Hot Weather with a Baby
Can babies go outside in hot weather?
Short answer: Yes, just remember that babies and young children are more sensitive to the sun than adults and require extra care. Babies under six months of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
In more detail:
Going for a walk or spending time outside, especially in nature, is good for a parent’s mental health. It can also help babies get used to the difference between day and night.
Just remember that babies and young children are more sensitive to the sun than adults, and extra care should be taken.
Newborn sun safety
Under the age of six months, babies shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight.
Do:
- keep young babies in the shade
- dress them in lightweight clothing
- shade the buggy with a parasol
- if using a sling, the baby needs a broad brimmed hat
Don’t:
- use a blanket or muslin to cover the buggy as it can make it too hot underneath
- put sunscreen on a baby under six months, instead just keep them in the shade
from the website of the National Childbirth Trust in the United Kingdom (NCT.org.uk)
Should I apply sunscreen to my baby?
Short answer: Yes, for babies over 6 months of age.
In more detail:
Being in strong sunlight frequently could lead to skin cancer in the future. All skin tones are at risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Those with fair or red hair and pale white or light brown skin are most at risk.
When babies are over six months, they can wear sunscreen. Remember to:
- use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50
- make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- opt for a brand specifically for babies and young children, as these are less likely to contain additives which might irritate skin
- reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming or sweating a lot
Even if wearing sunscreen, it’s still important to:
- dress them in lightweight clothing
- keep them out of the direct sun as much as possible, especially during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm
- use a sunhat to protect their head and neck
- use sunglasses to protect their eyes, marked with the CE or BS standards
- use a parasol on the buggy, rather than covering with a muslin or blanket
- check on them regularly to make sure they’re not getting too hot
Treating sunburn
If skin does get sunburnt:
- sponge with cool water
- apply a soothing aftersun lotion or spray, such as aloe vera
- stay out of the sun until the redness has gone
- infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease pain
from the website of the National Childbirth Trust in the United Kingdom (NCT.org.uk)
How can I keep my baby hydrated in hot weather?
Short answer:
Newborn babies: Breastfed babies do not need additional water, while formula-fed babies can sometimes be given small amounts of cooled boiled water in addition to their milk.
Babies over 6 months: Once babies start eating solid foods, they can drink small amounts of water from a cup, but breast milk or formula should remain their main drink.
In more detail:
Newborn babies
- Breastfed babies who aren’t yet eating solid food don’t need water to drink, but might want to breastfeed more often.
- На бебета, които ядат само адаптирано мляко, могат да се предлагат малки количества охладена преварена вода, както и обичайните им млечни хранения.
Babies over six months old
- Once babies start having solid food, they can have water in a beaker or cup.
- Breastmilk or formula milk should still be their main drink.
- When a baby has started on solid food you can include water-rich foods like cucumber or watermelon.
from the website of the National Childbirth Trust in the United Kingdom (NCT.org.uk)
You can read more about drinking water in our article: Babies and Drinking Water.
What is heat rash (prickly heat)?
Short answer: Heat rash occurs when sweat glands become blocked, causing small itchy spots and redness, and it usually goes away within a few days if you keep the skin cool and avoid irritation.
In more detail:
Heat rash shows up a few days after sweat glands getting blocked.
Heat rash can appear anywhere on the body, and can cause:
- small, raised spots
- an itchy, prickly feeling
- swelling
redness on white skin, or - can appear grey or white on Black or Brown skin
It won’t usually do any harm and should go away after a few days. If it doesn’t or you’re worried, you can check with a GP.
In the meantime, avoid irritating the rash by keeping the skin cool:
- cool skin with a cool, damp cloth
- pat rather than scratch or rub the skin
- avoid using fragranced soaps or lotions
A pharmacist might suggest a soothing lotion or antihistamines if the rash is uncomfortable. Prevent heat rash by keeping the baby cool.
from the website of the National Childbirth Trust in the United Kingdom (NCT.org.uk)
How can we keep the baby cool?
Short answer: Keep the baby cool by offering fluids frequently, dressing them in lightweight clothing, avoiding direct sunlight (especially between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.), and keeping their environment well ventilated and comfortably cool (around 16–20°C).
In more detail:
General tips:
- offer frequent drinks, especially if the baby is active
- dress babies in light, loose clothing, or even just a nappy
- try a bath with cool water before bedtime
- if carrying them in a sling, use one with lightweight fabric and remember the baby is receiving your body heat as well
- there may be local public places which are cooler than home – consider the library, an indoor shopping centre, or a shady park.
Outside:
- keep them out of the direct sun between 11am and 3pm
- cool them down in a paddling or swimming pool, always with an adult supervising
- never leave a baby in a parked car, as it can get hot very quickly
At home:
- use a thermometer to check the baby’s room is between 16 and 20 degrees
- keep windows open at night if it is safe to do so
- close windows and blinds or curtains to prevent the room heating up during the day
- if it’s safe, keep doors open to help the air move
- use a fan to move the air, but don’t aim it at the baby as this could dehydrate them quicker
- turn off electrical equipment and lights that could add to the room heat
from the website of the National Childbirth Trust in the United Kingdom (NCT.org.uk)
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
If a baby gets too hot in the sun, it might cause heat exhaustion. Babies and children are more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. A baby might have heat exhaustion if they:
- seem tired or dizzy
- are being sick
- are sweating a lot
- have pale and clammy skin, which can be harder to see on Black or Brown skin
- have a heat rash
- have a high temperature
- seem very thirsty
- are breathing fast
- have a fast heartbeat
- seem irritable
When the baby can be cooled down within 30 minutes, they don’t need medical help. If you’re unsure or want advice, you can call 111*.
Heat stroke happens when someone can’t cool down. In this case, they might:
- still seem unwell even after 30 minutes of being cooled
- have a very high temperature
- have hot skin that’s not sweating
- appear red (this can be harder to see on Black or Brown skin)
- have a fast heartbeat
- be breathing fast, or seem short of breath
- seem confused
- have a fit or seizure
- lose consciousness
from the website of the National Childbirth Trust in the United Kingdom (NCT.org.uk)
* If you are in Bulgaria — call the single European emergency number, available free of charge 24/7 in all EU countries: 112.
Should we get an air conditioner?
Short answer: You can use one to keep the baby’s room cool, but take precautions: offer fluids frequently, avoid overcooling, run it periodically, use a fan alone when possible, and maintain humidity.
In more detail:
Some parents consider buying an air conditioning unit to keep the baby’s room cool. Bear in mind that these units remove moisture from the air, and because air conditioning reduces sweating it can mean we don’t feel thirsty, even when dehydrated.
So, if you decide to use one:
- keep offering fluids
- keep the settings on fan-only, to move the air
- if using the cooling function, set a temperature just lower than the room, rather than very cool (this reduces the amount of water removed from the air)
- take breaks by using it little and often, rather than constantly
- turn it off at night if the windows can be opened
- maintain the room humidity with a humidifier or damp towel
from the website of the National Childbirth Trust in the United Kingdom (NCT.org.uk)
References in the National Childbirth Trust article (patient information forum)
- Beat the heat: Keep cool at home checklist GOV.uk [18.06.2025]
- Sunscreen and sun safety NHS.uk [28.05.2025]
- Heat exhaustion and heatstroke NHS.uk [28.05.2025]
- Keeping your baby safe in the sun NHS.uk [28.05.2025]
- Heat rash (prickly heat) NHS.uk [28.05.2025]
The National Childbirth Trust article was last reviewed on 19 June 2025. Next review: 19 June 2028.
The health information provided by NCT is certified for quality under the PIF TICK, meaning you can trust and rely on it.
* Most of these materials are sourced from original English-language sources. The translations were created with the help of Google Translate and ChatGPT. For the most complete and accurate information, please always refer to and verify the original source first. For the most complete and accurate information, please always refer to and verify the original source of the information.
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