My firstborn son was born in May which can either be warm and muggy or cool and wet but soon enough, full-blown summer hit, and I remember wondering “what do newborns wear in the summer?”
I had to wing it back then as the internet didn’t have as many great parenting sites as it does now. I’d ask my mom and friends but there weren’t ideas and info about specific parenting questions like there are now.
Which is why I decided to write about this topic. I know we are in the winter months at the time I’m publishing this but many of you are pregnant now and expecting late spring and early summer babies, so this is great timing to learn what kind of outfits you’ll need for your little one!
Stick around and find out the kind of outfits you’ll want to have on hand so you’re prepared for your summer baby.
Affiliate links may be used in this post and if so I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when purchasing from my site. I’m also part of the Amazon Affiliate (Associate) program where I earn a commission from sales made through my affiliate links. Find my full disclosure policy.
What do newborns wear in the summer?
Dressing your newborn baby for the summer is not just about making them look cute, it’s also critical for their health and safety. Newborns are especially vulnerable to overheating, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke. They’re unable to regulate their temperature like adults can.
That’s why it’s essential to choose the right clothing and accessories to keep your little one cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. By following a few simple tips, you can make sure your baby stays healthy, happy, and well-protected from the heat.
Overview of dressing baby for summer:
- Avoiding overheating
- Protecting sensitive skin
- Choosing appropriate clothing
- Function over style
Top 8 tips for dressing a newborn for the summer
- Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics
When shopping for baby clothes, look for fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. Cotton is a good choice because it’s soft and comfortable, and it allows air to circulate around the baby’s skin.
Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can trap heat and make your baby feel hot and uncomfortable.
Something like these cotton onesies below would be great for the summer
2. Dress your baby in layers
In the summer, the temperature can vary throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to dress your baby in layers. Start with a onesie or a light cotton shirt, and add a lightweight sweater or jacket if it gets chilly. This way, you can easily remove or add layers as needed.
Check out the below lightweight jacket as a possible option, comes in different colors.
3. Use a hat
Newborns have sensitive skin that can easily burn in the sun. To protect your baby’s head and face, use a lightweight hat with a wide brim that shades the face and neck.
If your baby is not longer a newborn, use a baby-safe sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on any exposed skin. Apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.
Check out the newborn hats for boys and girls here.
4. Be mindful of the temperature
Babies are more sensitive to heat than adults, so it’s important to be mindful of the temperature. On very hot days, keep your baby indoors in an air-conditioned room or use a fan to keep the air circulating.
When you do go outside, try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the temperature is cooler.
5. Use breathable swaddles
Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and comfortable, but it’s important to use breathable swaddles in the summer. Look for swaddles made of lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin. Make sure the swaddle isn’t too tight, as this can cause your baby to overheat.
Check out the swaddles below for nice breathable options
6. Choose open-toe shoes or bare feet
Newborns don’t need shoes, but if you want to put something on their feet, choose open-toe sandals or shoes made of breathable materials like canvas or mesh.
You could also let your baby go barefoot, which can help them regulate their body temperature.
Aren’t these the cutest? They come in different colors, too!
7. Avoid overdressing
It’s natural to want to dress your baby in cute outfits, but overdressing can be dangerous in the summer. If your baby is too hot, they may become fussy or lethargic, which can be a sign of overheating.
When in doubt, dress your baby in one layer less than you would wear yourself.
8. Use a stroller fan
If you’re going for a walk or spending time outside with your baby, use a stroller fan to keep them cool. These fans clip onto the stroller and circulate air around the baby, which can help them feel more comfortable.
Check out this great stroller fan – comes in different colors.
Dressing a newborn in the summer requires a bit of planning and mindfulness, but it’s not difficult.
Remember to choose lightweight, breathable fabrics, dress your baby in layers, use a hat and sunscreen, be mindful of the temperature, use breathable swaddles, choose open-toe shoes or bare feet, avoid overdressing, and use a stroller fan when needed.
By following these tips, you can help your baby stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.
Pin for later reading
Mom to Littles is a passion project of long-time stay-at-home mother of three boys. Nell loves to write about baby names, pregnancy advice, best baby products, and self-care for new moms. You’ll find MomtoLittles.com to be a place for real talk and a warm hug from a friend for the mom of little children.