What to dress a summer newborn in? | Mumsnet (2024)

FAQs

What should a newborn wear in the summer? ›

Dress the newborn in lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, that will keep the baby cool. Check out our newborn Pima cotton clothes. Choose items that are comfortable, lightweight, and easy to move in. Opt for short sleeve onesies or bodysuits.

Single layers are your best bet when dressing your precious newborn for temperatures of 75 degrees or hotter. When choosing an outfit, be on the lookout for lightweight cotton clothes. These materials are breathable, so they can help keep your little one beat the summer heat!

Depending on the temperature, you might choose to dress your child in short-legged and short-sleeved/sleeveless bodysuits or rompers. These can be layered with leggings if necessary. Remember, newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, so monitor their cues and adjust layers accordingly.

A good general rule still applies: if you are hot and sweaty, so is your baby. One layer of clothing is fine. Anything over 75 degrees is pretty much fair game for a single layer of clothing. Stick to 100% cotton materials that breathe well.

Generally, when it's hot, a single layer is enough – lightweight cotton is best as it's breathable. When you're out and about, make sure your baby has a wide brim hat on to keep the sun off their face.

Dressing Your Baby for Sleep in Summer

Many parents choose to put their children in footie pajamas under their sleep sacks, but if the weather is very warm, a lightweight bodysuit will often be enough. If it's really hot, just dressing them in their diaper and the sleep sack could be enough.

You don't want your baby's room to be either too hot or too cold. It's recommended that the best temperature for babies is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Use lightweight layers

As babies have a limited ability to regulate their own temperature, a general rule of thumb is dressing them in one more layer than you'd wear in their room. A short-sleeved bodysuit or summer sleepsuit underneath a lightweight sleeping bag should keep them comfortable and safe through the night.

Layers are crucial with newborns, as they struggle to regulate their own body temperature. Long-sleeved onesies and long-sleeve sleepwear are both good ideas. You can also match onesies with shirts. On average, it's best to have at least 14 newborn clothing options (two for each day of the week).

Yes, you can! While swaddling in summer may seem counterintuitive, it's not only possible but even beneficial when done with the right precautions. Swaddling recreates the comforting warmth and security of the womb, helping infants self-soothe and achieve better sleep.

What should newborns not wear? ›

Babies control their temperature mostly through their head and face. To prevent them from overheating, don't cover your baby's head. Avoid putting them to bed with a bib or anything else that could cover their face. If you swaddle (wrap) your baby, use a muslin or thin cotton wrap.

In the summer, breathable socks are essential for newborns. They also protect the foot from UV rays. In the winter, layering socks and other clothing is essential to keep your baby's feet warm. During transition months, socks can also help protect your baby's feet from the elements.

Room temperature

The ideal temperature for your baby is between 16°C (61°F) and 20°C (68°F). The best way to measure it exactly is with a thermometer. During the day, keep curtains or blinds closed, open doors and windows, and even put a fan in the room to circulate air.

Dress Them in Layers During the Day.

Keep extra clothes in your diaper bag. Shorts and long pants, along with short-sleeved and long-sleeved tops are good to have on hand if you are going from hot sun to air-conditioning and back again.

free the feet

Babies that cannot yet walk don't need socks or shoes, so let them stay cool with the freedom to wriggle their toes. If your baby is walking, you can opt for open sandals which still let that dreamy breeze tickle their toes.