Fight the Heat: The Ideal Way to Dress Your Baby in the Summer

Have you noticed that babies get especially fussy in the summer? Well, babies have a tough time in summer as they are very sensitive to heat and can’t adjust to changes in temperature easily. They have small pores which make it harder to sweat. And this reduces the body’s natural ability to cool down. They also generate more heat as they move than adults do. As a result, babies feel the summer heat more intensely than us.

So, does this mean that it’s better to keep your little one inside your air-conditioned home all summer long? Well, that obviously isn’t healthy. It’s essential that your precious angel gets a nice dose of fresh air and vitamin D for proper growth and development. That being said, as long as it’s not extremely hot, you can take some walks outside and in the sun. And to keep your baby comfortable during these outings, you will need to dress him/her properly. Here are some helpful tips.

Airy and Loose Designs Are Best

When dressing your baby for the summer, start from yourself. Would you go out in tight jeans or more loose clothing? The same goes for your baby. Instead of dressing him/her in a onesie, opt for more breathable and loose clothes. For instance, if you have a little girl, her entire summer wardrobe can consist of cute baby dresses. A dress will allow more air to circulate around the baby’s body, thus helping her to cool down. Look for baby dresses with wider short sleeves or spaghetti straps for a light and breezy feeling.

What’s more, dressing your little girl in dresses means not having to worry about matching clothes as a dress is a complete outfit on its own. Plus, as it’s a one-piece item, it’s also easier and faster to put on. And when you have a baby, getting to save a few seconds here and there can add up at the end of the day. If you have a little boy, you may want to look for looser shorts made from lighter fabrics. On very hot days, you can even forgo the pants and let him stay in his diaper.

Opt for Natural Materials Instead of Synthetics

I know that many exercise clothes are made of polyester as it’s considered to be quick-drying. But you should avoid polyester and other synthetic fabrics when it comes to your baby. Like I’ve said, most babies have a hard time sweating, so they don’t need any quick-drying fabrics. Additionally, polyester and other synthetic clothes are known to lack breathability. This in turn, contains the heat the body produces near to the skin. And as a result, it contributes to the body heating up even more. So, kids wearing synthetic clothes will feel stuffy and uncomfortable.

However, wearing synthetic clothes isn’t a good idea for in any kind of weather. Synthetic materials come with high levels of chemical content which can irritate little kids’ sensitive skin and even cause allergic reactions. So, if you want to protect your baby’s sensitive skin and keep him/her comfortable all summer long, buy clothes made of natural or organic fabrics. Usually, cotton is the best choice for the summer as it’s breathable, soft and lightweight. You can also opt for clothes made of silk. However, know that silk will be prone to wrinkling and may not be the best idea for babies.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize

The skin on the baby’s face is very sensitive. To protect it from the harsh sun rays, always put a hat on your child before going out. Opt for one that has a wide brim and will not only shade the baby’s eyes and face, but also his/her ears and neck. Hats made of cotton or straw with a tight weave and in a light colour will offer the best UV protection. If your baby doesn’t mind and sits still, you can also try putting on little cute sunglasses to keep the sun away from his/her eyes. Pick sunglasses that offer at least 99% UV protection.

Bring Along Extra Clothes

When your out with a baby, bringing along a change of clothes is always a good idea. For one, your little one can get wet or dirty. So, if your baby wears a dress, bring along another one too. And then there’s also the fact that the weather can be unpredictable and suddenly turn chilly. In this case, it’s helpful to pack an additional layer to keep your baby warm such as a sweater or a blanket to wrap him/her in. This can also come in handy if you stay outside longer and it gets dark and subsequently colder.

Apply Sunscreen

Since dressing your baby in a long-sleeved shirt and pants is out of the question when it’s hot, you’re going to opt for clothes that show more skin, like short-sleeve dresses and T-shirts. This means the skin will be more exposed to the sun’s harsh rays which can cause irritation and even burns during prolonged exposure. To protect your little one from UV rays, apply a child-friendly sunscreen lotion generously on any exposed skin.