Dressing a baby for Indian summers

The old rule says dress a baby in one more layer than you are wearing. In a 38 degree May, please ignore the old rule.

Fabric first Muslin and single-jersey cotton breathe. Polyester blends trap heat against skin that cannot yet regulate its own temperature. Check the label before the print.

The touch test Forget cold hands — babies hands run cold anyway. Touch the back of the neck: warm and dry is perfect, damp means a layer needs to come off.

Night-time A single muslin swaddle or cotton sleepsuit is plenty under a fan. If you are comfortable in a t-shirt, your baby is comfortable in the cotton equivalent.