We’re keeping everything crossed for a wonderfully hot summer with lots of sunshine ahead. We’re looking forward to finally not having to put on and take off so many layers when switching between indoor and outdoor activities. However, we know it can be tricky figuring out how to dress baby in summer with the heat. The challenge is always to protect baby from overheating. But what does that mean in terms of actual pieces of clothing? And what about at night, in the stroller, or in their baby carrier / wrap?
Whether it’s a stroller or baby carrier, during the day or at night – we’ve put together a few tips to help you know exactly what your baby should wear in each situation. To prevent you worrying and, of course, to prevent your little one from overheating.
What do babies wear during the day in summer?
As nice as it is when the sun shines, when it comes to babies or newborns, many new parents might feel apprehensive. But we’ve got this! So… what do babies wear in summer and what do newborns wear in summer?
When it is very warm, the clothes you choose should be light and breathable. The general rule is: avoid the sun! However, if you are out in the sun, every part of your little one’s body should be covered/shaded. Even at high temperatures. You should avoid using sun cream in the first six months of your baby’s life. Once you start using it, mineral sun cream is best, especially for babies. If you like, you can also choose special UV clothing, especially if you are going to the beach. However, the best thing to do is to avoid direct sunlight wherever possible and stay in the shade with your very young baby. And remember, there is UV radiation there too. We always recommend packing a couple of light layers, just in case it suddenly gets chilly.
Headgear
Appropriate headgear is always essential. It should be large, light-coloured, made of breathable material and equipped with a wide neck protector. You should also make sure that it is not too tight for your baby so that they are more likely to wear it. Being able to secure the hat with a loose band or Velcro fastener so that it stays where it is is always useful. This way, your baby’s head, neck and face are well protected from UV radiation and from overheating. And if you feel like you’re putting their hat back on 5,000 times a day – it’s not just you!
What about socks?
Barefoot or not barefoot, that is the question. And the answer is yes and no. No, you should not leave baby barefoot in the sun, as the socks serve as sun protection. It’s best to choose soft, elasticated socks made from natural fibres and that offer enough room for little toes. You can skip the socks if it is very hot and you are only in the shade.
How to dress baby in summer at night
The question of how to dress baby in summer at night is sure to cross your mind once or twice or a thousand times. The nights can also get pretty warm sometimes and leave you unsure: sleeping bag yes or no? Will the little ones cool down overnight dressed only in a short-sleeved bodysuit? Or will they overheat if they have too much on?
The best way to control the issue is by keeping the room temperature at 16 to 20 degrees at night. That would be the optimum temperature for sleeping. Of course, this is easier said than done when it’s really warm. You can try keeping the room where your baby sleeps dark during the day and air it again in the evening when the sun has gone down. You can also use a fan but make sure it isn’t pointed directly at baby.
And no matter what, you should dress or undress your baby according to the temperature shown on the thermometer. Pyjamas, long-sleeved or short-sleeved body – our TOG table shows you exactly what your baby can wear at which temperatures in a summer sleeping bag – which we highly recommend. Of course, this table is only a guide. Some babies may like it a little cosier, others may sweat a little faster. But you know your little one best. You can find more tips for good and healthy baby sleep in summer in this blog article.
Which material is best?
Natural fibres such as wool, cotton, bamboo, linen and silk are light, breathable and moisture-regulating. They are therefore ideal for the summer wardrobe. They adapt to the temperature, keep moisture away and allow the skin to breathe even at higher temperatures. This reduces skin irritation. They are also more environmentally friendly and sustainable than synthetic fibres, which can also irritate your baby’s skin if sweat is involved.
It’s best to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight in summer. Instead, choose light colours and light cuts. This will keep your baby cool and comfortable. By the way: the choice of material also applies to socks. Cotton or bamboo keep little feet pleasantly dry and prevent overheating.
How to dress baby in summer when babywearing
What do babies wear in baby carriers in summer? The first thing you need to know is that as your baby carrier or wrap already covers your baby with a layer of fabric, this counts as a layer of clothing.
The general rule in a baby carrier is: as few layers of clothing as possible between baby and carrier, but at least one. The reason for this is that you are acting as the ‘air conditioning’ for your baby. Babies aren’t able to regulate their own temperature. And that’s why nature has designed it so that you can use your body to heat them up or cool them down. And while skin-to-skin babywearing is highly recommended at home, it can be a sweaty, slippery affair outside in high temperatures. That’s why you should always have at least one layer of clothing between you and your baby. For more summer babywearing tips, click here.
How to dress baby in summer in their stroller
When you’re using a stroller, the same rules apply as being outside any other time. Where possible, keep baby in the shade (a stroller with a large sun shade is a must!). Their clothes should be light, airy and made of natural materials. To avoid overheating, you should make sure that the air circulates well in the stroller. Never cover the pushchair with a cloth or similar as this can lead to dangerous heat build-up.
When buying a stroller, look for one with breathable mesh material, particularly in the back panels to ensure cool air can circulate around baby. The Metro+ and Metro+ Deluxe strollers do exactly this and have a generous sun canopy that protects your little one from UV rays. With good ventilation and sufficient sun protection, you can relax and enjoy your summer stroll.
How to dress baby in summer – a few important tips
We hope you now feel more confident in how to dress baby in summer? Whether you’re choosing clothes for the baby carrier, for the stroller or just for playing together outside. We’ve got a few final tips to share to make your days out together as enjoyable as possible:
- Always keep an eye on the temperature in the carrier and pram. Never cover the stroller with a muslin or any other kind of cloth, and make sure baby’s airways are always visible in a carrier.
- Keep an eye on your little one and regularly check their temperature by touching their chest or between their shoulder blades.
- Always have a spare set of clothes with you in case your little one gets sweaty.
- Make sure your baby drinks plenty of age-appropriate fluids. They will probably ask for your breast/chest milk or bottle more often on hot days. This is completely normal and even important.
- When you’re out and about, make sure you have something to drink too!
We wish you a wonderful and relaxing summer!
Featured photo by Tatiana Syrikova, Pexels
