Dress your baby in layers for the cold, rainy season: a cotton onesie next to the skin, a romper or trousers and a top, then a warm fleece romper, poncho or shawl, plus a hat and socks outdoors. Add or remove a layer as the day warms or cools, and never let your baby get too hot.
Kenya’s weather can change quickly, especially in Nairobi and the highlands, where a warm afternoon often turns into a cold evening. This guide shows how to layer for each part of the day, which fabrics work, the types of baby shawl, and how to tell if your baby is too hot or too cold.
How many layers does a baby need in cold weather?
Many parents use a simple rule: dress your baby in one more layer than you are comfortable in. Several thin layers are better than one thick one, because you can take one off when the sun comes out.
| Situation | Layers that usually work |
|---|---|
| Warm afternoon indoors | A cotton onesie and a light romper |
| Cool morning or evening | Onesie, a romper or trousers and a top, and socks |
| Cold or rainy day outdoors | Onesie, a warm romper or poncho, a hat, socks or booties, and a shawl or blanket over the carrier or pram |
| Night in the cot | Onesie and a cotton romper, with a lightweight blanket tucked in firmly, or a baby sleeping bag. No hat and nothing loose in the cot |
For night-time, our guide to baby rompers explains how to dress your baby for sleep without overheating.
Which fabrics keep a baby warm?
Use cotton next to the skin and warmer fabrics on top. Cotton is soft and breathable, so it suits the first layer all year round.
- Fleece: light and very warm; good for rompers and outer layers.
- Knitted fabrics: for caps, shawls and cardigans.
- Thick, plush fabrics: for heavy rompers on the coldest days.
Whatever the fabric, check the inside is soft and there are no loose threads or trims. Our heavy baby rompers and fleece romper both have a hood and covered feet.
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What are the types of baby shawls and blankets?
A baby shawl is a soft wrap for carrying your baby outdoors or over a carrier; a receiving blanket is thinner and lighter; a warm blanket is heavier and bigger. A poncho is worn like a hooded cape over clothes.
- Baby shawl: for outings and cuddles, draped over your baby or the carrier.
- Receiving blanket: light, for swaddling or covering on mild days.
- Warm blanket: for the pram or car seat on cold days.
- Poncho: a hooded top layer that is easy to pull on over clothes.
Shawls and thick blankets are for when your baby is awake or out and about, not for the cot. You can see them all in our warmth and swaddling range.
How do you keep a baby warm and dry in the rain?
Cover your baby’s head, hands and feet, and add a shawl or poncho as the outer layer. If you carry your baby, a carrier keeps them close to your body heat; drape a shawl over the top and keep their face clear.
- Put on a warm cap and socks or booties before you go out.
- Carry a spare set of clothes in case your baby gets wet.
- Change damp clothes as soon as you are indoors.
- Take off the outer layer and the hat when you get inside or into a warm matatu.
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How do you know if your baby is too hot or too cold?
Feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck. It should feel warm, not hot, sweaty or cold. Hands and feet often feel cooler than the rest of the body, so they are not a good guide on their own.
If your baby is sweaty or flushed, take off a layer. If your baby has a high temperature, is unusually drowsy or floppy, or feels cold and will not warm up, see a doctor straight away.
When is the cold season in Kenya?
Nairobi and the highlands are usually coldest from June to August, and the short rains usually fall from October to December. The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) publishes a seasonal forecast before each season, which is worth checking before you plan warm clothes for the months ahead.
Where can you buy warm baby clothes in Nairobi?
You can feel the fabrics at Zawadi Baby Shop, Shop F12, IBEA Building, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. We are open Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 7pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Call or WhatsApp 0706 561 855 to check sizes before you visit.
You can also order online, pay with Lipa na M-Pesa, and we deliver across Kenya. See our caps and hats and all our newborn clothes.
Frequently asked questions
How should I dress my baby for cold weather in Kenya?
Use layers: a cotton onesie next to the skin, a romper or trousers and a top, and a warm outer layer such as a fleece romper, poncho or shawl, plus a cap and socks outdoors. Remove a layer as it warms up.
How many layers should a baby wear?
Many parents use one more layer than they are comfortable in themselves. Several thin layers are better than one thick one, because you can take one off quickly. Check your baby’s chest or neck to see if they are warm enough.
What are the types of baby shawls?
A baby shawl is a soft wrap for outings; a receiving blanket is thinner and lighter; a warm blanket is heavier; a poncho is a hooded top layer. Shawls and heavy blankets are for when your baby is awake, not for the cot.
Should my baby wear a hat to sleep?
No. Take hats off indoors and when your baby sleeps, so they do not get too hot, and keep the cot clear of anything that could cover their face. Use a lightweight blanket tucked in firmly or a baby sleeping bag instead.
How do I know if my baby is cold?
Feel your baby’s chest or the back of the neck: it should feel warm, not cold or sweaty. Hands and feet are often cooler, so they are not a good guide. If your baby feels cold and will not warm up, see a doctor.
