How should we dress a baby in summer and during a heatwave

In the past there were general rules about what to dress children in for each season. These days that approach doesn’t really work. Our weather is so unpredictable now – think mild winters and increasingly hot summer heatwaves – that we need to judge each situation in the moment. It takes a little more attention, but if you know a few basics, you can always make the right call.

The most common tip for dressing babies is to add one extra layer compared with what feels comfortable for an adult. That still stands, but consider personal factors too: your baby’s age, how active they are, whether they’re about to sleep or ready to play, and their individual traits. Some babies tend to feel the cold, others warm up quickly. As parents you’ll get to know your child, and dressing will become second nature.

To give you a reliable steer you can always return to, here are the key points.

Dressing newborns 

Until around 6 weeks, babies can’t regulate body temperature well. They can’t fully balance the environmental effects that influence it. Remember, they don’t move much yet, so they don’t generate heat the way older babies do when they’re rolling, shuffling and crawling. That’s why it’s especially important to add one more layer than what feels right for you at the current room or outdoor temperature.

What does this mean at specific indoor and outdoor temperatures

For a newborn, above 20–25 °C a bodysuit plus a long sleeve sleepsuit is ideal. Between 25–30 °C the sleepsuit alone is enough, and over 30 °C a single bodysuit will do. At that point you don’t need socks either. In a heatwave, a baby can be just in a nappy, and for sleep you can cover them with a light cotton muslin.

Dressing babies after 6 weeks 

Trust your own temperature sense when dressing your baby and check the room thermometer. It helps to slot the current temperature into a range – say 20–25 °C or 25–30 °C – and have a go to outfit for each. You’ll soon get quick and confident.

Always check at the nape of the neck to see if your baby is too warm or chilly. Don’t rely on hands and feet – they’re often cool even when the body is warm. You don’t need to be quite as cautious as in the newborn stage, but the principles are similar.

And remember: although they’re small, babies feel the heat just like we do.

It also matters whether your baby is about to sleep or is awake and active. See our earlier article on what a baby should wear to sleep based on room temperature and individual needs.

How to dress your baby on summer days

From around 6 months, babies can usually wear one layer above 20 °C. Over 25 °C, just a nappy can be fine, but if the floor is cool and they’re crawling, pop socks on their feet.

When your baby is already walking 

In hot weather and heatwaves, don’t overdress a toddler. They move a lot and heat up quickly, then may chill when you walk into an air conditioned home or shop. Keep this in mind at every age and, when entering a much cooler space, let them adjust gradually.

In summer, dress walking toddlers as you would yourself: t-shirt and shorts, or if you still prefer a one piece, a short sleeve bodysuit. You can add shorts over a bodysuit if you like. In very hot weather they’ll be happy in just a nappy – or even without, in the garden.

Factor in individual differences 

Some babies feel the cold; others warm up and sweat easily. You’ll learn this by watching your own child. Consider whether you use air conditioning and how air moves around your home. Do you have rugs. If not, socks are a good idea even in summer for active babies on bare floors.

Nappies and hot weather 

For babies prone to nappy rash, nappies can cause more trouble in summer. Choose extra thin disposables, even if it means more frequent changes. You’ll also find a wide range of breathable reusable cloth nappies.

The best option is to give babies as much nappy free time as possible so skin can breathe. They love being naked – they wriggle more, coo and, when older, dash about. If you’re adding a bit of water play, there’s no need for a swim nappy at home. Let them be free. Swim nappies let urine pass through and are mainly for poolside use.

Which fabrics to choose in summer 

Go for baby and toddler clothes that breathe well and are made from natural fibres. Cotton and linen are great, and widely used in summer.

Bamboo viscose is an innovative, eco conscious option with excellent breathability and even higher moisture absorption than cotton. It helps prevent overheating and sweating. LiaaBébé babywear is silky soft, wonderfully stretchy and comfortable all day. Even in lively play, it helps avoid overheating, giving a naturally cooling feel for skin and body in summer.

Extra accessories for summer 

Don’t forget the accessories, especially when you’re heading outdoors. There are more environmental factors to consider outside – sun, high UV, wind, rain, heat, mosquitoes – so it’s worth preparing.

In summer, a thin, breathable brimmed hat is essential outdoors to help prevent sunstroke. Only use it when sunlight can reach your baby’s head – otherwise it’s not needed. Even the lightest hat warms a baby’s head.

A pram sunshade, parasol or canopy extender is often enough on its own and can provide UV and heat protection without a hat. It prevents direct sun damaging delicate skin. If you can’t get these, a cotton muslin clipped to the pram hood or placed towards the feet can work. Always make sure the head area ventilates well so it doesn’t get hot under the canopy.

You can buy pram liners and cushions designed for summer. They’re made from breathable materials, support your baby comfortably and help prevent sweating. There are car seat liners for the same reason. A simple cotton muslin under the baby also works well in a pram. Do not use loose cloths in a car seat, as they can slip and compromise safety.

By the water, protect sensitive skin. Pop a lightweight t-shirt in your changing bag and use it when needed.

Sources:

The Lullaby Trust — Your baby’s room temperature

The Lullaby Trust — Safer sleep in hot weather