How do you dress a newborn in summer

How To Dress A Newborn In Summer Safely (Day & Night!)

by Rachel Norman

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What's in this post...

If you need some newborn summer clothes ideas, want to know how to keep baby cool in hot weather at night, and want my general best tips on keeping baby cool in the summer, this will help.

Well, you’ve got a newborn baby and you are knee deep in that newborn sleep schedule.

You’re probably feeding what feels like every hour or two. Or maybe you’ve already figured out your newborn feeding schedule.

Newborn Feeding Chart

Use this simple printable chart to track your feeds to make sure baby is fed, your supply is up, and everyone is well.

How to dress a newborn in the summertime

Style wise, you’re on your own there, mama. But safety wise, there are a few things to consider because we know keeping baby cool in the summer is a priority if you live in super hot weather.

When dressing your newborn baby during the summer months…

Buy breathable loose materials. If the materials aren’t that loose, they need to be extremely breathable. Of course, if you’re in the north this isn’t as important, but for certain hot climates, it’s a must.
Your baby doesn’t need to be covered from head to toe, but be mindful of sun exposure. Vitamin D is great, even for newborns, but you want to avoid sunburns, obviously.
Bring layering blankets. If you dress baby for a hot day then it gets more chilly at night, you can always wrap baby up in a breathable muslin.
Dress keeping the ambient temperature in mind. So if the a/c is on quite cool, baby needs less layers and maybe even diaper only.

Read: Advice For New Moms Your Doctor Won’t Tell You

How to keep a baby cool in summer at home

The easiest way to keep baby cool is obviously to put less layers on them.

You want to make sure that in homes with an a/c that it’s on nearly all day long in hot temperatures.

➡️ According to some experts, optimal sleeping temperatures are between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

From the American Academy of Pediatrics published study…

“Although studies have shown an increased risk of SIDS with overheating, the definition of overheating in these studies varies.
Therefore it’s difficult to provide specific room temperature guidelines to avoid overheating.
In general, infants should be dressed appropriately for the environment, with no greater than 1 layer more than an adult would wear to be comfortable in that environment.
Parents and caregivers should evaluate the infant for signs of overheating, such as sweating or the infant’s chest feeling hot to the touch. “

Newborn Settling Guide

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Fans are also a great way to keep baby cool and they can be put on near baby’s crib, rotating, etc. to increase air circulation.

At night and for nap time, breathable materials, fans, and the a/c keep baby cool and will help promote healthy sleep habits.

This swaddle zips from the bottom and can be unzipped to let air in, change diaper without unswaddling arms, etc.

How to keep a baby cool in hot weather at NIGHT

It is important that babies are kept at proper temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold.

And at night, this can be tricky!

Newborns also need to be swaddled to sleep well so parents can often get into a bit of a pickle.

How to swaddle baby in hot summer weather:

Dress baby in diaper only and swaddle in thin sheet (this was suggested by a mother in a hot humid part of Australia!).
Swaddle in a very light muslin blanket over a diaper only.
Find mesh swaddles or mesh blankets that are able to be wrapped tightly.
Wrap and swaddle baby’s arms only, not entire body.
If you don’t have air conditioning, you can always lightly wet your swaddle so it’s damp.

Read: Easy Peasy Tips To Swaddle Newborns Well

Newborn Sample Routine

Grab this sample newborn routine, tweak it, and have calmer more peaceful and predictable newborn days.

How to keep baby cool in hot weather outside

As we know, there’s a lot of things to do with our kids during those summer months. And we want baby to come with us!

If you’re going to be outside in 90+ degree weather (hello, Florida!) there are some things to keep in mind,

If you are wearing baby, get baby out of the carrier regularly to avoid overheating. The carriers are often made of heavy duty material that, while sturdy, can make baby hot.
Get a shade or canopy for your stroller. Some strollers come with these, if not, buy one. You don’t want to cover the top with a blanket during super hot weather, but a breathable shade will keep baby cool.
Use a spritzer. You can buy a fan that attaches to the stroller to keep some air circulating while you are outside wandering.

