Keeping your baby cool this Summer: Tips for new parents

Dress your baby in natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo in the summer, avoid synthetic materials that trap heat. 

Maintain bedroom temperature between 16-20°C and dress baby in just a nappy and vest on warm nights 

Exclusively breastfed babies don’t need any water until they've started eating solid foods. During hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual. If you're bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water. 

Feel the back of baby's neck or tummy to check if they're too warm, not their hands or feet. 

What to look for: Cotton, linen, bamboo, and merino wool are excellent choices because they allow air to circulate and wick moisture away from the skin. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester, which can trap heat and prevent proper ventilation. 

For bedding and accessories like sun hats: Consider breathable crib sheets, lightweight swaddles, and moisture-wicking layers for pushchairs and car seats. The key is ensuring air can flow freely around your baby's body while still providing the comfort and support they need. 

Create shade strategically: Use a breathable sunshade, umbrella or muslin cloth to create shade, but ensure it doesn't block airflow completely. Never drape blankets directly over the pushchair hood, as this can create a dangerous oven effect. 

Cool before you go: Park your car in the shade when possible, and let the air conditioning run for a few minutes before placing your baby in their car seat. You can also place a damp cloth on the seat to cool it down before securing your baby. 

Portable fans: Small, battery-operated clip-on fans can be attached to pushchairs for gentle air circulation. Just ensure they're positioned safely out of your baby's reach. 

How they work in hot weather: BINIBAMBA's sheepskin Snuggler® buggy liners are made from breathable Merino sheepskin that naturally wicks moisture away from your baby's skin. Unlike synthetic materials that can become sticky and hot, sheepskin allows air to circulate freely. This means your baby stays dry and comfortable even on the hottest days. 

Practical benefits: These liners fit pushchairs, car seats, and baby carriers, providing a soft, natural layer between your baby and potentially hot surfaces. The natural fibres help prevent heat rash and irritation, while the cushioning effect ensures comfort during long journeys. They're also easy to spot-clean and naturally resistant to bacteria and odours. 

Temperature regulation: The hollow fibres in sheepskin create tiny air pockets that insulate in winter but also allow heat to escape in summer, making them genuinely useful year-round. This natural temperature regulation means you won't need to constantly swap out different liners as the seasons change. 

Soft, cool comfort from birth: Suitable for use in a Moses basket, bassinet, buggy, bouncer and newborn highchair attachment 

Anti-colic bottles: While not specifically a summer product, using an anti-colic bottle can help prevent discomfort that might be exacerbated by heat. Our anti-colic bottles are designed to reduce air ingestion, which can help babies stay more comfortable overall. 

Insulated bottle bags: Ideal for feeding on-the-go. Lightweight, portable and insulated design that keeps water warm or cool, so you're always feed-ready.   

Easy-clean designs: Summer often means more frequent feeds, which can mean more washing up. Tommee Tippee products are designed to be quick and easy to clean and sterilise, which is especially important in warm weather when bacteria can multiply more rapidly. 

GroEgg2: Changes colour with the temperature, so you can change their sleepwear tog or the temperature of the room to keep them safe.    

Blackout blinds: Helps to maintain their sleep routine through lighter nights and warmer weather.    

Low-tog sleepwear: The NHS states that overheating can increase the risk of SIDS, so it's important that you make sure the tog of your baby’s sleepwear is appropriate for the temperature of their nursery throughout the year. 1.0 Tog is ideal for use in warmer summer months or in rooms with temperatures between 20-24°C. And 0.2 Tog is best for heatwaves, hot weather, and very warm rooms with temperatures above 24°C. 

Keep young babies out of direct sunlight: Babies under 6 months should always be kept out of direct sunlight. Even for older babies, it's best to avoid sun exposure as much as possible, especially during the summer months and between 11am and 3pm when the sun's rays are strongest. 

Sun protection from 6 months: Once your baby reaches 6 months old, you can start using sunscreen to protect their delicate skin. Choose a baby-friendly sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Products designed specifically for babies and young children are ideal, as they're formulated to be gentler and less likely to contain irritating additives. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours to maintain protection. Don't forget to reapply immediately after your baby has been swimming or if they've been sweating, as this can reduce the sunscreen's effectiveness. 

Choose the right carrier: Look for baby slings and carriers specifically designed with ventilation in mind. Mesh panels, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and designs that allow air to circulate are essential features for summer babywearing. Avoid carriers with thick padding or synthetic materials that trap heat. 

Stay smart while wearing: Even with a breathable carrier, take extra precautions on hot days. Stick to shaded areas whenever possible, take regular breaks to check your baby's temperature, and watch for signs of overheating such as flushed cheeks or excessive sweating. Feel the back of your baby's neck, if it feels hot and sweaty, it's time to take a break and cool down. 

Layer wisely: Since your body heat will warm your baby, dress them in lighter clothing than you might otherwise choose. A thin vest or bodysuit is often sufficient, especially during the warmest parts of the day. 

Monitor room temperature: Invest in a room thermometer to keep track of your baby's sleep environment. The ideal temperature for safe, comfortable sleep is between 16°C and 20°C (61-68°F). If the room is warmer than this, take steps to cool it down before bedtime. 

Dress your baby appropriately for sleep: On particularly warm nights, less is more. A nappy and a lightweight cotton vest may be all your baby needs. Avoid overdressing, which is one of the most common causes of nighttime overheating. If you're unsure whether your baby is too warm, feel the back of their neck or tummy, these areas give a more accurate reading than hands or feet. 

Rethink bedding: A baby who feels too hot may fidget and move around more during sleep, which can cause them to become tangled in blankets. On very warm nights, consider using just a fitted sheet rather than blankets. If you do use a blanket, ensure it's lightweight and securely tucked in so it cannot come loose and cover your baby's face. 

Cool the room during the day: Prevention is key. Keep your baby's bedroom curtains or blinds closed during the day to block out direct sunlight and prevent the room from heating up. This simple step can make a significant difference to nighttime temperatures. 

Try a pre-bedtime cool bath: On especially hot days, a lukewarm (not cold) bath before bed can help lower your baby's body temperature and create a calming bedtime routine. This gentle cooling can help them settle more easily and sleep more comfortably through the night. Use a baby bath thermometer to check the temperature.  

For breastfed babies under six months: Breast milk provides all the hydration they need. You may notice your baby wants to feed more frequently in hot weather, which is perfectly normal. Offer the breast more often, and remember that you need to stay well-hydrated too. 

For formula-fed babies under six months: If you're bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water. If your baby wakes at night, they'll probably want milk. If they have had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well. Offer bottles more frequently during hot days, and ensure formula is prepared and stored safely, as heat can increase the risk of bacterial growth. 

For babies over six months: In addition to breast milk or formula, you can offer small amounts of cooled boiled water in a sippy cup or bottle throughout the day with meals. In hot weather, you may need to offer some additional water outside of mealtimes. 

Watch for signs of dehydration: These include fewer wet nappies than usual, dark yellow urine, dry lips and mouth, sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on baby's head), and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, offer fluids immediately and contact your healthcare provider. 

Keeping your baby safe in the sun | NHS 

Hot weather | The Lullaby Trust 

How to keep your baby cool during the heat | Emma's Diary