Prepping for a summer baby: what you really need to know

Your guide to newborn essentials for summer

Welcoming a newborn in the summer can feel magical; long, sun-filled days to enjoy those newborn snuggles, and plenty of natural light for those early days spent at home.

But summer with a newborn also comes with a few unique challenges - from dressing them for warmer weather, to keeping their sleep space cool.

Whether you’re due any day or just planning ahead, our guide shares parent-approved tips and summer newborn essentials to help you feel prepared.

Keep your newborn cool and comfy in summer

When it comes to dressing a summer newborn, it’s all about breathable, lightweight layers. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as adults, so keeping them comfy in hot weather is key.

Here are our top tips for keeping them cool:

Newborn summer clothes should be made from breathable fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo. These help wick away moisture and prevent overheating.
Follow the ‘one more layer’ rule - dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing yourself. In warmer weather, that might just be a vest, or a soft muslin swaddle.
Keep their nursery cool by using blackout blinds during the day, and aim for a temperature between 16–20°C. A room thermometer can help with this.
For hot weather newborn sleeping, avoid heavy blankets or sleepwear. Use a lightweight cotton sleepsuit or just a nappy in extreme heat.
Use natural, hypoallergenic skincare to keep baby’s skin soft, calm, and rash-free during warmer months. Our range is approved by dermatologists, so it’ll soothe heat or nappy rash without irritation.
Keeping a newborn cool during more intense heatwaves can be as simple as offering more frequent feeds, giving lukewarm baths, or gently wiping their skin with a cool, damp cloth.

Did you know? Babies can regulate their own body temperature when they come into direct contact with a parent’s skin. If your little one seems extra-fussy on warm days, a bit of skin-to-skin cuddling can do the trick to keep them cool - as well as boosting your own oxytocin!

Summer newborn clothes checklist

Not sure what to buy for their wardrobe? The good news for parents of summer babies is that you don’t need to overdo it!

Here's a quick list of newborn essentials for summer to help keep your baby comfy:

Breathable cotton vests - one pack each of short sleeves, long sleeves and sleeveless vests should cover you for all temperatures!
A few organic cotton onesies for cooler nights - ours are zippable for quick and easy changes!
A couple of cute newborn outfits
A lightweight cardi for cooler days outdoors
Soft muslin cloths - perfect as a lightweight swaddle, or for on-the-go mop-ups.

Remember: it’s not recommended to shade your pram with a muslin in hot weather, as it could trap heat inside.

UV-protective sun hats and pram shades
Lightweight swaddles or sleeping bags for warm nights
Reusable nappies – they’re breathable, gentle, and ideal for warm days

Your summer birth hospital bag

Having a baby in warmer weather means your hospital bag checklist might look a little different.

Here are a few important bits to remember:

Short-sleeved vests and infant summer clothes
A big water bottle and hydrating snacks for you - fresh fruit like watermelon is ideal!
Breast balm, reusable breast pads, and natural skincare products for both you and your baby
A mini travel fan or facial mist to stay refreshed during labour
Breathable nappies made from natural ingredients - to keep their skin calm and cool.
Plenty of hypoallergenic wet wipes - perfect for giving your face and body a cooling freshen up, not just for baby’s delicate skin!

Summer self-care for new parents

Let’s not forget about you! Looking after a newborn during summer can be full of memorable moments, but it’s also tiring.

Here are a few gentle reminders for looking after yourself:

Stay hydrated and rest as much as you can. Hot days and interrupted sleep can all add up.
Choose loose, breathable clothes for yourself, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
It’s okay to say no to visitors. Create space to bond and recover at your own pace.

Having a newborn in the summer can be a beautiful beginning to life as a new family. With the right prep - from the perfect newborn summer outfit to a cool, calm sleep space - you and your little one can breeze through those early days.

FAQs

What should my newborn wear in summer?
Light, breathable fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo are best for dressing a summer newborn. Aim for one more layer than you're wearing and avoid heavy or synthetic materials.

How can I keep my newborn cool in hot weather?
Use blackout blinds to keep rooms cool, dress your baby in light layers, and offer frequent feeds. Cool baths, damp cloths and skin-to-skin contact can also help regulate their temperature.

How should my newborn sleep during hot weather?
Keep their sleep space between 16–20°C if possible. Dress your baby in a short-sleeved vest or nappy only, and use a lightweight cellular blanket or sleep sack with a low tog rating.

What are the must-have summer essentials for a newborn?
Here’s your summer newborn checklist to help keep your baby cool, protected, and comfortable during the warmer months:

Organic cotton clothing
Breathable nappies
Muslin cloths
UV-protective sun hat
Pram shade or sun cover
Natural, gentle skincare
Room thermometer
Blackout blinds

Is it safe to use sun cream on a newborn?
The NHS recommends keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight, so suncream shouldn’t be necessary. If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, choose a high factor baby-safe, mineral-based sun protection, and use it on small areas.

What should I pack in my hospital bag for a summer birth?
When preparing for a summer birth, focus on keeping things light, breathable and practical for warm weather. Here’s a simple summer hospital bag checklist for you and your baby:

For baby: