Tips to Keep Your Baby Cool in the Heat (and Mum too!)
June 2025 was officially the hottest June ever recorded in England, with a mean temperature of 16.9 °C, according to the Met Office – beating the previous record set in 1976. That average includes both day and night temps, so it gives a clear picture of how persistently warm it was all month long – no wonder bedtime and buggy naps felt tougher than usual!
We’ve put together a few simple tips on how to keep your baby cool in the heat—and help mum stay comfortable too!
Keep the nursery between 16–20 °C
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend 16–20 °C for baby’s sleep space. Yes, it can feel chilly to us grownups, but it’s just right for little ones. Any hotter, and it can raise the risk of overheating and worse. Open windows early, use blackout blinds to block afternoon heat, and run a gentle fan not pointed directly at the cot, but nearby for airflow.
Dress them for the weather
The simplest way to help your baby stay cool is to dress them in lightweight, breathable clothing. Opt for a nappy and a short-sleeved vest or just a nappy at bedtime. Choose fabrics like cotton, which allow air to circulate and wick away sweat. Avoid overdressing, and remember that a quick check of your baby’s neck or chest will tell you if they’re too hot or cold.
Use Sunscreen and Sun Protection
For babies older than six months, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher to exposed skin. Make sure it is specially formulated for sensitive baby skin. In addition to sunscreen, protect your baby with sunhats that have wide brims and lightweight sunglasses with UV protection to shield their eyes.
Lukewarm baths (35–37 °C)
A lukewarm bath to gently cool them down before bed may help them sleep better. Skip ice-cold water – it can shock their system. NHS says bath water should be close to body temp around 37 °C, and maybe 35 °C when it’s hot outside. A bath thermometer’s helpful, or just use your elbow to test. Enter the Babydam Bathwater Barrier: it lets you fill just a portion of the bath, giving a fast, refreshing dip for your little one without wasting water.
Boost feeds in the heat
Babies can get dehydrated quickly. Breastfed babies might want a little extra top‑up during heatwaves which is totally normal. Formula‑fed babies over six months can be given small sips of cooled, previously boiled water. Always check with your health visitor if unsure.
Keep Your Baby in the Shade
Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest. Keep your baby in the shade using trees, umbrellas, or a parasol on the pram. Car seats and prams can heat up quickly when left in the sun, so always cover them with a UV-protective cover to prevent overheating. Pop up beach tents are an affordable portable solution if your visiting the park or beach.
Keep an eye out for symptoms like flushed skin, rapid breathing, irritability, or unusual lethargy. If your baby feels hot to the touch or is sweating excessively, take immediate steps to cool them down and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag to Stay Cool & Hydrated
Pregnancy already puts extra strain on your body, and high temperatures can make you feel even more uncomfortable. It’s important to take care of yourself to avoid overheating, dehydration, and other heat-related issues. Labour in a heatwave? It’s tough. Here’s what midwives recommend to help you keep your cool:
- Hand‑held fan (battery or USB)
- Cooling face mist or simple spray bottle
- Ice lollies or frozen smoothies (ask if possible to take in!)
- Electrolyte drinks like Lucozade Sport or coconut water
- Water bottle
- Light, loose clothing (preferably cotton)
- Cooling gel pads or a damp flannel
Staying hydrated isn’t just about comfort it supports your energy and helps prevent overheating.
June 2025 smashed heat records in England, so it’s more important than ever to help your baby stay cool. Light clothing, cool surroundings, and extra feeds. Use NHS-backed guidance and midwife tips to keep both your baby and you comfy and safe in the heat.
Have a brilliant heat‑hack for little ones or labour day? Do share! We’re all learning from each other