Advice for keeping your baby cool and regulated in hotter months
If you're lucky enough to have given birth in summer congratulations! You can go on lovely strolls, enjoy your maternity leave having picnics and beach day, and enjoy those over priced coffees in the sunshine. But along with all the niceness theres also the worry of how to keep your little one okay and not too warm during this season. My youngest was born end of August during a heatwave and it was worrying. Even as a second time mum each baby is different.
There’s nothing quite like those precious newborn cuddles, but when the temperature rises, many new parents find themselves worrying about whether their little one is too hot. Unlike adults, newborn babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well, making them more sensitive to hot weather. The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can help your baby stay comfortable and safe throughout the warmer months.
Dress Your Baby in Lightweight Clothing
Less is often more when it’s hot. Choose loose-fitting clothing made from breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or bamboo. A simple short-sleeved vest or lightweight sleepsuit is usually enough indoors.
As a general guide, babies only need one more layer than you’re wearing—but on particularly hot days, they may need the same number of layers as you.
Keep Your Home Cool
Try to keep your baby’s room as cool as possible by:
Closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day.
Opening windows in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler outside.
Using a fan to circulate air (never point it directly at your baby).
Keeping your baby away from direct sunlight.
The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 16°C and 20°C.
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
If your baby is breastfed, they may naturally want to feed more often during hot weather. This is perfectly normal and helps keep them hydrated.
Formula-fed babies may also want smaller, more frequent feeds. If you’re concerned about hydration, speak to your midwife or health visitor before offering extra water to a young baby.
Signs your baby is well hydrated include regular wet nappies and being alert when awake.
Be Careful When Out and About
If you’re heading outside:
Stay in the shade wherever possible.
Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day (typically 11am–3pm).
Use the pram hood for shade, but never cover the pram with a blanket or muslin, as this can trap heat and significantly increase the temperature inside.
Consider a clip-on pram fan designed specifically for babies to improve airflow.
Help Your Baby Sleep Comfortably
Hot nights can make sleep difficult for everyone. Use lightweight bedding or a lower-tog baby sleeping bag that’s suitable for the room temperature. If it’s particularly warm, your baby may only need a nappy and a lightweight sleeping bag—or just a nappy if the room is very hot. Always place your baby on their back to sleep in a clear, flat cot with no loose blankets, pillows or soft toys.
Know the Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot
Check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck rather than their hands or feet, which are often naturally cooler.
Signs your baby may be overheating include:
Sweating
Flushed cheeks
Rapid breathing
Feeling hot on their chest or back
Restlessness or unusual sleepiness
If you’re worried your baby is becoming overheated or unwell, move them somewhere cooler, remove excess clothing, offer a feed and seek medical advice if symptoms continue.
Enjoy the Summer Safely
Warm weather doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all day. With a little planning and a few simple precautions, you can safely enjoy those first precious summer walks and family outings with your newborn.
These early weeks pass so quickly, and every tiny yawn, stretch and cuddle becomes a memory you’ll treasure forever.
If you’re looking to capture those beautiful newborn moments in a calm, comfortable, fully air-conditioned studio, I’d love to welcome you to Heather Elizabeth Photography in Runcorn, Cheshire. My studio is carefully maintained at a comfortable temperature, ensuring your little one stays cosy and relaxed throughout their newborn session.
Because these first few weeks disappear in the blink of an eye, it’s always worth booking your newborn session during pregnancy to guarantee availability.