Read: Cocooning a Newborn & 7 Reasons Why it Can Be Good For The Family

Get a newborn swaddle here

Newborn Sleep Schedule SUMMARY

Download and keep this handy to make sure you are prepared for the weeks to come.

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Filed Under: Practical Parenting Tips
Tagged With: Baby, Newborn, Postpartum, Summer, Swaddling

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How to Dress A Newborn in Summer: 5 Tips for Success

Are you wondering how to dress your newborn in summer for maximum comfort? Here are 5 tips to keep your baby cool and comfortable!

You’ve probably heard me say this before, but from the day we brought our new baby home, I was obsessed with her temperature and whether she was comfortable when sleeping.

As new parents, we worried about how to keep my baby warm at night without overheating her!

Newborns can’t use words to tell you how they’re feeling, and trying to guess how to dress your baby for sleep can be tricky work!

I felt like there must be some sort of code to crack to make sure she was sleeping at the perfect temperature.

Thankfully it’s not such a precise science! Still, there are some things to keep in mind and pitfalls to avoid.

Luckily, I’ve done the research and trial-and-error for you!

I’m here to help you figure out the best way to dress your newborn in summer. Keeping them comfortable means they’ll be less fussy and sleep for longer stretches of time.

Top Tips to Dress a Newborn Baby in Summer for Bed

Dressing your baby for sleep in warmer weather doesn’t have to be hard! Here are some tips that will take the guesswork out of it.

Tip #1: Don’t Just Rely on the Thermostat

Did you know that the recommended ideal temperature for baby’s room is usually between 68 and 72°?

Where we live in California, our summer months can get very hot (with temps over 100°!), so we have to run our AC a lot in the summer. But just because the thermostat is set at 68°, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the temperature your baby feels when sleeping.

You still have to dress your newborn in something to sleep! Those layers can add warmth, so it’s important to monitor how their body feels by using the touch-test.

Your thermostat might read much cooler than your baby actually feels, so don’t let it be your only way to monitor their ideal summer sleep temperature.

Touch your baby’s belly or back of their neck to feel their core temperature. They should feel slightly warm but not sweaty or clammy.

Tip #2: Your Goal is to Avoid Overheating

Keep in mind that it is much easier to warm a baby up than cool them down. Your goal should be to avoid overheating.

The most recent research shows that overheating is linked to a greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

To reduce the risk of SIDS, keep an eye out for any of these signs that your baby is overheated:

Baby’s skin is sweaty including back, chest, neck, or hair
Skin that is red and very warm to the touch
Heat rash (little bumps or splotches on neck, chest, back, thighs, or armpits)
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting (more than just spitting up after eating)

If you see any of these signs, remove at least one layer of clothing and try to move to a cooler location.

Tip #3: Use the Golden Rule

Knowing that overheating can be dangerous for your baby really turns the pressure on when you’re getting them dressed for bed!

But don’t sweat it—literally! Instead, think about this spin on the golden rule: dress your baby the way you want to be dressed.

In other words, think about how you like to dress for sleep in the summer. You probably wear light, thinner pajamas and forego a heavy blanket or comforter, right?

Your newborn will be comfortable in thin layers, too. Start with a cotton onesie as a base, and build on that if necessary.

I typically recommend swaddling in those first few months for your newborn. Since that means adding another layer to a potentially already warm summer night, it’s important to pick a swaddle that is lightweight and breathable—something like these Burt’s Bees swaddles, which are made of organic cotton is perfect!

Tip #4: Pay attention to TOG Ratings

When it comes to layering and warmth, not all of your baby’s clothes are created equal.

Textiles like baby clothing and swaddles have something called a TOG rating. TOG is a standard measurement that lets buyers know just how warm a fabric is.

