In warmer weather, many parents worry: can babies be outside in the heat safely? While fresh air is good for us, very hot weather can be unsafe for babies. Younger children, due to their inability to completely control their body temperature like older children, tend to overreact to changes in the weather. When you go out for walks and go shopping with your child or stroll with them, you should be paying full attention to everything that is going on around them. Here, we highlight some of the ways you can allow your baby to stay properly cool throughout the summer.

Is it okay for Babies to be Out in the Heat?

If you look after your baby well, yes, they will be fine outside on a hot summer day. Babies become at risk of getting too hot and overheated when playing outside during hot weather.

When it gets too warm, it’s safer not to go outdoors. It’s best for your baby to stay inside, while you should go out early or late and never between 10 am and 4 pm. To keep heat away from your child, either use an umbrella on their stroller or slide up its canopy for shade. Extended exposure of babies to sunlight should always be avoided.

For babies up to six months, only breast milk or formula is recommended, but slightly older infants may have some water if you choose. If the baby feels overly warm, it might appear hot to the touch, nervous, struggle to breathe and sweaty.

What Temperature is Too Hot for Babies to Be Outside?

If the temperature goes over 90°F (32°C) and the air is humid, then babies shouldn’t be outside unless they get plenty of sun. Issues can still happen if your baby is too warm, under the sun or not drinking enough when it’s 80s°F (27 to 31°C).

Adults have more ability to keep their bodies from becoming too warm or too cool than babies do. Consequently, they don’t sweat a lot, heat easily and are at higher risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. A short stay in the sun can still be dangerous if there is not enough shade, cold water or fresh air to keep you comfortable.

How Does Hot Weather Affect My Baby?

Unable to regulate their own body heat, babies warm up faster than adults when it is very hot. Their bodies warm faster, they sweat less, plus they tend to get overheated, dried out or affected by diseases such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

When your baby is irritable, you find their skin is warm, and they sleep for longer spans and breathe heavily, then they may be getting hot and coming down with a fever. When your baby does not produce wet diapers, has a dry mouth or displays sunken head spots, they could be dehydrated. Between birth and six months, your infant should just be fed breast milk or formula, but you can give a little water to babies that are older than this.

A heat rash is a small, red rash that happens in sweaty places, including under the neck or on the diaper. Since it is just superficial, you should feel better after the burn has dried and cooled.

If you let your baby wear airy clothing, keep check on them, never leave them in full sun for long and try not to expose them to extremely hot weather.

How Can I Keep My Baby Cool in Summer?

During the summer, make sure your baby isn’t getting too hot or uncomfortable. Due to their sensitivity to heat, simple steps can really help your baby stay cool.

Dress lightly: Avoid dressing your baby in thick clothes. Go with baby rompers or onesies that are simple for airflow. Most of the time, just putting on a diaper and a loose shirt is fine when you’re indoors or in the shade.

Use the right gear: A properly designed stroller can make all the difference. The Momcozy ChangeGo Baby Stroller is a wonderful option for taking your baby out in the summer. It works for different places and gives built-in sun protection to ensure your baby isn’t overexposed to the sun. You can use the large canopy and comfortable seat to shield your baby from the sun, no matter if you’re walking or on a trip.

Keep to shaded areas: Go to the trees or the shade whenever you are outdoors. Go outside when the sun isn’t as strong, like in the early morning or the evening.

Cool the environment: Avoid directing air from any fan or AC onto where your baby is resting. Bringing a fan along with your stroller keeps your child from feeling too warm if you’re outside.

Stay hydrated: Encourage your baby younger than six months to drink breast milk or formula frequently to avoid getting dehydrated. You can offer water occasionally to your baby after their regular meals.

Watch for overheating: If your baby’s skin looks red or flushed, seems upset, breathes fast or does not create many wet diapers, they are probably too warm. Take them away from any hot areas and then gently wipe them with a damp, lukewarm cloth.

How Can I Keep My Baby Cool when they are Sleeping?

It is very important to ensure your baby does not get too warm during sleep when the weather is hot. Try using these tips to help:

Dress your baby appropriately: Fit your baby in breathable clothes when they sleep, like those made from cotton. Please don’t overdress or cover the body with heavy blankets. Sometimes, all your baby needs in a very comfortable room is a diaper or a onesie.

