What should a newborn wear in the summer? A guide for both indoors and outdoors
Newborns often need less clothing in summer than many parents think. On warm days, a short-sleeved bodysuit or just a diaper is often enough, while cooler mornings and evenings may call for an extra light layer.
The most important thing is not just the temperature, but how the baby feels at the back of the neck or on the back. The baby should feel comfortably warm—not hot, damp, or sweaty.
How should you dress a newborn in summer?
Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Cotton is a practical choice because it feels soft against the skin and allows heat to escape more easily than very tight fabrics.
As a general guide, you can choose:
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Short-sleeved bodysuit on warm days
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Long-sleeved bodysuit and lightweight pants in mild weather
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An extra thin layer for cool mornings and evenings
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A sun hat outdoors when the baby’s head is not covered by the stroller canopy
Infants do not regulate their temperature as effectively as older children and adults. They can therefore get cold and overheat more quickly.
Suggested clothing based on temperature
The table can be used as a starting point, but the child’s temperature should always be checked individually.
| Temperature | Clothing suggestions |
|---|---|
| Below 18°C | Long-sleeved bodysuit, pants, and a light extra layer |
| 18–22°C | Long-sleeved bodysuit or a short-sleeved bodysuit with lightweight pants |
| 22–25°C | Short-sleeved bodysuit or a very light outfit |
| 25–30°C | Short-sleeved bodysuit or just a diaper, depending on the surroundings |
| Over 30°C | As little clothing as possible, shade, and a cool environment |
Sun, wind, humidity, and the baby’s position in the stroller also affect how warm the baby gets. So don’t use the table as a strict rule.
How can you tell if the baby is too hot?
Feel the baby’s neck, back, or chest. The skin should feel warm and dry.
Signs that the baby may be too hot include:
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Damp or sweaty neck
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Warm back or chest
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Very red cheeks
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Damp hair
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Restlessness or unusual lethargy
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Faster breathing than usual
Cold hands and feet do not necessarily mean the baby is cold. It is better to feel the back of the neck or the body.
Remove a layer of clothing if the baby feels warm or damp. If the child seems lethargic, is difficult to engage, or has trouble breathing, seek medical attention.
What should a newborn wear indoors in summer?
On a typical summer day, a short-sleeved bodysuit is often enough indoors. If the home gets very hot, the baby can wear just a diaper for short periods.
If you use air conditioning or a fan, the cold air must not blow directly on the baby. Also check the temperature where the baby is actually lying, as it may differ from the rest of the room.
Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off. This makes it quick to adjust their clothing when the temperature changes during the day.
What should a baby sleep in during summer?
For sleep, your baby should wear lightweight clothing suited to the bedroom temperature. On warm nights, a short-sleeved bodysuit, thin pajamas, or a lightweight baby sleeping bag may be sufficient.
If it is very hot, just a diaper or a short-sleeved bodysuit may be enough.
Avoid combining a warm sleeping bag with many layers of clothing. Check your baby's neck or back after they have been asleep for a while, and remove a layer if their skin feels warm or damp.
Can a baby sleep with a duvet in summer?
On warm nights, a duvet, clothing, and a thick sleeping bag together can become too warm. If you use a baby sleeping bag, you normally should not also put a duvet over your baby.
Choose one lightweight option that suits the room temperature, and make sure your baby's face and head are not covered during sleep.
Also read our guide on which sleeping bag temperature to choose for your child and what your baby should wear in a sleeping bag.
What should a baby wear in a stroller in summer?
The temperature inside a stroller can be significantly higher than outside, especially if the stroller is in the sun or ventilation is limited.
On hot days, your baby can typically wear a short-sleeved bodysuit or lightweight summer clothing. A thin baby sleeping bag or a light swaddle can be used if the temperature and the product's recommendations are suitable.
Check your baby often and always place the stroller in the shade. Sundhed.dk recommends not hanging heavy fabric or using a plastic cover in front of the stroller, as it can get very hot inside. Instead, use a canopy, parasol, or another option that still allows good air circulation. Read the advice on Sundhed.dk.
Should a newborn wear a hat in summer?
A newborn normally does not need a hat indoors in warm summer weather.
Outdoors, a lightweight sun hat can protect your baby's head and face, but they should still stay in the shade. A thick hat can trap too much heat and should therefore be avoided on hot days.
Remove the sun hat when your baby is lying protected in the stroller if they get warm.
How to protect your baby from the sun
Keep young babies out of direct sunlight. Place your baby in the shade and, when necessary, dress them in lightweight clothing that covers their skin.
Remember especially:
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Avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day
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Keep the stroller in the shade
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Ensure good air circulation
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Use a lightweight sun hat outdoors
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Check the neck and back regularly
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Never leave a baby in a parked car
A parked car can quickly become dangerously hot – even when the temperature outside doesn't feel extreme.
Choose lightweight layers that are easy to remove
Danish summer weather can change quickly. That's why several thin layers are more practical than one thick layer.
Start with a lightweight bodysuit, and bring a thin sweater or light blanket for cooler periods. When the temperature rises, the extra layer can be quickly removed.
At Lilla Villa, you’ll find lightweight baby swaddles and sleep sacks for summer, which can be used as part of your baby's summer clothing. Always follow the product's temperature guidelines and adjust clothing according to the baby and surroundings.
Frequently asked questions
What should a newborn wear at 20 degrees?
At around 20°C, a long-sleeved bodysuit or a short-sleeved bodysuit with lightweight trousers may be suitable. Feel the baby's neck and add or remove a layer as needed.
What should a baby wear at 25 degrees?
A short-sleeved bodysuit is often enough. If the baby is in a warm stroller or in a room without good ventilation, just a diaper may be sufficient.
What should a newborn wear at 30 degrees?
At around 30°C, the baby should wear as little clothing as possible, for example just a diaper or a very lightweight bodysuit. Keep the baby in the shade and check on them often.
Can a baby sleep in just a diaper?
Yes, on very warm nights, a baby can sleep in just a diaper if the room temperature makes additional clothing unnecessary. Check the baby's neck or back regularly.
How can I tell if my baby is cold?
Feel the back of the neck, back, or chest. If the body feels cool, you can add a light layer. Hands and feet may feel cool without the baby being cold.
Can a baby use a sleep sack in summer?
Yes, if the sleep sack is lightweight and suitable for the current temperature. Avoid too many layers under the sack, and check regularly that the baby is not getting too warm.
Also read
Want to know more about baby sleep, temperature, and clothing? Read our other guides:
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Summer sleep sack for baby: guide to warm nights and 25–35°C
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Which sleep sack temperature should you choose for your child?
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What should baby wear in a sleep sack? Guide to temperature and layers
More guides on baby bodysuits and baby clothes
Also see our practical guides and find current baby bodysuits at Lilla Villa.