The summer months place specific demands on parents when dressing newborns. It’s important to avoid overheating the baby while also ensuring enough comfort and protection from the sun.
Why is choosing summer clothing so important?
Newborns do not yet regulate temperature perfectly; their ability to dissipate heat isn’t fully developed. They therefore overheat or get chilled more easily. Overheating is dangerous for a baby—you can recognize it by flushed skin, restlessness, crying, or, on the contrary, apathy. In extreme cases it can lead to collapse, so it’s necessary to prevent it with the right clothing.
A newborn’s skin is also sensitive to friction, coarse fabrics, and synthetics; an unsuitable choice can lead to rashes, diaper rash, eczema, or other skin problems. Summer clothing should therefore be light, pleasant to the touch, and highly breathable.
Unnecessary bundling and layering are common mistakes. Parents often instinctively overdress the baby and thus unknowingly cause overheating. Summer outfits should be practical, and parents should check the baby’s temperature at the nape of the neck or on the chest to see whether the baby is too warm.
Ideal materials for summer clothing?
The best material is unquestionably 100% cotton—ideally organic. Cotton absorbs sweat well, is soft, pleasant, and airy, which helps the baby shed heat and moisture from the body. This minimizes overheating, lets the skin breathe better, and reduces the risk of skin reactions.
A great alternative is bamboo viscose. It offers excellent moisture wicking and has natural antibacterial properties. Bamboo fibers are fine and gentle on sensitive baby skin and also have a cooling effect.
Muslin is another favorite for hot weather. It’s characterized by its softness and breathability. Muslin fabric ventilates nicely, doesn’t trap heat, and gives the baby great freedom of movement.
Avoid synthetic materials or stiff, rough fabrics (e.g., polyester, heavy denim). Such materials are unsuitable in summer because they trap heat, restrict airflow, and may irritate the skin.
Optimal cuts and styles for summer days
In summer, it’s important that baby clothes are comfortable, don’t restrict movement, and allow easy diaper changes. Ideal summer options include short-sleeve or sleeveless bodysuits, looser rompers, footed pants, or shorts.
When shopping, look for easy-on designs and convenient snaps for diaper changes. Wrap-style bodysuits are great—they go on and off easily. For nights, the best choice is lightweight cotton rompers without pant legs.
Don’t forget the right size—clothing that’s too tight is not only uncomfortable but, by restricting airflow, can contribute to overheating. Conversely, clothing that’s too loose can feel uncomfortable, and the baby may easily get tangled in it.
Do clothing colors matter?
Yes, the color shade matters more than many parents realize. Light colors—white, pastel yellows, beige, or light blue—are the best choice because they absorb fewer sun rays and don’t cause overheating.
Dark and saturated colors, such as red, navy, or black, on the contrary, absorb heat and warm up faster, which can bother a baby, especially during longer time outdoors.
Sun protection—more important than clothes alone
In addition to clothing, equip yourself with practical head coverings—sun hats with wide brims, caps with UV protection, or lightweight scarves.
For longer stays outside, specialized UV clothing is an excellent helper. Specialized textile UV materials block harmful ultraviolet radiation better than regular fabrics. You’ll appreciate such clothing especially around water, for example when swimming or at the beach.
Always make sure you and your baby can be in the shade or partial shade, especially at midday. Use high-quality sunscreens with a high SPF consistently. If the baby overheats, move immediately into the shade, cool with a damp cloth or towel, and offer fluids (breast milk or infant water).
Most common questions from parents?
- Should I always dress a newborn in one more layer than myself? Not always; on hot summer days it’s better to dress the baby just as lightly, or only one thin extra layer.
- How do I know the baby is too hot? Check the nape, neck, or chest—the skin being very warm or sweaty is a clear sign of overheating.
- How often should I change the baby in summer? In hot weather, feel free to change clothes several times a day—the important thing is to keep the baby dry.
- Are short sleeves better, or sleeveless? We recommend short sleeves. Go fully sleeveless only in extreme heat in the shade or at home.
Choose clothing for your baby thoughtfully and practically. Enjoy your summer together!