Maintain a comfortable room temperature: Have the room temperature set from 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C) because this is comfortable for your baby. Place your fan or air conditioner so that the air flows around your child, but not straight on them. Turning on a fan in the proper place makes a room more comfortable, especially if air conditioning isn't available.

Use a breathable sleep surface: Give your baby a firm mattress covered with a thin, breathable fitted sheet to sleep on. You should avoid using pillows, blankets and stuffed toys in your baby’s crib to help prevent possible harm from SIDS.

Keep the room dark and shaded: During the day, shut out the light from the sun by drawing the curtains or blinds.

You can try a light and breathable sleep sack: Some summer-suitable sleep sacks are gentle and allow airflow, and many brands sell them.

Monitor your baby: Check your baby’s temperature by gently touching the back or neck and see if they are warm or cool. A child may be overheated if they are flushed, breathing quickly, feeling uneasy and seeming agitated.

How Can I Protect My Baby When We're Outside?

Shield your baby from the sun when you leave the house, choose loosely fitted clothes that let the air circulate, and put on a wide-brimmed hat. You should avoid going out from 10 am to 4 pm to prevent becoming too hot. If your little one is still small, give them breast milk or formula; if they are bigger, letting them have some water is safe.

If your child gets hot, you might notice their skin is red, or they are irritable; if so, move them to a cool, shady area right away. Performing these steps will help your child feel secure and safe outside.

How Can I Protect My Baby's Skin from the Sun?

Babies have sensitive skin that sunburns very fast and is easily damaged by warm temperatures. The fact that babies don’t have much melanin means that they are more likely to be affected by UV rays from the sun.

Babies below 6 months avoid direct sun exposure. The downside to their sensitive skin is they can’t wear sunscreen, and shade is their best protection—shade from a tree, umbrella, or even a stroller canopy.
Babies who are past the newborn stage should be dressed in UPF-rated wear. Choose outfits for your baby that include sun protection on arms and legs and let the airflow help them stay cool.
A hat with a large brim is always your best choice for blocking sun rays. Because a baby's face, ears and neck are not shielded by their clothing, the hat must be wide to cover them.
Sunscreen made for babies needs to be applied daily to your baby’s face and hands and should have a minimum protection factor of 30. Speak to your child’s doctor about using water before they are 6 months old. It’s important to apply more sunscreen every two hours or if your baby gets sweaty or splashes around.

How Can I Tell if My Baby Is Too Hot?

Being able to tell if your baby is getting warm helps you create a safe and comfy environment for them when it is hot. Monitor your baby closely to identify any signs that could mean he or she is overheating:

An appearance of flushed or red skin.
Damp or sweating skin
Extremely breathing; heavy or shallow breathing
Occasional fussiness or irritability
Warm or hot to the hand
Lethargic or not as active
Less wet diapers than normal

If you observe any of these indications, make sure to cool your infant quickly.

What Should I Do if My Baby Gets a Heat Rash?

Prickly heat (or heat rash) is a common issue for babies when the weather is warm and humid. There may be red bumps or blisters that appear on the baby's armpits, neck, skin folds, diaper area or any other areas where you sweat.

Move your baby to an indoor place that is cool and shaded or to an air-conditioned spot.
It’s important that you keep their skin clean and dry. Be gentle with a soft cloth and pat the affected areas; don’t rub.
Make sure your baby is wearing clothing that gives enough room for air circulation.
Ointments, creams and powders should be considered only if the pediatrician suggests using them, as they can make the rash even worse.
Try drinking extra breast milk or formula for your baby to stay hydrated.

Symptoms of heat rash generally go away in a few days. If the rash grows worse or your baby is acting uncomfortable, call your doctor right away.

Conclusion

Taking care also means keeping alert to the dangers of hot weather, even if you remain inside. Dress the baby in light garments and avoid letting them stay in the sun during the warmest part of the day. Give them water, let them cool down and watch for signs of overheating. Summer heat doesn’t have to be miserable as long as you do a little preparation.