Hot weather and babies

Keeping Your Baby Safe and Cool in Summer – Children's Health

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Summertime brings warm weather and lots of sunshine. But parents of infants, in particular, should keep a few essential heat and sun safety tips in mind while enjoying the season.

"Outside time is so important for babies' growth and development. So we want to make sure we are giving babies the opportunity to go outside, but of course, keeping them safe while doing so," says Sushmita Yallapragada, M.D., Neonatologist and Associate Medical Director of the Level IV NICU at Children's Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Yallapragada, also a mother of two young children, answers common questions about how to keep newborns and infants safe during the hot summer months.

What outside temperature is too hot for a baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time if the heat index is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged outdoor exposure on extremely hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly.

"Babies are not as effective at cooling their bodies as adults because they do not sweat normally," explains Dr. Yallapragada. "In addition, babies are not able to tell you if they are overheating and not feeling well. Take breaks every 15-30 minutes or sooner based on your child's response to the heat."

Before making outdoor plans with your baby during summer, check the local heat index. When you do enjoy outside time, you can take simple precautions to keep your baby safe.

How can I keep my baby cool in summer?

If the heat index is above 75- or 80-degrees Fahrenheit, take these five steps to keep your baby cool while spending time outside.

1. Seek shade.

Park your baby's stroller or blanket under a tree or in another shady spot to avoid direct sun exposure.

2. Dress baby coolly.

During hot days, dress your baby in a single layer of lightly colored, moisture-absorbent but breathable material, such as a lightweight cotton onesie or romper. Opt for fabrics like cotton and linen and avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.

"Infants should be dressed appropriately for the environment, with no more than one additional layer than an adult would wear comfortably at that temperature – for daytime or sleeping," Dr. Yallapragada says.

3. Drink liquids.

Offer breastmilk or formula to keep infants hydrated. It's generally recommended to wait until babies are at least 6 months of age to offer water. Older babies and toddlers should drink water while playing outdoors to help stay cool and hydrated.

4. Schedule extra rest time.

Time in the heat can cause infants to feel extra tired. "Planning time for babies to rest or nap following outside playtime can be helpful," says Dr. Yallapragada.

5. Avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Plan to take your baby out in the early morning or late evening hours so you can spend the hottest parts of the day inside. When outside, consider using a portable stroller fan to help baby stay cool.

How can I protect my baby's skin from the sun?

It's important to be mindful about how much sun exposure your baby is getting – especially since infant skin can sunburn easily.

Summer skin care for babies under 6 months

Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age. "Sunscreens can cause skin irritation in a young baby's developing skin," Dr. Yallapragada explains.

Instead, take steps to keep newborns and young infants out of direct sunlight:

• Seek trees or other sources of shade.
• Dress babies in a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses to block the sun from their face and eyes.
• Use a stroller shade or umbrella to block the sun from babies' arms and legs.
• Apply a car window shade to block direct sunlight from reaching your baby during car rides.

Summer skin care for babies 6 months and older

Babies 6-12 months of age should use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreen since these varieties are less likely to sting babies' eyes or potentially irritate their skin.

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours – or sooner, if your baby has been swimming or sweating.

What should I do if my baby gets a heat rash?

Heat rash, a skin irritation that looks like red pimples or blisters, can occur if babies' skin gets overly sweaty. You may notice a heat rash breakout on your baby's neck, chest, groin, armpits or elbow creases. "It can happen at any age, but it's quite common in young babies and children," says Dr. Yallapragada.

If your baby gets heat rash, bring them inside to cooler, air-conditioned air. Give them a bath or use a washcloth to wipe away the sweat. Replace their sweaty clothes with a cool, dry outfit. There is no need to apply any powders or skin ointments to heat rash; it should clear up on its own once the baby's skin cools down.

What's the ideal temperature for a baby's room in summer?

According to the AAP, the ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68 and 72 degrees. Keeping a baby's room cool is especially important when they sleep, as overheating can put an infant at risk for SIDS.

If you set your thermostat higher during the summer months or your air conditioning has a tough time cooling your home, keep window blinds or curtains shut to block direct sunlight. You can also use fans to circulate air.

If you lose access to air conditioning at home – either through a power outage or mechanical issue – consider spending the day at a library, shopping mall or community "cooling center" where COVID-19 safety protocols are in place and indoor temperatures remain comfortable.

How can I tell if my baby is too hot?

You can tell that your baby is getting too hot by watching for the following signs:

• Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
• Disinterest in feeding/drinking
• Flushed face
• Sweatiness (may be more apparent in older children)

If your baby shows signs of overheating, take them indoors into a cool space. Apply cool washcloths or offer a cool bath. Replace sweaty clothes with a clean, cool outfit. Offer milk or formula to help them rehydrate.

If your baby still seems overly hot after these steps, call your pediatrician – particularly if you notice it's been several hours since your baby had a wet diaper and/or your baby is vomiting, having muscle spasms or breathing quickly. These could be signs of dehydration or heat illness, and you may need to get your baby in to see a doctor right away.

What other steps should I take to keep my baby safe this summer?

As temperatures rise, it's important to never leave a baby alone in a hot car, even for a moment. Temperatures inside a closed car can rise to dangerous levels quickly, so always take steps to ensure you don't leave a child alone in the back seat. See five tips to prevent hot car tragedies.

Similarly, maintain careful adult supervision whenever your babies and older kids are around a pool this summer. Follow these essential pool safety tips to avoid the risk of injury or drowning.

