Your baby's first summer arrives, and for new parents, it's usually met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. There's the anticipation of those new perfect moments - the first family stroll in sunshine, and the first time they feel sand under their feet. But alongside the joy comes a steady stream of questions that seem to multiply with every degree the temperature rises: How do I protect my baby from heat and sun without becoming completely neurotic about it? How warm is too warm? What should they be wearing?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice from well-meaning relatives, alarming internet articles, and your own uncertain instincts, you're not alone. Here's what you actually need to know about navigating your baby's first summer, supported by credible health sources and grounded in common sense.

Why Babies Experience Heat Differently

It helps to understand why babies need different consideration in hot weather. Babies and young children simply don't regulate body temperature as efficiently as adults do. Their small size means they gain heat faster, sweat less effectively, and can overheat more easily than you might realise. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), infants are especially prone to dehydration and heat exhaustion in hot weather - don't let this scare you, it's to remind you that awareness matters.

There's another factor many parents don't consider: baby skin is thinner than adult skin, making them more sensitive to both UV rays and heat itself. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, 2023) notes that overheating is a known risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome, which is another reason to keep their environment comfortably cool rather than hot or stuffy. The goal here isn't to stress you out further - it's to help you stay aware and make small, smart adjustments that keep your baby comfortable.

Dressing for Summer Without Overdoing It

Your first instinct as a parent might be to bundle your baby up "just in case" - after all, they seem so small and vulnerable. But in warm weather, that protective impulse can actually work against you. Less really is more when the temperature climbs.

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like soft cotton or bamboo. These materials allow air to circulate around your baby's skin instead of trapping heat against their body. Loose-fitting clothing works better than anything tight or restrictive, and it has the added benefit of helping prevent heat rash, which can make even the happiest baby miserable.

Light colours reflect sunlight better than dark ones, which matters more than you might think when you're pushing a pram through afternoon sunshine. For outdoor time, consider long sleeves and leggings made from breathable UPF-rated fabrics. They protect skin without trapping heat the way thick cotton would.

Here's something that catches many new parents off guard: avoid thick hats or heavy blankets even if you think they're providing protection. They can quickly raise your baby's body temperature to uncomfortable or even dangerous levels. If you're wondering whether your baby is warm enough - and let's be honest, you'll wonder this constantly in the first few months - touch their neck or tummy, not their hands or feet. Those tiny extremities are often cooler than the core body temperature, so they're not reliable indicators. The neck or tummy should feel comfortably warm, not hot or clammy.

Many parents find it easier to use what I think of as "wearable sun protection" - everyday clothing made with sun-blocking fabrics. This approach means you don't have to worry about constantly reapplying sunscreen on covered areas, which becomes a real advantage when you're dealing with a wriggly, curious baby who has no interest in sitting still.

Planning Outdoor Time With Strategy

It's tempting to take your new baby out for long sunny strolls, especially when you're desperate to get out of the house and feel somewhat normal again. But timing makes an enormous difference to both safety and your baby's comfort.

Try to avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest. Early morning or late afternoon are the safest and often the calmest times for walks or outdoor play. Always seek shade when you can. Trees, umbrellas, or stroller sunshades that allow airflow all work well.

Here's something crucial that many parents don't realise: never drape a blanket or muslin over the stroller, even a thin one. Studies by the Lullaby Trust in the UK (2023) show that even lightweight cloth can trap heat inside the stroller, raising the temperature by several degrees and creating a dangerously hot environment. Use a clip-on parasol or a stroller shade designed with proper ventilation instead.

Before letting toddlers explore playgrounds or garden furniture, take a moment to check surfaces with your own hand. Metal slides and plastic car seats heat up fast in direct sun and can burn delicate skin in seconds. This is one of those things you only need to forget once to learn the hard way - trust me, it's better to check first.

Feeding and Hydration Through Summer

Hydration becomes crucial in summer, but that doesn't mean you need to start offering plain water to very young babies. In fact, doing so can be counterproductive.

Babies under six months should get all their hydration from breast milk or formula. The good news is that breast milk actually adjusts its composition in hot weather to provide more hydration. Simply offer feeds more often during hot weather - even short "snack" feeds help keep fluid levels where they should be. According to The Women's Hospital (2024), more frequent feeding is the safest way to keep young babies hydrated without disrupting their delicate electrolyte balance.

Babies over six months can have small sips of cooled, boiled water in between feeds. Toddlers can drink plain water regularly throughout the day, especially if they're active or sweating. Watch for signs of dehydration: fewer wet nappies than usual, dry lips, dark yellow urine, or unusual sleepiness. If you notice any of these, offer more feeds or fluids and move your baby somewhere cooler. These signs usually resolve quickly with proper hydration, but they're worth taking seriously.

