Hot Summer Weather With a Newborn: 7 Survival Rules

In the summer heat, adults suffer, let alone newborns. A long stay in the sun can cause cry all night, at best. And at worst, reddening of the skin, heat exhaustion and fever. To enjoy hot weather with your newborn, follow our 7 summer survival rules.

Can newborns get to hot? 

Newborns under 6 months cannot respond properly to ambient temperature. 

In winter they cannot shiver to produce heat, and in summer they cannot cool themselves by sweating sufficiently. 

Therefore, the newborn is at risk of overheating in the hot weather, which can show itself in restlessness, redness, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes even vomiting.

How do I know if my newborn feels hot?

Small babies have different thermoregulation. So if they have cold hands or legs it doesn’t mean they are cold. The child may be hot. 

Newborns cry if they are too hot. If the baby is too hot, then he’ll speak up. 

Always check the baby’s temperature at the nape of the neck. If the nape is warm, then the baby is hot. In extreme temperatures, you can cool the nape of the baby’s neck with a washcloth soaked in lukewarm water.

When your baby sweats around the neck, make sure he is not dressed too warmly. For hot weather, natural fibers are ideal as they allow a proper heat exchange with the environment. The baby won’t be too warm in them, but he won’t be dressed too lightly either. 

What weather is too hot for newborn?

According to experts, babies should be kept at a temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

To make sure the newborn is not too hot, make sure the baby is dressed appropriately. The baby should have one more layer of clothing than you.

In hot weather, the newborn should wear airy clothes made of natural materials. The ideal material is cotton, which is non-irritating for delicate and sensitive baby skin.

Cover the baby’s entire body if possible. Choose a lightweight T-shirt or long-sleeved body and socks, if necessary trousers. It is also very important to cover the baby’s head. Put a thin cotton summer hat on your newborn. The cap should be either seamless or have special flat seams on the sides that won’t irritate the baby.

If the baby’s clothes are soaked in sweat, do not leave them on and change the newborn into dry clothes immediately. Poor thermoregulation of the baby’s body can cause cold very quickly.

How hot is too hot for a newborn inside?

Temperatures in the baby’s room should range from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the most comfortable temperature for newborn’s sleep. 

Keep your baby’s room at the appropriate temperature by cooling the house depending on the weather. The most important thing is to dress your baby appropriately for the temperature.

💡TIP: How to keep baby cool in hot weather outside? READ NOW

To avoid unpleasant consequences of the sun with your baby, follow our 7 survival rules:

1. Go Out Only in the Morning or Evening

Newborn doesn’t belong in the hot weather. And if it’s 86°F outside, don’t let older kids out in the heat either. 

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is around 11 am – 3 pm. Only go out in the morning or evening when it is cooler. When you are out in the hot weather, check the newborn constantly. If the baby becomes restless, hide in the shade for a while or return home.

2. Ventilate the Stroller

Mothers often cover the stroller with a nappy or thin blanket to protect the baby from the sun. In reality, though, it’s the worst thing you can do. The temperature in the stroller rises very quickly and can easily reach up to 122℉.

If you need something to cover the stroller, get a special sun shield designed for strollers. This keeps the newborn in the shade, but also allows air to flow into the stroller.

3. Make Sure Baby Drinks Regularly

Make sure the baby has enough fluids. Breastfeed as often as possible – every half an hour if the baby requests it. For the little ones, breast milk should be enough, but for older children, feel free to offer baby-water as well.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough fluids?

You can tell your baby is getting enough fluids by how often his nappy is wet. If the newborn only wets twice a day, then he is low on fluids. A newborn with enough fluids will need 6-8 nappies per day.

4. Apply Sunscreen Every Two Hours

Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. Higher SPF values provide greater protection, but it’s important to note that no sunscreen offers 100% protection.

Apply sunscreen to your baby’s skin at least 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. This allows the sunscreen to absorb into the skin and provide optimal protection. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of your baby’s skin, including the face, ears, and back of the hands. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if your baby is swimming or sweating.

Sunscreen effectiveness can diminish over time. Check the expiration date on the sunscreen bottle before use and avoid using expired products.

5. Cool the Baby With Lukewarm Water

Especially in hot weather, newborns suffer more often from diaper rash and prickly heat. Therefore, maintain hygiene and wash your children regularly, especially all folds of their skin.

If the baby is too hot, wipe his feet and back with a washcloth soaked in lukewarm water. Bathe your baby several times during the day if necessary. But beware – the water must never be completely cold.

6. Be Prepared for the Heat at Night

The summer heat is sometimes unbearable even at night. So think about how to keep baby cool in hot weather at night:

• During the day, keep the blinds or curtains closed in the room where your baby sleeps. This way, the room won’t heat up as much.
• Pull the covers and cushions out of the cot to allow air to flow around the baby.
• At night, create a draft by opening a window. However, do not leave the child directly by the window, as he could catch a cold.
• Do not dress the newborn too much for the night, thin pajamas are enough. If it is very hot, let the baby sleep only in a diaper.
• If your baby wakes up during the night, turn him over in his cot or take him out the cot for a while to cool him down.

7. Dress Up the Newborn Into Summer Clothes

In hot weather, forget about synthetic clothing materials, both for you and for the newborn. Outfits made of natural materials are ideal. Most moms prefer cotton. 

Don’t dress your baby unnecessarily for the crib, but be sure to give him one layer to help wick sweat away from the body. Thin pajamas with short sleeves or a thin bodysuit work well.

More Summer Tips:

• How to Protect Kids from the Sun
• 7 Useful HACKS to Keeping Baby Cool in Summer
• How to Choose Cute Summer Outfits For Toddlers?