Let’s be honest—everything feels harder in a heatwave. Even putting socks on feels like a workout, and that’s before you’ve tried to settle a sweaty baby for a nap. If you’re frantically Googling “how to keep my baby cool in a heatwave,” you’re not alone. At Adventure Babies, we know our way around a baby-safe sensory set-up—but heat safety is just as important. Here’s how to protect your little one when the temperatures soar, without losing your mind.
How to Keep My Baby Cool in a Heatwave (Without Moving to Iceland)
Babies can’t regulate their temperature as easily as adults, which makes them more vulnerable to overheating. So what can you do?
✔️ Dress for the weather
Stick to a single layer of loose, breathable clothing—think muslins, soft cotton rompers, or just a nappy if it’s sweltering. If you’re hot in a T-shirt, your baby probably is too.
✔️ Cool sleep tricks
Keep the room where baby naps under 20°C if possible. Use blackout blinds during the day and open windows at night. Skip the sleeping bag and opt for a well-ventilated cot with just a thin cotton sheet or none at all. A lukewarm bath before bed can help regulate body temp.
✔️ Hydration matters
If you’re breastfeeding, your baby may want to feed more often. Formula-fed babies might also need extra feeds. Don’t give water to babies under six months unless advised by a health professional.
✔️ Stay in the shade
If you’re out and about, use a pram fan and a UV shade cover (but never drape blankets over a buggy—it traps heat). Better yet, find a shady patch and let baby lie on a cool mat or play in a sheltered pop-up tent with some sensory toys.
Can You Still Do Tummy Time in a Heatwave?
Yes—but with a few tweaks! Tummy time is so good for building strength and encouraging early movement, but on hot days, avoid warm rugs or sweaty floors. Try it:
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On a cool mat indoors, near a fan (but not in direct airflow)
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Just after a nappy change when baby’s in only a vest or nappy
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In a shaded garden spot early in the morning or later in the evening
At Adventure Babies classes, we use cool, soft textures and safe spaces to help babies stay regulated—so you can relax, knowing they’re developing and staying safe.
Spot the Signs of Overheating
Keep an eye out for:
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Flushed skin
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Fast breathing
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Irritability
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Hot, sweaty neck or back
If your baby seems unusually lethargic or has a high temperature, strip them down, offer fluids, and call a health professional.
Conclusion:
We’re all just trying to survive the summer one iced coffee and baby wipe at a time. But with a few heatwave tweaks, your baby can stay safe, happy, and developing just fine—even if the paddling pool is the new family HQ. And if you need some cool, calm baby stimulation? Come along to an Adventure Babies class, baby fun, with zero pressure and all the chilled vibes.