The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the fabric will feel when you wear it.

It’s not always possible to tell how warm something will be by the look or feel of it. There are certain fabrics that will insulate more or less, and will have better breathability. TOG ratings take the guesswork out of it all!

When you’re figuring out what do babies sleep in during the summer, you can use pajamas, swaddles, or summer sleep sacks with low TOG ratings.

Using a swaddle or sleep sack is possible even in the warmer months, as long as you pay attention to the TOG ratings of both the swaddle or sleep sack and your baby’s base layer.

The Woolino 4-Season sleep sacks are some of the best sleep sacks if you live in a climate that experiences all four seasons. The bags take the guesswork out of dressing for cold weather and help with how to dress your baby for winter, summer, spring, and fall!

Tip #5: Learn the Signs of Temperature Discomfort

If you’re not sure whether your baby’s sleeping temperature is right, here’s the good news: they will let you know!

When your baby is feeling uncomfortable, they will find a way to communicate it. You might just have to keep an eye out for the signs.

Here are some ways your newborn might be telling you that they’re not at a comfortable temperature:

More crying than usual, especially in the middle of the night
Generally restless when you set them down during scheduled naps or bed time
More frequent wake-ups or shorter naps than usual
Very quiet and still
Awake but lethargic or floppy
Uninterested in feeding

What Should Newborns Wear in the Summer to Bed?

Now that you have those tips in mind, it should be easier to determine what your newborn needs to wear to bed in the summer.

If your baby sleeps under or near an air conditioning vent or ceiling fan, you can probably dress them in at least one thin layer covering their whole body without worrying about overheating. Consider a lightweight (low TOG), full length long sleeves pajama set.

However, if there isn’t much cool air passing over your newborn when they’re sleeping in summer, they might be totally comfortable in a short-sleeve onesie and nothing else.

There may be times when you’re traveling and don’t have control over the thermostat—or maybe there isn’t AC! In situations where you’re faced with 80+ degree temps indoors while sleeping, don’t hesitate to omit the baby clothes and let your little one sleep in nothing but a diaper.

Lastly, if your newborn relies on the swaddle to sleep but you’re concerned about overheating, consider using breathable muslin wraps or sleep sacks over nothing but the diaper or a short sleeve onesie.

How to Dress a Newborn in Hot Weather

If you’re wondering what to dress your baby in during the daytime in summer, think back to the golden rule. Your newborn will be plenty comfortable in the same amount of layers you’re wearing!

Think of this as a general rule for dressing babies for the outside: If the temperature is 65 degrees or less, your baby will probably be more comfortable in one layer more than you. In higher temperatures, dress them in the same number of layers as you.

The most important thing when dressing your newborn for the outdoors in summer is to protect them from the direct sun. You can limit sun exposure and protect your baby’s skin with clothing, a sun hat, and shade.

Keep in mind that the FDA recommends against using sunscreen on newborn babies younger than 6 months old. That means shade is the best sun protection for your newborn when you’re outside during the summer.

You should never dress your newborn in more than one additional layer compared to the number of layers you’re wearing. For example, if you’re wearing one layer, your newborn should only have 1-2 layers on.

You can always keep an extra layer in your diaper bag for your baby, in case you visit any places that are blasting the air conditioner.

I hope you found this helpful and that your baby stays comfortable and cool this summer!

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Amy Motroni

I'm Amy and I'm so glad you've stopped by! As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, my goal is to walk you through the process of getting your baby to sleep, so your whole family gets the rest they need!

My blog is full of things to help you celebrate motherhood including baby nursery ideas, sleep schedules and sleep tips, fun printables, baby registry must-haves, and so much more.

