A Guide to Baby Pramsuits

You'll often find pramsuits crafted in a soft fleece material or knitted using warm yarns such as wool or thick cotton. Snowsuits are similar to pramsuits in the fact that they're an outdoor all-in-one, however snowsuits are generally made using thicker, waterproof fabrics and are great for keeping your little ones protected in much colder, icy weather conditions.

As pramsuits tend to be lighter and less bulky, they are ideal for transitional seasons, adding an additional layer over their babygrows or outfits.

A question we're often asked is whether a blanket will work just as well as a pramsuit. 

Blankets are a must-have for your newborn checklist, of which we have plenty, and are a wonderful accessory for nursing, comforting and supervised snoozing for younger babies. However, any parent will know that blankets tend to have a mind of their own, especially when heading outdoors with a pram, and a wriggly baby often equals a tangled, displaced blanket. Not ideal if you're out for a walk on a chilly day. Pramsuits are a great alternative to avoid lost blankets and cold toes. Not only do they hug your baby's arms and legs comfortably, they also allow for freedom of movement.

Remember that, unlike your body temperature which will rise when active, your baby will be relatively still and unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively. Pramsuits do just that, helping to maintain a consistent, cosy level of warmth. Plus, they'll look pretty cute in them too. 

Images above by Mebi (L) and Paz Rodríguez (R)

If you're heading outdoors and it's cold enough for you to grab an extra layer, then your baby will benefit from a pramsuit. Theirs should be layered over a warm but breathable base. And lots of our pramsuits come with in-built feet and mittens, some of which can be removed, so a cosy pair of socks underneath will do nicely too.

When you head indoors, especially if stopping off for a refuel in a warm coffee shop or restaurant, it's important to remove the pramsuit to avoid your baby overheating, even if it means waking them up. This is where that soft blanket you've stowed away in your changing bag will come in handy. The Lullaby Trust recommends to check your baby's temperature by "putting your hand on the skin on their chest or the back of their neck" rather than using their hands or feet as a guide as "they will always feel cooler than the rest of their body."

Before settling your baby into their car seat, a pramsuit and any other bulky items of clothing should be removed. Not only can these layers cause your baby to become too warm in the car, but they can also prevent the car-seat harness from holding your baby securely and safely. 

Instead, they should be dressed in everyday clothes that allow the straps to be fastened snugly between their little legs and over their shoulders. Once they're strapped in, you can add a blanket for extra warmth. Just make sure that you tuck it in and that it doesn't sit higher than armpit level for peace of mind when your eyes are on the road. And if you're worried about pramsuits that are fiddly to get on and off, look out for our styles with double zippers.

What you decide to dress your little one in underneath their pramsuit depends on how cold it is outside. For crisp autumn days, layer a lighter-weight pramsuit over their everyday babygrow or a vest and leggings. And when the chill of winter sets in, opt for cosy thermals and knitwear along with warm socks, mittens and a hat, layered underneath a thicker pramsuit with a hood. As a rule of thumb, your baby will need one additional layer than what you're wearing.

A footmuff is a great addition to your in-pram accessory collection. This insulating pocket resembles a sleeping bag that can be easily attached to your pram or stroller with handy pre-cut holes for the straps and offer an extra layer of cosiness in the cold. Whether you use one alongside a pramsuit is entirely dependant on the temperature outside. 

Some parents prefer to buy lighter pramsuits when using a thick fleece footmuff, alternatively you could opt for a thicker pramsuit in place of a footmuff. It's all about baby's heat regulation, and depends again on the time of year, where you're going and how long you're spending out in the elements. Using the touch test, the layering rule and a little planning ahead, your baby will be comfy, covered and happy when travelling from A to B.