a lot of searching under the pram.
The muslin swaddle as a flexible extra layer
If we had to choose just one item for the in-between season, it would be the muslin swaddle. It's the layer you don't have to put on: laid over the legs in the pram, over your shoulder when heading out, as sun protection on the last warm days, as a light blanket for a nap on the sofa. Muslin is breathable, doesn't trap heat – and gets softer with every wash.
How to tell if it's right
The most reliable test is the neck: feel the back of your baby's neck or between the shoulder blades. If the skin there feels pleasantly warm and dry, the clothing is right. If it's damp or hot, it's one layer too many.
Cold hands and feet, on the other hand, are not a good indicator – they're almost always a little cooler in babies and say little about body temperature. It's more important to avoid overheating: for sleep, less is better than more, and hats and jackets should come off indoors, even if your baby wakes up briefly. If you're unsure whether your baby is too warm or too cold, ask your paediatrician or the parent-and-baby advice service at your next check-up – they'll be happy to take a look.
At a glance
Bodysuit as the first layer, trousers or leggings on top, a quick-opening jacket for outdoors, don't forget the hat and bandana bib – and always a muslin swaddle in the changing bag. All cotton, all thin, all removable one by one. That way you're ready for 12°C in the morning and 24°C at lunchtime alike.
Not sure about the size? Our size guide shows you what size your baby is wearing right now. And if you'd like to put together all the basics in one go, you'll find them in our baby clothing range – with free shipping in Switzerland from CHF 50.