Stroller clothing guide

Pram

A lie-flat pram is the coldest option: the baby is motionless, often close to the ground, and shielded only on one side. Dress one layer warmer than you would indoors at the same temperature, and use a footmuff or pram bag below roughly 10°C. A pram is typically used until around six months.

Stroller

An upright stroller exposes the baby to more wind, so windproof outer layers matter more than extra bulk. A blanket over the legs plus a warm hat usually beats an oversized snowsuit that restricts the harness. Keep the harness snug against the body, with bulky layers on top rather than underneath.

Baby carrier

In a carrier your body acts as a layer, so a carried baby needs roughly one layer less than the same baby in a pram. Skip thick snowsuits, which stop the carrier fitting correctly; instead use a base layer, a mid layer, warm socks and a hat, and put your own coat over both of you. Check that the face stays clear and the airway is open.

Rain, wind and sun

• Rain cover — keeps the baby dry and adds a couple of degrees of warmth by blocking wind, so remove a layer underneath and ventilate once you are inside.
• Wind — use the feels-like temperature. A 10°C day with strong wind can feel closer to 5°C for a baby who is not moving.
• Sun — use the canopy, a wide-brim hat and light, long-sleeved cotton when the UV index is 3 or higher. Never drape a blanket over the pram to make shade; it traps heat.

How long you are out

A ten-minute walk to the shop and a two-hour nap walk are different problems. For short outings, dress for comfort indoors and add one outer layer. For long outings, add a spare layer you can put on when the baby settles and stops moving, and check the neck and chest halfway through.