Summer Safety Tips for New Parents

Summer is a wonderful season for making memories with your family — whether it’s beach days, backyard barbecues, or long road trips. But if you have a newborn or young baby, those fun outings can quickly become overwhelming.

Between managing nap schedules, keeping your baby cool in the heat, and trying to maintain some sense of routine, summer adventures require a bit more planning.

In today’s blog, we’re sharing simple, practical tips to help your baby stay safe, comfortable, and well-rested all summer long. Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, these strategies can help support better sleep and smoother days.

Have a tip to share or a question about baby or toddler sleep? Drop a comment below or tag us on social media — we love hearing from you!

Dress The Part

One of the first layers of defense, literally, against overheating this summer for your baby is their clothing. Here are some tips to help them stay cool.

• Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo based ones that can give coverage, but also allow for air flow
• Avoid overdressing your baby. Make sure that their skin is covered, which will help prevent sunburn and overheating, but make sure that they aren’t piled up with clothes. 
• Stick to loose fitting outfits to help increase cooling air flow
• If they are amenable to wearing hats, give them a wide brimmed hat to help keep sun off their head and body
• Swimwear should be BRIGHT and not blue or green. These colors do not stand out in the water.
• UPF 50+ rating rating swim suit
• BRIGHT Infant sunhat UPF 50+

Keep Your Baby Hydrated

If you’re not careful, your baby can get dehydrated pretty quickly in the summer. Make sure to keep them out of the sun as much as possible, especially during the hours of 10am to 4pm when the UV rays are the most damaging. Here are some tips for keeping them hydrated:

 

• Breastfed babies: Offer the breast more frequently.
• Formula-fed babies: Consider offering smaller, more frequent bottles. Resist the urge to give them plain water! Stick to formula until they are at least six months of age.
• Babies over six months: Offer small sips of water in a sippy cup in addition to their usual feedings.

Watch for signs of dehydration:

• Fewer wet diapers
• Dry mouth or lips
• Fussiness or lethargy

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Babies under six months of age should typically avoid extended direct sun exposure because their skin is more sensitive than a grownup’s but also because there aren’t very good options for sunscreen for a newborn that are safe and viable. 

• Use shade whenever possible when outdoors with your baby!
• Carry them in a covered carrier, shaded stroller, or under a sun umbrella when outdoors
• Keep a light thin linen or cloth sheet handy for quickly covering up your baby in their stroller or carrier or to use to drape over yourself and baby when sitting in the sun
• For babies over 6 months of age, apply a light layer of baby specific sunscreen especially on their feet and toes as they get overlooked but can be exposed to the most sunlight unlike on grownups!

Before You Go

We hope these summer tips help you keep your baby cool, safe, and content during the warmer months. If you’re looking for expert support with sleep — whether for your newborn, infant, or toddler — we’re here for you.

From sleep consulting to in-home sleep training and overnight newborn care or in-home newborn care services, we offer personalized guidance to help your little one (and you!) get the rest you need.

Have questions? Let’s Chat — we’d love to help your family rest easier.

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Katie B.

Expertise You Need:

• Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant
• Certified Advanced Newborn Care Specialist (2016-2022)
• Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
• 16 years professional childcare experience
• Certified Postpartum Doula (2015-2022)
• Travel & ROTA Nanny

 

The content contained in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace the advice of any medical professional. It is based on our opinions and experience working with newborns and their families. Other’s opinions may vary. It does not represent the views of any affiliated organizations. The reader understands that the term “Babynurse” is often a word used to describe a newborn caregiver. However, unless otherwise disclosed, we are not licensed nurses in any state. By reading and/or utilizing any information or suggestions contained in this blog, the reader acknowledges that we are not medical professionals and agrees to and waives any claim, known or unknown, past, present or future. This blog may contain affiliate links.

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