How to Dress Your Baby in Summer and During Hot Weather
Dressing your baby in summer can sometimes feel uncertain. The morning may still be pleasantly mild, while temperatures can reach 35°C by the afternoon. The air conditioning may be on at home, yet the air inside the pram can heat up surprisingly quickly. It is natural to wonder: Will my baby get too hot? Will they become sweaty? Do they need to be covered while sleeping?
We have gathered a few practical points to help you decide what your baby should wear during hot summer weather.
How to dress your baby in summer: the essentials
These are the main things to keep in mind:
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always dress your baby for the current temperature, rather than the season or month
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babies often need one more layer than you, particularly during the newborn stage
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check the back of their neck, rather than their hands or feet
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choose natural, breathable fabrics
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in very hot weather, fewer layers are often the better choice
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outdoors, make sure your baby has sun protection and suitable shade
Newborns need extra care in summer too
During the first six weeks, a baby’s ability to regulate their body temperature is still developing, which means they can become too warm or too cold more easily. As newborns move very little, their bodies do not generate as much heat as those of older babies.
Even on warmer days, it can be helpful to use lightweight layers that are easy to remove or add when needed. Between 20 and 25°C, a baby bodysuit and a lightweight sleepsuit may be suitable, between 25 and 30°C a sleepsuit on its own may be enough, while above 30°C a short-sleeved baby bodysuit or just a nappy may feel comfortable. For sleep, a very light muslin cloth may be sufficient as a covering.
Every baby is different, so always pay attention to your own baby’s cues.
After six weeks, your baby’s activity level matters too
As your baby grows, they begin to move more, roll around, shuffle or crawl. This activity naturally generates more body heat, so they may need fewer clothes at the same room temperature than they did as a newborn.
A room thermometer and your own sense of the temperature remain useful guides. You should also regularly feel the back of your baby’s neck. If it feels pleasantly warm and dry, you have probably chosen the right amount of clothing. If it feels sweaty, remove a layer. If it feels cool, add one lightweight garment.
Toddlers warm up more quickly
Once your child is walking, running around and staying active throughout the day, they will warm up more quickly. At this stage, clothing that is too warm can easily lead to overheating.
In summer, toddlers can comfortably wear a T-shirt, shorts or a short-sleeved baby bodysuit. A lightweight ruffle dress can also be a lovely option for a little girl. At home, in a safe environment, they may feel perfectly comfortable wearing only a nappy. When you are going somewhere air-conditioned, it is worth taking a lightweight top with you so your child can adjust gradually to the change in temperature.
Every baby is different. There is no single dressing rule that suits every child in exactly the same way. Some babies become warm quickly, while others tend to feel the cold more. Room temperature, humidity, air conditioning and even the type of flooring can all affect what feels comfortable. If your baby spends a lot of time crawling or playing on cool tiles, lightweight socks may still be practical in summer. If they are playing on a soft carpet, socks are often unnecessary.
Within a few weeks, you will become familiar with your own child’s needs, and choosing what to dress them in will begin to feel much more natural.
Nappies can also cause discomfort in hot weather
Nappy rash can be more common during summer because warmth and moisture may irritate sensitive baby skin. Nappy rash can be uncomfortable and may sometimes take a while to settle.
Changing nappies more frequently, choosing a lighter summer option and allowing your baby’s skin to air several times a day may all help. Nappy-free play is not only more comfortable for your baby, but can also be beneficial for their skin. A swim nappy is not always necessary for paddling at home, as its main purpose is particularly important in shared swimming pools and public bathing areas.
Fabric matters just as much as the number of layers
It is not only the amount of clothing your baby wears that matters. The fabric is just as important.
For summer, choose soft, breathable, natural fabrics that help release heat and move moisture away from the skin. Cotton has long been a popular choice, while bamboo viscose is becoming a favourite with more families thanks to its excellent absorbency, breathability and silky-soft feel.
LiaaBébé bamboo babywear is stretchy, lightweight and comfortable throughout the day. The fabric helps your baby’s skin stay drier in warmer weather while providing a soft and comfortable feel. One of bamboo’s most appreciated qualities is its ability to help regulate your baby’s body temperature by retaining warmth in cooler conditions and feeling pleasantly cooling when the weather is warm.
Do not forget summer accessories
When you are heading outdoors, clothing is not the only consideration.
A lightweight, wide-brimmed sun hat can help protect your baby’s head from direct sunlight, heat and UV exposure, but it is most useful when your baby is genuinely in the sun. In the shade or in a pram, a parasol or sun canopy may often be enough. If you are not yet using sun cream, you can lightly cover your baby’s legs with a very thin muslin cloth, as delicate baby skin can burn easily.
Never completely cover a pram with fabric during summer, as the air underneath can heat up very quickly. Good airflow is essential. Summer pram liners and breathable covers can also make walks more comfortable, especially on longer outings.
Why do parents love LiaaBébé summer babywear?
Our customers most often highlight these benefits:
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soft bamboo fabric that feels gentle against sensitive baby skin
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excellent breathability and moisture management
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stretchy fabric that allows freedom of movement and makes dressing easier
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keeps its shape even after repeated washing
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cheerful colours and distinctive prints that make it easy to create a practical summer wardrobe for your baby
Bright, uplifting colours from LiaaBébé
Cheerful, colourful clothing can brighten family life not only in summer, but during greyer seasons too. Our products are available in beautifully soft shades and distinctive patterns. For plain-coloured pieces, you can choose from apple green, mint green, honey yellow, lavender, vanilla, lagoon blue, ocean blue, peach and many other lovely shades.
The prints are just as charming. Strawberry, dinosaur spot, floral, giraffe, star and constellation designs make it easy to create gently coordinated outfits for your baby’s wardrobe.
Take a look at the pretty pink tiger-print baby bodysuit, the orchid-lilac short-sleeved baby bodysuit, or the honey-yellow zipped summer sleepsuit!
Frequently asked questions about dressing babies in summer
How can I tell if my baby is too warm?
The best place to check is the back of their neck. If it feels damp or hot, your baby is probably wearing too many layers.
Can my baby wear only a nappy?
Yes, during very hot weather and in a safe home environment. For sleep or when outdoors, always adjust their clothing to the surrounding temperature.
Does my baby need socks in summer?
Usually not during hot weather. However, if your baby is crawling on a cold floor or spending time in a cooler room, a lightweight pair of socks may be useful.
Which fabrics should I choose?
Natural, breathable fabrics are best for summer. Cotton and bamboo viscose are both excellent choices because they feel soft and help maintain a comfortable temperature.
When should my baby wear a summer hat?
When they may be exposed to direct sunlight. In the shade or in a properly shaded pram, a hat is often unnecessary.
Written by Mónika Veres
References:
NHS: Keeping your baby safe in the sun
The Lullaby Trust: Safer sleep in hot weather
