How to Dress Your Baby in the Summer

A presentation at How to Dress Your Baby in the Summer by Emma Young

In the summer, it can be hard to know how to dress your baby, especially when the weather is really hot. You want to make sure your little one is protected from the sun but also cool and comfortable. Here are some tips that can help you when dressing your baby in the summer months. 

Indoors 

If you’re indoors with your baby and the temperature is hot, you can choose lighter clothing that’s loose and comfortable for your child. You won’t need to worry as much about covering their whole body as they won’t be exposed to the sun. Still, light, airy clothing is a good choice to keep your baby comfortable and happy in the hot weather. If the temperature is extremely warm, you could take off your baby’s clothes and allow them to stay in their nappy. Make sure when you’re indoors in the hot weather with your baby that you allow air to circulate and do everything you can to regulate your baby’s temperature. Babies find it much harder to regulate their temperature compared to adults, so make sure you carefully monitor your child in very hot weather. A thermometer that measures the temperature of the room is a useful tool for the summer and winter months when you have a young child. 

Outdoors 

When the temperature is hot outside, you should keep your baby out of the sun in the hottest parts of the day. A sun shade or portable sun tent can be used to provide shade if you aren’t in an area with shade. Always face your child away from the sun so they do not look directly into it, you can purchase baby sunglasses, but most babies will try to remove these. Keep your baby covered up with lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Choose light colours that will reflect the sun rather than darker shades that will absorb the heat. A hat is essential when your baby is out in the summer; it will keep their head protected and shield their eyes from the sun. You should apply baby-safe sun cream to your baby’s face, hands, and other exposed areas. Always read the instructions and reapply regularly to keep your baby safe. Small spaces can be extremely dangerous in hot weather; never leave your baby in the car or a confined space. Air flow is essential to keep your baby cool and comfortable during hot weather. 

At night 

The temperature can change at night depending on the time of year and your location. Keep an eye on the temperature so you can dress your baby appropriately. Organic cotton baby bodysuits are perfect for nighttime when the weather is hot. This alone might not be enough to keep your baby warm unless the temperature is particularly hot. You can pop them in a swaddle or lightweight sleeping bag if the temperature gets a bit cooler at night. If the temperature of the room reaches above 27 degrees, your baby can sleep in a nappy or a nappy and a bodysuit. Always check the room temperature before putting your baby down to sleep. If the temperature gets too hot, consider opening the windows to allow some airflow into the room to cool it down. To get an accurate view of how hot your baby is, use a thermometer or your hand on their tummy or the back of their neck. 

The important thing to remember in the summer is to keep your baby cool and out of the sun. Keep your baby in the shade at the hottest parts of the day, and always make sure they’re wearing suncream and a hat when outside in the sun or the shade. Placing a baby’s feet in a paddling pool can help to cool them down on hot days, but always make sure you’re holding them, and they’re safe. Swim nappies are good if you want your baby to enjoy sitting in the paddling pool with you on a warm day. Be careful and monitor your baby when they’re in the pool, the water shouldn’t be too cold, and they shouldn’t spend too much time in the water.

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