All
How to Dress Baby for the Summer Heat?
Guillaume Dls
The July sun is shining and the temperatures are hitting new highs: it's summer! And summer means light clothing, even for toddlers.
Dressing for summer temperatures is essential for the comfort of your little one, who's not yet used to the heat. Here are a few tips on how to dress your baby for summer.
3 Tips for Dressing Baby for Summer
Did you know? A baby's body is said to be "thermally immature". This means that they are not yet able to regulate their own temperature in the face of extreme temperatures as their hypothalamus is not fully developed.
In midsummer, when it's very hot, it's essential to adapt your child's clothing to help keep their little body cool. Here are three simple tips for choosing the right summer clothes for your baby.
Prefer Natural Materials
The first criterion to consider when choosing your little angel's summer outfit: the fabric of the garment. As with adults, we favor light, natural materials such as cotton and its derivatives (jersey, poplin, muslin...), linen, and bamboo.
For example, see :
These breathable fabrics allow air to circulate freely and don't trap body heat. Soft to the touch, they care for your little one's delicate skin. Some even have absorbent properties, like bamboo, which is ideal for combating perspiration.
On the other hand, synthetic fabrics should be avoided as they don't allow the skin to breathe as well. These materials can also be irritating, leading to skin problems such as dermatitis.
Choose loose-fitting clothing
To help keep baby cool in hot weather, we recommend loose-fitting clothes. They will facilitate air circulation and allow baby to move around easily.
It's best to avoid clothes with embellishments such as bows and ribbons, which can make your little one uncomfortable and unnecessarily hot.
Choose light colors
In summer, light colors such as white, beige, and pastels are ideal. These colors reflect the sun's rays and limit heat absorption, unlike dark colors.
For baby, choose light-toned clothes: sandy-yellow rompers, sun-cream overalls, sky-blue pajamas... for a toddler who's comfortable and in tune with the theme!
How Do You Dress a Newborn Baby to Go Out in Summer?
In summer, going outdoors with baby during the hottest hours (between midday and around 4 p.m.) is not recommended.
For the rest of the day, simply dress baby in light, well-chosen clothes. For example:
- Organic cotton rompers, lightweight shorts and t-shirts, or a casual, breathable dress;
- A textile cap or hat; and
- Sunglasses to protect little eyes from UV rays.
Before going out, don't forget the essentials to avoid heatstroke: sun cream, a bottle of cool (but not ice-cold) water, cool compresses, and nappies if baby sweats too much.
Finally, if you're taking baby for a walk in your stroller, don't cover it with a cloth. This common practice, designed to protect baby from the sun and heat, actually traps the heat and prevents air circulation.
The best way to protect baby is to dress them appropriately and cover their head with a hat! And don't forget to take regular breaks in the shade...
****
Now you know how to dress your baby for the summer heat. And if you're heading off on an adventure with your little one, check out our article on traveling with baby for a few more tips! Enjoy the summer with your little one.