Pram Packing secrets: What To Pack In The Pram

When you’re heading out with your baby, knowing how to pack your pram the right way can make all the difference, especially when it comes to preventing overheating. Whether it’s a brisk autumn walk or a sunny September afternoon, babies can quickly get too hot in their prams, and often we don’t even realise it.

As a midwife and mum, I’ve seen this happen more than you think. And no, it’s not your fault. You’re not alone if you’ve asked, “How many layers should my baby wear in the pram?” or “Is this blanket too much?”

Let’s go through how to pack your pram smartly, choose the right layers, and avoid the hidden dangers of overheating, all while keeping your baby warm, safe and comfortable.

Why Overheating Is a Real Risk for Newborns

Babies cannot regulate their temperature as well as adults. That means they are more sensitive to changes in temperature and can overheat quickly, especially when they’re bundled up in prams, surrounded by padded inserts, plastic covers and extra blankets.

Overheating can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), cause irritability, poor sleep and even dehydration.

Signs your baby might be too hot:

• • Sweaty neck or back

• • Red, flushed cheeks

• • Fast breathing

• • Unsettled or irritable behaviour

How to Layer Your Baby in the Pram

Layering is key. The golden rule is “one more layer than you,” but not just any layer.

Here’s how to do it right:

Base Layer

• • A cotton long-sleeve bodysuit or vest

• • Lightweight cotton babygrow/sleepsuit

Middle Layer (if it’s cool)

• • Knitted cardigan or jumper

• • Tights or leggings if you’re using a romper

Outer Layer

• • Below 10°C → A pram suit (for very cold weather) or a cosy blanket

• • Below 5°C → Snowsuits. Avoid waterproof snowsuits above 5°C as they trap heat

Smart Pram Packing Essentials

Here’s a smart way to pack your pram for weather changes:

Important: Pram covers, especially plastic rain covers, can turn your pram into a greenhouse. Avoid using them unless it is raining, even in cold weather.

Tips from a Midwife: How to Check if Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold

• • Touch the back of their neck or tummy. Hands and feet might feel cold even when they’re warm enough

• • If their neck or tummy feels sweaty, clammy or hot, remove a layer

• • If it’s cool to touch, add a breathable layer like a cotton blanket

Autumn and Mild Weather Packing Strategy

Autumn can be tricky. It may be chilly in the morning and warmer by midday. Here is your seasonal pram-packing checklist:

• • Dress baby in breathable layers

• • Start with a knitted blanket over the legs, not tucked around the back

• • Use a cotton hat in windy weather, and remove it once inside shops or cars

• • Check for overheating every 20 to 30 minutes

• • Do not use padded inserts or liners unless they are breathable and removable

What I Often See as a Midwife and How You Can Do Things Differently

1. 1. Overpacking the pram with liners and toys. Less is more.

1. 1. Forgetting to remove layers inside cafés or shops.

1. 1. Using pram suits plus blankets plus covers together. This can easily lead to overheating.

1. 1. Not checking temperature at the baby’s level. It can be different from what you feel.

Final Checklist: Smart Pram Packing Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• • Use breathable cotton layers

• • Check baby’s temperature often (back of the neck or tummy)

• • Pack layers you can remove easily

Don’t:

• • Use waterproof covers in dry weather

• • Overload the pram with fluffy liners

• • Keep hats on indoors or when the weather has warmed up

Viv’s Thoughts

Overheating is one of those hidden dangers new parents often miss. But with these smart pram packing tips, you will feel confident and prepared, whether it is a crisp autumn morning or a warm afternoon.

Your baby needs comfort, not insulation. With the right balance of warmth and breathability, you are not just keeping them cosy. You are keeping them safe.