Keeping Your Baby Cool in the Hot Weather
17/06/25 15:16
Keeping Your Baby Cool in the Hot Weather
As summer finally arrives, the sunshine can be a joy, but for new parents it often brings a wave of questions about how to keep babies safe and comfortable in the heat. Babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults, so it's important to be aware of simple ways to keep them cool and avoid overheating.
With a background in physiology and over a decade of experience running baby preparation classes in SW London, I’ve helped thousands of local parents navigate the ups and downs of life with a newborn. Here's a practical guide with tips I often share in my classes simple, reassuring steps that make a real difference in hot weather.
Daytime Tips
Hydration Tips
Look out for signs that your baby might be too hot:
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)
Out and About - Car Safety
My classes at The Baby Care Company are designed to give you the confidence, tools and knowledge you need to navigate life with a newborn or with two little ones in tow.
If you're expecting again and wondering how to juggle the needs of a toddler and a baby or simply want to feel more prepared, my Second Baby Preparation Classes in SW11 (and nearby) are full of practical strategies, evidence-based guidance, and connection with other local parents.
Stay cool and enjoy the summer with your little ones,
Eilish
As summer finally arrives, the sunshine can be a joy, but for new parents it often brings a wave of questions about how to keep babies safe and comfortable in the heat. Babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults, so it's important to be aware of simple ways to keep them cool and avoid overheating.
With a background in physiology and over a decade of experience running baby preparation classes in SW London, I’ve helped thousands of local parents navigate the ups and downs of life with a newborn. Here's a practical guide with tips I often share in my classes simple, reassuring steps that make a real difference in hot weather.
Daytime Tips
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day
- If you're heading out, stick to shady areas and avoid keeping your baby in the pram for long periods. Prams can become surprisingly hot, even in the shade.
- Use a pram parasol or clip-on fan rather than covering the pram with a blanket or muslin, which can trap heat.
- Keep curtains or blinds closed in your baby’s room during the day to block out the sun and reduce room temperature.
- Use a fan to circulate air before bedtime - avoid pointing it directly at your baby.
- Placing a bowl of ice or frozen water bottle in front of the fan helps cool the air even more.
- If the room is consistently hot, consider moving your baby to a cooler room in the house for sleep.
- Bedtime Routine
- A cool bath before bed can help lower your baby’s core temperature and make them more comfortable for sleep.
- Dress your baby in very light clothing - often just a nappy and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag is enough.
- Always check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of their neck or chest. If they feel sweaty or hot, adjust layers.
Hydration Tips
- If you’re breastfeeding, your baby may want to feed more frequently to stay hydrated. This is normal and helps regulate their body temperature.
- For bottle-fed babies over 6 months, you can offer small amounts of cooled, boiled water in between feeds.
- And don’t forget to stay hydrated too if you’re breastfeeding.
- Spotting Overheating
Look out for signs that your baby might be too hot:
- Hot, flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Unusual fussiness or lethargy
- Damp hair or skin
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)
- This common rash often appears as tiny red bumps on the face, neck, back, or nappy area.
- Keep your baby’s skin cool and dry, change nappies frequently, and use breathable clothing.
- Speak to a pharmacist - they may recommend a gentle zinc-based cream or calamine lotion (if older) to soothe irritation.
Out and About - Car Safety
- Always check the temperature of car seats, buckles, or straps before putting your baby in.
- Never leave a baby in a parked car, even briefly.
- Use sunshades in the car and dress your baby lightly.
My classes at The Baby Care Company are designed to give you the confidence, tools and knowledge you need to navigate life with a newborn or with two little ones in tow.
If you're expecting again and wondering how to juggle the needs of a toddler and a baby or simply want to feel more prepared, my Second Baby Preparation Classes in SW11 (and nearby) are full of practical strategies, evidence-based guidance, and connection with other local parents.
Stay cool and enjoy the summer with your little ones,
Eilish