Keeping Your Cool in the Heat: Summer Survival Tips for You & Your Baby

Summer 2025 has already brought the heat – and while sunny days can lift our spirits, they can also be a challenge when you’re caring for a baby. Little ones can’t regulate their temperature as easily as adults, and let’s be honest – parenting in a heatwave can feel a lot.

So, here’s your go-to guide with realistic, calm, and super practical tips to help you and your baby stay cool, hydrated, and happy during hot weather.

🧘‍♀️ Start with You: Calm Parent = Calm Baby

When you’re hot and flustered, everything feels harder. Try to slow the pace of your day – fewer errands, less rushing. Stick to cooler places like air-conditioned shops or shady parks. If you’ve had a sweaty night with little sleep, it's absolutely okay to cancel plans and just potter at home.

💧 Keep Yourself Hydrated

It’s easy to forget your own needs, especially with a baby glued to you. But your energy (and milk supply if breastfeeding) depends on it. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day – even better if it’s chilled with a slice of lemon or cucumber for a little refresh.

🌊 Instant Cool Down: Paddling Pool, Bucket, or Bowl

Pop your feet into cool water while your baby splashes in a small paddling pool or plays nearby. A washing-up bowl works just as well. It’s a quick way to cool off and have a bonding moment. Always stay within arm’s reach around water.

🛁 Daytime Baths = Genius

One of my favourite tips! When my daughter Isabella was just two weeks old and we were both hot, grumpy, and sticking to each other, I ran a cool bath and got in with her. She fell asleep on my chest instantly – calm, cool, and comforted. It was magic.

💤 Bedtime Might Shift – That’s OK

When it’s boiling, babies may struggle to settle at their usual bedtime. Going to bed a bit later, when it’s cooler, might work better for everyone. A lukewarm bath before bed and a gentle wind-down routine can really help.

🧊 Muslin Cloth in the Fridge

Pop a muslin in the fridge and use it to gently wipe your baby’s neck, back, or tummy. It’s cooling, calming, and kind to sensitive skin.

💨 DIY Cool Air

Place a frozen water bottle or bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the air in the room. It’s a budget-friendly, effective way to drop the temperature (even just a little).

🎶 Fan = Cool + White Noise

Fans help with airflow but also double up as white noise to help your baby sleep. Just be sure it’s out of reach and not blowing directly on them.

🚫 No Covers on Prams

Avoid putting a blanket or muslin over the pram – it traps heat and can dangerously raise the temperature. Instead, use a parasol or sunshade designed for airflow. Always check your baby’s temperature when out and about.

🍉 Cool Snacks = Happy Tummies

If your baby is weaning, offer cooling foods like:

• Watermelon slices

• Cucumber batons

• Yoghurt (sweet or savoury)

• Smoothies

• Chilled breadsticks or melon wedges

• Hummus and veg sticks

Bonus: great for teething relief too!

🍼 Breastmilk + Formula: Naturally Cooling

Breastmilk adapts during hot weather to include more water content – clever, right? Formula-fed babies may enjoy milk at room temperature if they’re not keen on warmer feeds.

💦 What About Water?

• Under 6 months & formula-fed: You can offer 1–2 oz (30–60ml) of cooled boiled water during the day.

• Over 6 months: Tap water is fine – offer sips in a cup with meals or throughout the day. And remember – they’re also getting fluids through milk and food, so don’t stress about how much they drink right away.

🪟 Close Curtains, Cool Rooms

Keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest hours to block out the sun. Blackout blinds are brilliant for this. You can also open windows at night to let cooler air in.

👕 Vest or Just a Nappy – Totally Fine

Your baby might only need a nappy or light vest when it’s really warm. Check their chest or back of the neck to feel if they’re too warm – hands and feet often feel cooler, and that’s totally normal.

💤 Sleepwear: Go Light

Use a 1.0 tog sleeping bag, muslin sheet, or just a light layer. If it’s particularly hot (26°C+), a nappy and light sheet is often enough. Trust your instincts – if you feel warm in the room, your baby probably does too.

🌞 Soak It Up (Safely)

Enjoy the sunny vibes while they last – with a bit of planning and these little tricks, you can enjoy summer with your baby. You’re doing brilliantly.

Got your own tried-and-tested heatwave tip? I’d love to hear it!

With a cool breeze and a refreshing drink,

Katherine x

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