More summer safety tips

Children's Health is here to help keep your family healthy and safe this summer. See more summer safety tips.

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heat stroke, hydration, infant, rash, safety, skin, summer, sun safety, toddler, water safety

Babies in hot weather | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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If you think your baby is suffering from the heat — that is, they look unwell, are refusing to drink, have a lot fewer wet nappies than usual or are vomiting — see a doctor or call healthdirect to speak to a registered nurse on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

Caring for a baby in hot weather can be challenging and it's common for parents to feel concerned if their baby is too hot and perhaps overheating. Healthy babies, who are thriving and well hydrated, generally have no problems regulating their body temperature unless they become overheated.

What are the effects of hot weather on babies?

When the weather is very hot, it's harder for babies and children to maintain a comfortable body temperature. A child's body temperature rises faster than an adult's and they can be affected quickly by the impact of heat on their body. They are also more at risk than adults of becoming overheated and being affected by a heat-related illness.

Babies and young children cannot adjust to temperature changes as efficiently as adults do. Another big difference is that babies and young children don't sweat as much as adults, which reduces their ability to cool down.

Babies are prone to developing heat rash or prickly heat because their sweat glands are not fully developed. Use a soap-free wash when bathing your baby and dress them in light cotton clothing.

How can my baby maintain their body temperature?

Dress your baby comfortably in light, loose clothing and avoid overdressing them. If your baby is outside, make sure they are wearing a broad brimmed hat which casts a shade over their head, face, neck and chest. Stay inside on very hot days. If you need to go out, keep outings short and try to stay in the shade.

Offer your baby extra breastfeeds or formula to drink if they are younger than 6 months. On very hot days, babies aged over 6 months can be offered small amount of cooled boiled water in-between their milk feeds.

Bath your baby as often as you feel you need to. Ideally, the temperature of the bath water needs to be lukewarm, rather than cold.

Never leave your baby in a car, even for a short time. The temperature in a parked car can quickly climb to dangerous levels.

How do I tell if my baby is too hot?

Place your hand on your baby's chest or back and feel their body temperature. This will give you a better idea than just feeling their hands or feet of how hot they are. Generally, a baby's extremities feel cooler than their body.

What could happen if my baby overheats?

Babies who feel hot and overheat are generally unsettled. Like the adults who care for them, when a baby is hot they look and feel uncomfortable. If their temperature stays high, they are at risk of becoming dehydrated or heat affected. Babies who are affected by heat stress feel overly warm to touch, can be irritable, look unwell, be floppy and their skin is drier.

If you think your baby has overheated, take them inside and remove their clothing. Give them a bath and offer a feed.

What are the signs of dehydration?

Depending on a child's age, they can show different signs of dehydration, though common signs are:

• being very thirsty
• having fewer wet nappies
• being tired with little energy
• looking pale with sunken eyes
• having fewer tears when crying
• being irritable and unsettled
• breathing quickly

Take your baby to be seen by a doctor if you think they may be dehydrated.

How can I protect my baby during hot weather?

Try to stay indoors with your baby during the hottest part of the day and plan outings which are inside and protected. Check the weather information and forecast on your state or territory's meteorological website. Download the Sunsmart app on your phone; this will help guide you in when you and your baby need sun protection.

It's not always possible to avoid being out in hot weather, and it's important to follow sun protection guidelines.

When dressing your baby, make sure they are not overdressed. Try to stay inside, or in shady areas if you need to be outside.

Keeping your baby cool

How to keep your baby cool in hot weather.

How do I protect my baby in the sun?

Try to avoid being outside in the sun, especially on very hot days. If you do need to go out, make sure your baby's skin is covered in clothing which has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating. The higher the UPF rating, the more protective the clothing will be against solar UV rays.

Use sunblock and sun protection on your baby's exposed skin if you cannot avoid being outside. Avoid regular use of sunscreen if your baby is under 6 months.

What about a heatwave? Should I take my baby out in hot weather?

All of us need to stay indoors when there is a heatwave. Use air-conditioning to keep the temperature at a more comfortable level. Make sure your baby is well hydrated and offer extra feeds. Cooling baths and wet washers against their skin can also be helpful.

How do I keep my baby cool when they are sleeping?

Think about moving your baby to a cooler room in the house to sleep. It's fine to use a fan and/or air-conditioning in your baby's room, though avoid the cool air blowing directly onto them. Make up their cot according to the safe sleeping guidelines and use cotton sheets. Dress your baby lightly or in just a nappy to keep them cool. Always place your baby on their back to sleep and make sure their head is uncovered.

Use curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight and where practical, keep windows open to maintain air-flow. Position your baby's cot in a room which is cool and well ventilated. Use air-conditioning or a fan if you are in a hot climate.

Make sure your baby has plenty of air-flow if they're in their pram when the weather is hot. Use a lightweight cover which will allow air to circulate. Always supervise your baby when they are sleeping in their pram.

Expect your baby's sleep patterns to change when the weather is hot. They may be sleepier in the hotter parts of the day, and have bursts of energy when it cools down.

Sources:

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: October 2021

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Related pages

• Keeping babies cool in hot weather
• Dressing a newborn
• Water safety for babies
• Getting out of the house with your new baby
• Sun and heat protection for babies and kids

Need more information?

Heat rash or prickly heat: babies & kids | Raising Children Network

Heat rash, prickly heat or miliaria looks like little red spots on the skin. It might appear if your child gets too hot. It’s common and easy to treat.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website