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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 hot days, a short-sleeved bodysuit or just a diaper is often sufficient, while cooler mornings and evenings may require an extra light layer.

The important thing is not only the temperature, but how the child feels on the neck or back. The baby should be comfortably warm - not hot, damp, or sweaty.

How should you dress a newborn in summer?

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing. Cotton is a practical choice because the material feels soft against the skin and lets heat escape more easily than very dense materials.

As a general rule, you can choose:

Short-sleeved bodysuit on hot days
Long-sleeved bodysuit and lightweight trousers in mild weather
An extra thin layer for cool mornings and evenings
Sun hat outdoors when the child’s head is not covered by the hood

Infants do not regulate their temperature as effectively as older children and adults. They can therefore become cold or overheated more quickly.

Recommended clothing according to temperature

The table can be used as a starting point, but the child’s temperature should always be checked individually.

Temperature	Suggested clothing
Below 18°C	Long-sleeved bodysuit, trousers, and one light extra layer
18–22°C	Long-sleeved bodysuit or a short-sleeved bodysuit with lightweight trousers
22–25°C	Short-sleeved bodysuit or a very lightweight outfit
25–30°C	Short-sleeved bodysuit or just a diaper, depending on the surroundings
Above 30°C	As little clothing as possible, shade, and a cool environment

Sun, wind, humidity, and the child’s position in the pram also affect how warm the child gets. Therefore, do not use the table as a fixed rule.

How can you tell if a baby is too hot?

Feel the baby’s neck, back, or chest. The skin should feel warm and dry.

Signs that the child may be too hot include:

Damp or sweaty neck
Warm back or chest
Very red cheeks
Damp hair
Restlessness or unusual lethargy
Faster breathing than usual

Cold hands and feet do not necessarily mean that the child is cold. It is therefore better to feel the neck or body.

Remove a layer of clothing if the baby feels warm or damp. If the child seems lethargic, is difficult to rouse, 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 becomes very hot, the baby can wear just a diaper for short periods.

If air conditioning or a fan is used, the cold air must not blow directly on the baby. Also check the temperature where the baby is actually lying, as it may be different from the rest of the room.

Choose clothing that is easy to put on and take off. This allows the clothing to be adjusted quickly when the temperature changes during the day.

What should a baby sleep in during summer?

For sleep, a baby should wear lightweight clothing suitable for the temperature in the bedroom. On warm nights, a short-sleeved bodysuit, thin pajamas, or a lightweight baby sleeping bag may be sufficient.

If it is very warm, just a diaper or a short-sleeved bodysuit may be enough.

Avoid combining a warm sleeping bag with many layers of clothing. Check the child's neck or back after the child has been asleep for a while, and remove a layer if the 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 should normally not also place a duvet over the child.

Choose one lightweight solution that suits the room temperature, and make sure the child'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 a baby should wear in a sleeping bag.

What should a baby wear in the pram in summer?

The temperature in the pram can become considerably higher than outside, especially if the pram is in the sun or ventilation is limited.

On hot days, a baby can typically wear a short-sleeved bodysuit or lightweight summer clothing. A thin baby sleeping bag or a lightweight swaddle can be used if the temperature and the product's recommendations are suitable.

Check the child frequently, and always place the pram in the shade. Sundhed.dk recommends not hanging heavy fabric or using plastic covers in front of the pram, as it can become very hot inside. Instead, use the hood, a parasol, or another solution that still provides 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 the head and face, but the child should still stay in the shade. A thick hat can retain too much heat and should therefore be avoided on hot days.

Remove the sun hat when the child is lying protected in the pram if the child gets warm.

How to protect your baby from the sun

Small babies should be kept away from direct sunlight. Place the baby in the shade, and use lightweight clothing that covers the skin when necessary.

Remember in particular:

Avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day
Keep the pram in the shade
Ensure free air circulation
Use a lightweight sun hat outdoors
Check the neck and back regularly
Never leave a baby in a parked car

A parked car can quickly become dangerously hot - even when the temperature outside does not feel extreme.

Choose lightweight layers that are easy to remove

Danish summer weather can change quickly. Therefore, several thin layers are more practical than one thick layer.

Start with a lightweight bodysuit, and bring a thin sweater or lightweight blanket for cooler periods. As the temperature rises, the extra layer can quickly be removed.

At Lilla Villa, you will find lightweight baby swaddles and baby sleeping bags for summer, which can be used as part of the child's summer clothing. Always follow the product's temperature guidance, and adjust the clothing according to the child and the 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 child is lying in a warm pram 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 child should wear as little clothing as possible, such as only a diaper or a very lightweight bodysuit. Keep the child in the shade and check on them frequently.

Can a baby sleep wearing only a diaper?

Yes, on very warm nights a baby can sleep wearing only a diaper if the room temperature makes additional clothing unnecessary. Check the baby's neck or back periodically.

How do I know if my baby is cold?

Feel the neck, back or chest. If the body feels cool, you can add a light layer. The hands and feet may feel cool without the baby being cold.

Can a baby use a sleeping bag in summer?

Yes, if the sleeping bag is lightweight and suitable for the current temperature. Avoid too many layers under the bag, and check regularly that the baby does not become too warm.

Read also

Would you like to know more about baby sleep, temperature and clothing? Read our other guides:

More guides about baby bodysuits and baby clothes

See also our practical guides and find current baby bodysuits at Lilla Villa.