Baby and Kids
How to Safely Dress a Newborn in the Summer Months
As a mom of two summer babies born in late June and early July, I know how stressful it can be worrying about keeping your baby safe during summer heat. And my son was born in April, so by the time it warmed up, he was only a few months old. New parents worry about everything, but keeping them safe in hot weather is about so much more than comfort. There’s so much pressure to get it all “right,” and something as simple as choosing an outfit feels like a major decision. And it kind of is. Do you dress baby in a short-sleeved onesie or nothing at all? Is a blanket safe at night? They can’t wear sunscreen. Should you even take them outside?
How to Safely Dress a Newborn in the Summer Months
If you’re a new parent wondering how to dress your newborn baby for the warmer months, you’re not alone. I remember standing in front of my baby’s dresser, debating between a short sleeve body suit or just staying home in our air conditioned house. And don’t get me started on bedtime sleep. I always worried about the temperature of temperature of the room at night, which should be between 68-72 degrees.
After two hot summers with newborn babies, here’s what I learned.
Understand Newborn Body Temperature Regulation
Newborn babies can’t regulate their body temperature like older children or adults. Their small bodies can easily lose or trap heat, which is why dressing them appropriately is so important, especially in summer weather. If you’re unsure whether your baby is too hot or too cold, hands and feet aren’t a reliable indicator. Check their neck or back. If their back is sweaty, remove a layer.
Never ever throw a blanket over your baby’s stroller. It traps heat and can cause your baby’s body temperature to rise.
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Protect Baby’s Skin During Outings
During summer weather, it’s natural to want to spend time outside, and newborns need vitamin D. Newborns have very sensitive skin and cannot wear sunscreen, so you should avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Their skin can burn easily, and the only way to protect it is to stay out of the sun, or to use a stroller with a UPF canopy and add a fan to keep air circulating. A sun hat made from lightweight, breathable materials helps protect their face and neck. Look for one that fits snugly and doesn’t slip off.
I’m going to say it again—never ever throw a blanket over your baby’s stroller. It traps heat and can cause your baby’s body temperature to rise.
If you’re going out during peak sun hours, consider dressing your baby in long sleeved, lightweight clothing. This adds sun protection without overheating.
Stick to Breathable Fabrics
At night, choose breathable fabrics for pajamas. A single layer of organic cotton is usually enough. I learned very quickly that synthetic materials trap heat which is the last thing you want when it’s hot. Organic cotton is one of the best materials for summer outfits. It’s soft, gentle on sensitive skin, and doesn’t cause overheating. Other breathable materials like bamboo are also great options, but I aim for organic cotton when I can.
If your baby tends to kick off blankets, a sleeping bag or summer-weight sleep sack is a good idea. Make sure it’s made of lightweight clothing, not thick fleece.
Avoid hats and extra layers during sleep. Babies regulate body temperature through their heads and faces.
Dress for the Time of Day
Early morning might be cooler, even during summer. A long-sleeved onesie or sleep suit is a good idea if there’s a breeze. By midday, especially on hot days, you’ll want to switch to a short-sleeved onesie or sleeveless bodysuit. On the hottest days, a single layer is often enough.
Use Lightweight Layers for Sleep
Safe sleep and car seat safety are the two things I’ve chosen to really fixate on as a parent. Newborn babies should not be too hot while sleeping since overheating is a risk factor for SIDS.
In hot summer months, skip thick pajamas and heavy swaddles and avoid sleep suits that are made of fleece or other materials that can trap heat. In really warm weather, my babies slept in just a short-sleeved bodysuit inside a sleep sack.A lightweight sleep sack or swaddle made from breathable fabrics is more than enough.
Be Cautious with Air Conditioning
Baby’s room should be between 68-72 degrees at night. Be sure to keep them in breathable fabrics and monitor their comfort. Air-conditioned rooms can feel chilly to newborn babies, so make sure it does’t go below 68, and if that’s where you keep it, I’d opt for long-sleeve pajamas. I love pima cotton since it’s soft and still feels lightweight enough, that baby won’t wake up too warm. If you’re using a fan, make sure it doesn’t blow directly on your baby.
Diaper Time and Skin Checks
During warm weather, it’s easier for a baby’s skin to become irritated. Sweating and friction from diapers can cause rashes. After changing diapers, let your baby lie in a short-sleeved or sleeveless bodysuit to let their skin breathe. It’s also a good time to check for any signs of heat rash.
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Pack Smart for Summer Outings
When we’d leave the house, I always packed extra clothes. Babies can spit up or sweat through a onesie quickly on hot days and layering is key. You want to be ready for both the summer heat and indoor chill. My summer bag (or a large pouch by the time I got to my third baby) usually included the following:
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Two extra short-sleeved onesies
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A lightweight blanket
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Sun hat
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A pair of socks (for air-conditioned places)
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A change of clothes for cooler summer nights
Know the Signs of Overheating
It’s always better to underdress slightly in warm weather. Signs your baby may be too warm include flushed cheeks, rapid breathing, fussiness, and sweating on the neck or back.
If you notice these signs, remove a layer and move to a cooler area.
Trust Your Instincts
As a new parent, it’s easy to doubt yourself. It’s ok to worry, and it’s ok to question what’s right. Watch your baby’s cues, feel their skin, and adjust as needed. What worked for my first baby didn’t always work for my second. Every newborn baby and every parent are different.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet I lived by:
Morning: Short-sleeved onesie or long sleeves if breezy
Midday: Sleeveless bodysuit or diaper-only indoors
Outdoors: Sun hat + long sleeves in breathable fabric
Nighttime: Single layer + lightweight sleep sack
Check baby’s back for warmth, not hands or feet.
Those early summer weeks are a whirlwind. Between feedings, diaper changes, and figuring it all out, the days pass quickly. Dressing a newborn in summer doesn’t have to be stressful. Stick to breathable materials, monitor their comfort, and dress them in lightweight layers. Use a sun hat to protect against sun exposure, and always prioritize safe sleep.
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