First clothes for a newborn - how to dress a child in summer? ❤️ KIDY.eu

Basic list of maternity clothes for a newborn in summer
What kind of clothes for discharge from the hospital will the baby need in the summer?
"Hurrah! We're home!" or how to dress a newborn in the summer at home
How to dress a newborn for a walk in the summer if it's hot outside?
How to dress a newborn outside in the summer if the weather is bad?
General tips

Parents have been waiting for the baby to be born for 9 whole months. And all this time they are thinking about how to meet a new person "fully armed", that is, to prepare everything necessary so that, at least at first, the baby does not need anything. Indeed, a lot needs to be thought out and purchased in advance, because as soon as the baby is born, you will no longer be up to it. We decided to help you with this issue. So, what kind of clothes does a newborn need for different occasions if you are expecting replenishment in the summer? nine0018

Basic list of clothes for the maternity hospital for a newborn in the summer

Mom and baby will spend very little time in the maternity hospital. And yet, in the very first days of life, the baby needs increased comfort conditions to adapt to a new way of being. You can provide them by taking care of buying the right things in advance. It is best to collect a package a few weeks before the expected date and keep it at hand.

Necessary items and clothes for newborns in the maternity hospital in summer:

Of course, the diaper pack. These are not clothes, but for a newborn they are necessary both in summer and in winter.
Baby hygiene products - baby soap, diaper rash cream, powder, baby wipes, etc.
No matter how many clothes a newborn would need in the maternity hospital in the summer, diapers will always help you out, which can temporarily replace things if everything gets dirty, serve as a bedding or coverlet and, if necessary, be used for swaddling. There are never many of them, so feel free to take 5 pieces of thin and warmer ones - you will need everything. nine0005
2-3 light caps.
Light clothing set in 3 pieces. You can buy sets in advance or assemble them from bodysuits for a newborn, thin blouses, T-shirts, sliders.
A couple of sets of warmer clothes, similar to the previous paragraph, or just a few comfortable slips.

What kind of clothes will the baby need for discharge from the hospital in summer?

There are 2 features here. First, your child will go outside for the first time. And secondly, the situation requires solemn registration. As for the amount of clothes, follow the golden rule: clothes for newborns for the summer should be the same as you are wearing + 1 layer. So the baby does not freeze and does not overheat. nine0018

From clothes for newborns in summer you will need:

Blouse or bodysuit + rompers or panties. The alternative is a slip that combines all this.
A hat is a must.
If necessary, socks and scratches.
Envelope or special clothes for discharge for newborn girls (for summer it can be a dress) or boys (suit).

Please note that if the weather is not very summer (below 20°), the child should wear an extra layer of clothing. Another tip on how to dress your child for discharge in the summer: buy a special set for discharge according to the season - this will solve your problems at once. nine0018

“Hurrah! We're home!" or how to dress a newborn at home in the summer

Comfortable temperature for a baby ranges from 21-23°. This is how it should be in a baby's room. In this case, you only need a diaper, single-layer clothing (pants with a blouse or sliders with a vest, or slip) and a hat. A child should not be completely without clothes, since at this age he has not yet established the process of thermoregulation.

What should a newborn wear at home in the summer if the room is hot? After all, it happens that an increase in air temperature in a room is inevitable, and air conditioning is not installed in every home. In such cases, you can limit yourself to a bodysuit with short sleeves and socks. It is also useful for the baby to take air baths from time to time. nine0018

How to dress a newborn for a walk in the summer if it's hot outside?

Even in the warm season, the right choice of clothes is extremely important for the baby. After all, with its help you need to protect the baby from overheating, sunburn, wind, insects, etc.

Important tip: no matter what the weather is outside, be sure to bring a blanket or blanket with you to avoid hypothermia in case of temperature changes. Whatever you decide to dress your newborn for a walk in the summer, always take a full change of clothes and a couple of diapers with you. nine0018

What clothes a newborn needs to go outside in summer:

Sleepsuit for newborns;
Blouse or bodysuit;
Pants or sliders;
White or very light cap;
Socks.

You can choose any of the options above and be sure to complete it with a headdress.