Creating a Cool Environment

Where your baby sleeps and plays matters as much as what they wear. Room temperature might not be something you've thought much about before having a baby, but it becomes surprisingly important.

Aim for a room temperature around 20-22°C, which translates to roughly 68-72°F. Use a fan to circulate air if you need to, but keep it out of direct reach and never point it straight at your baby. If you have air-conditioning, keep the temperature moderate and avoid cold draughts, which can be as uncomfortable for babies as being too hot.

During the day, close blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight, then open windows during the cooler hours of early morning and evening. This creates a natural cooling cycle without relying entirely on mechanical systems. Avoid using thick bedding or multiple layers at night. A light cotton sleep sack or a short-sleeved onesie is often enough, and you can always add a layer if the temperature drops unexpectedly.

If the room feels stuffy despite your best efforts, it's absolutely okay to let your baby nap in a cooler, shaded space - even in a pram or bassinet, provided it's safe and properly ventilated. Flexibility matters more than rigid adherence to a particular sleeping location.

Protecting Delicate Skin Thoughtfully

Sun protection for babies isn't just about sunscreen, and in fact, for infants under six months, experts recommend avoiding sunscreen altogether. Their skin is too thin and absorbent, making them more prone to irritation and chemical absorption. Instead, keep them protected with shade, breathable clothing, and limit time outdoors during peak hours.

For babies older than six months, and toddlers, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin - faces, hands, feet, and any other areas that clothing doesn't cover. Apply it 20-30 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours or after swimming as it would have washed off. Don't forget easy-to-miss spots like ears, the back of the neck, and backs of hands.

Choose sunscreens specifically made for babies or sensitive skin, which should be fragrance-free and mineral-based with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, which works better for young, delicate skin. After outdoor play, gently wipe skin with a cool damp cloth to remove the sunscreen and apply a light moisturiser if needed. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses protect the face and eyes, but also look super cute in photos.

Simple Cooling Strategies

Sometimes the simplest routines make the biggest difference in keeping your baby comfortable. Give your baby a lukewarm bath before bedtime to lower their core temperature. This isn't about getting them clean - it's about bringing their body temperature down to a comfortable level for sleeping.

Keep a muslin cloth handy for gentle wiping or patting throughout the day. Avoid using powders or thick lotions, which can block pores and trap heat against the skin. If heat rash appears - you'll recognise it as tiny red bumps in skin folds - keep the area dry, dress your baby in breathable fabrics, and avoid anything synthetic. Most heat rash resolves on its own within a day or two, but if it worsens, spreads, or your baby seems unwell, seek medical advice straightaway.

Recognising When Something's Wrong

Babies can't tell you when they're too hot, which means you need to watch for physical cues. Skin that feels hot, flushed, or damp is an obvious sign. They might seem unusually sleepy, fussy, or irritable in a way that's different from normal baby fussiness - and yes, I know that distinction can be hard to identify, but you'll likely sense when something feels off. Rapid breathing or heartbeat are more serious signs, as are fewer wet nappies than usual.

If you notice any of these, move your baby to a cooler place immediately, remove extra clothing, and offer a feed. If they're drowsy beyond normal sleepiness, vomiting, or not responding the way they usually do, call your healthcare provider right away. Heat exhaustion or heatstroke can develop quickly, but both are very treatable if caught early, according to the CDC (2024). Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it's always better to check.

Keeping Your Own Calm

Here's something nobody tells you in those baby care books: babies mirror our emotions more than we realise. When you stay calm, hydrated, and mindful of your own comfort, your baby usually stays more settled too. If you're stressed, overheated, and anxious, they pick up on that energy.

Take breaks when you need them. Rest when you can. Simplify your plans. It's genuinely okay to skip that midday picnic or stay home during a heatwave. Your presence and responsiveness matter infinitely more than sticking to some imaginary perfect summer schedule that probably only exists on social media anyway.

A Gentle Reminder

Your baby's first summer is a time to slow down and notice the small things - their expression when they experience firsts like sand between their toes, or the feel of warm grass. By focusing on comfort, shade, hydration, and breathable fabrics, you're already doing everything right.

Protection doesn't have to mean restriction. A shaded garden nap or a quiet beach morning can be both safe and joyful, and the perfect way for you both to enjoy their first summer.

 

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Heat and Young Children: Risk Factors. cdc.gov

American Academy of Pediatrics (2023). Sun Safety for Babies and Toddlers. healthychildren.org

Lullaby Trust (2023). Keeping Babies Cool in Hot Weather. lullabytrust.org.uk

The Women's Hospital (2024). Heatwave Precautions for Babies and Young Children. thewomens.org.au

HealthyChildren.org (2023). Outdoor Safety and Hydration for Infants and Toddlers.