When it comes to temperatures above 25°C, a short-sleeve bodysuit or T-shirt combined with a cap, socks and a diaper will suffice. But do not forget to take a blanket with you so that the baby, in which case, does not freeze. nine0018

How to dress a newborn outside in summer if the weather is bad?

Summer does not always please us with hot cloudless days, but you need to walk with your child every day, despite the vagaries of the weather. This should be taken into account if you stock up on clothes for newborns for the summer in advance and buy warmer clothes. If the air temperature fluctuates between about 15 and 20 degrees, in addition to the items of clothing listed in the previous section, arm yourself with a light spring jumpsuit. It is better to choose an option that can be quickly removed if there is a risk that the baby will sweat. In such cases, factors such as wind, sun, etc. must be taken into account. It is advisable to choose outerwear that can be easily removed and put on. And don't forget a blanket - a light sheet won't be enough in this weather. nine0018

General advice

All clothes for a newborn in the summer should be natural and safe for the first time. It is better to give preference to cotton fabrics.
Make sure that all clothing and household items are well breathable and can dry quickly enough.
When thinking about what clothes to buy for a newborn in the summer, remember that you will have to change them often (2-5 times a day), so there should be enough sets so that you can always change the baby into clean clothes until you wash the dirty clothes. nine0005
In addition to a blanket, you will need a light blanket or sheet for the stroller to protect your baby from the sun and insects. Even if the design of the stroller includes a mosquito net, this does not mean that it will protect against direct sunlight or wind.
When purchasing the necessary clothes for a newborn in the summer, give preference only to proven and popular brands whose products have been certified and are made only from high-quality and safe raw materials. nine0005

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clothes at home and for a walk

Our summer is unpredictable, and, of course, new parents often have a number of questions - how to dress a baby so that he does not catch a cold or overheat? Of course, grandmothers come to the rescue - and multi-colored tights are used, on top are knee-highs, a T-shirt, a T-shirt, and also a blouse, and . .. “do not forget to put on a hat for a child!”. nine0018

“But we live in the 21st century, and now they don't wear it like that,” most mothers exclaim, resolutely pushing aside the advice of grandmothers. The era of new fabrics, technologies, and fashion, in the end, dictate new rules to us. So where is she, the golden mean? How not to overdo it in such an important matter?

The main principle that should be followed when choosing clothes for your baby is this: children should not be wrapped up or dressed too lightly. Here the child himself will tell you, you just need to observe him - how he behaves. If he is comfortable, then on a walk he will easily fall asleep. nine0018

The main and main function of clothing in hot weather is to protect the body from overheating, and the skin from sunlight. And if in sunny weather adults almost want to give up clothes, then babies, on the contrary, really need clothes. But the fact is that the thermoregulation system, both in newborns and, in principle, in all young children, does not yet work. Therefore, they overheat and supercool very quickly. Overheating is fraught for the child with convulsions and even loss of consciousness. And after hypothermia, he usually gets a cold or runny nose. nine0018

To avoid such troubles, it is enough to periodically check if your baby is suddenly cold or, conversely, overheated. The surest way is to touch his neck. Ideally, it should be warm, not cold or hot. The temperature of the nose, arms or legs does not always indicate the condition of the baby.

For a newborn in the heat, a light diaper will never be superfluous, which, if necessary, can either cover the baby, or use it as a canopy, a shield from direct rays over the stroller; nine0018

A warm blanket, oddly enough, can also be useful for a newborn on a walk in the heat. In the event of a sudden change in the weather, it will protect the baby from strong winds.

A knitted blouse in case of evening coolness must be in the set of an adult who went for a walk in the summer with a newborn.

It is also forbidden to go for a walk with a baby in the heat without taking a bottle of water. The baby should be offered to drink several times during your walk, especially in intense heat. nine0018

The most comfortable temperature for a newborn is +24-250 C, no matter if the baby is at home or outdoors. At this temperature, the following set of clothes will suffice for a child: