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Knowing how to dress a newborn in summer is important because babies are more prone to overheating than adults; their ability to regulate body temperature is still developing.
As a mom, I know how nerve-wracking those first few weeks can be, especially in the summer heat. You want your baby to be comfortable, but you also don’t want them to overheat.
That’s why organic cotton and organic bamboo are the best fabrics when it comes to newborn clothes.
They are breathable, gentle, and hypoallergenic, which reduces the risk of skin irritations and helps keep your baby cool in the summer.
So let’s break it down simply: what to dress your newborn in at the hospital, at home, and at night.
The Golden Rule First
Before we get into the specifics, here is the rule most pediatricians recommend:
Dress your newborn in one more layer than you are wearing.
If you are comfortable in a t-shirt, put your baby in a onesie plus a light layer. That is your baseline for everything below.
Honestly, this is what I do all the time. I don’t stress about room temperatures or what to buy. I just dress my baby in one more layer than I’m wearing, and that’s it!
But if you are a first-time mom and aren’t sure what to buy or how to handle it, let’s break it down and make it simple.
How to Dress a Newborn in Summer at the Hospital
Hospitals are almost always air-conditioned — sometimes very cold.
So even though it is summer outside, your baby may actually need more layers inside. As most hospital nurseries are kept between 68–72°F.
- A soft going-home outfit
- A hospital Set
- Always make sure the first layer touching your baby’s skin is organic cotton to avoid irritation and allergies
(By the way — I have eczema, and this is exactly what my dermatologist told me!)
- A light swaddle blanket — the hospital will likely provide one, but bring your own Organic cotton or bamboo swaddle as a backup if you’d like. You can get it from many brands like Carter’s little planet or Naturepedic, which is GOTS certified and use 100% organic cotton.
Both of them are organic but the last is breathable, which keeps your baby cool.
Quick tip: Ask your nurse what the room temperature is set to. If the room feels chilly to you, it is definitely chilly for your baby.
Don’t worry too much about outfit choices at the hospital — simple, easy-to-snap onesies are your best friend.
You will be doing a lot of diaper changes in those first hours, and the last thing you want is a complicated outfit.
How to Dress Your Newborn During the Day at Home
Once you are home, dressing your baby gets a little easier because you can control the environment more.
If your home is air-conditioned (68–72°F):
- A short-sleeve onesie + a light cotton swaddle
- If the AC runs cold, add a light long-sleeve layer or lightweight pajamas.
If your home is warmer (above 75°F):
- A short-sleeve onesie or even just a diaper and a loose cotton wrap
- Avoid overdressing — overheating is a real concern with newborns
And remember, the best thing to do is to dress your newborn in one more layer than you are wearing.
What fabrics work best in summer?
Organic cotton and organic bamboo are your go-to materials. They are breathable, soft on newborn skin, and easy to wash. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can trap heat.
Signs your baby is too hot:
- Sweaty neck or hair
- Flushed or red skin
- Rapid breathing
- Fussiness without an obvious reason
Signs your baby is too cold:
- Cool chest or tummy when you touch them (hands and feet being cold is normal for newborns)
- Mottled or blotchy skin
A simple trick: Place your hand on your baby’s chest or the back of their neck. That is the most accurate way to tell if they are at a comfortable temperature.
How to Dress Your Newborn for Sleep in Summer
This is where most moms have the most questions — and for good reason.
Safe sleep guidelines and summer heat can feel like they are working against each other. Here is what you need to know.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends:
- Avoiding loose blankets in the crib
- Keeping the room between 68–72°F
- Using a wearable blanket instead of loose bedding
[The infographic below shows what to dress them in for sleep based on room temperature]
newborn-sleep-summer-infographic-green
How to Dress Your Newborn Outside in Summer
Taking your newborn outside in the summer heat needs a little extra thought. Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature well, and their skin is much more sensitive than ours.
General rule for outside: Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing that covers their arms and legs to protect their skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.
What to dress them in:
- A lightweight long-sleeve onesie or a loose cotton romper to protect them from the sun
- A wide-brimmed sun hat to protect their face, neck, and ears
- Light cotton socks to cover their feet if they are exposed
Important sun protection note:
The AAP recommends avoiding sunscreen on babies under 6 months. Instead, protect them with:
- Shade from a stroller canopy, umbrella, or tree cover
- Lightweight protective clothing
- A wide-brimmed hat
Tips for hot days outside:
- Avoid going out between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest
- Check the stroller seat, it can trap heat and become dangerously warm.
- Place your hand inside before putting your baby in
- Never cover a stroller with a blanket to block the sun — it reduces airflow and can cause overheating
- Watch for signs of overheating: sweating, flushed skin, or fussiness
If it is above 90°F outside, it is safest to stay indoors with your newborn when possible.
Best brands for organic clothes for Summer newborn baby
There are several fantastic brands offering certified organic options, including Burt’s Bees Baby, Hanna Andersson, Pehr, Magnetic Me, and Little Planet.
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For the Budget-Conscious: Little Planet by Carter’s is your best bet. It’s perfect for stocking up on daily basics like sleeveless onesies. Since newborns outgrow clothes quickly and require frequent laundry, you’ll want plenty of these high-quality, affordable organic staples.
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For Premium “Special Moments”: If you’re a first-time mom looking to splurge on a few heirloom-quality pieces, I recommend mixing in items from the other brands. Pehr is known for sophisticated, hand-painted prints, while Magnetic Me offers unparalleled ease with their magnetic closures.
Pro-Tip for Savings: If you decide to go with premium brands like Pehr or Magnetic Me, check Bloomingdale’s first! You can often snag Take 15% OFF your next purchase at Bloomingdale's or bloomingdales.com when you sign up for Bloomingdale's emails.">15% off your purchase just by signing up for their email list, making those luxury pieces much more accessible.
Final Thoughts
Dressing a newborn in summer doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep it simple, keep it breathable, and trust your instincts.
You know your baby better than anyone. When in doubt, do a quick chest check and adjust from there.
FAQ
Do newborns need long sleeves in summer?
Newborns usually don’t need long sleeves in summer because it can get too warm.
Lightweight, breathable clothes are best. However, if you’re going somewhere with strong air conditioning, a light long-sleeved onesie is a good idea.
Should babies wear socks in hot weather?
Socks aren’t necessary for newborns in hot weather. If you do use them, make sure they’re light and breathable, like organic cotton.
Can newborns sleep in just a diaper on hot nights?
On very hot nights it is safe for a newborn to sleep in just a diaper, as long as no fans are blowing cold air directly on them.
For slightly cooler nights, a light onesie is a safer and more comfortable option.
What is the best way to dress a baby based on room temperature?
Use the one-layer-more rule as your guide. If you’re comfortable in a t-shirt, your baby likely needs a t-shirt plus a thin muslin layer.
For rooms over 75°F, a short-sleeved bodysuit with a 0.5 TOG lightweight sleep sack works well.
For rooms over 80°F, a diaper and a thin swaddle may be all they need. Always avoid heavy blankets or thick sleepwear in summer.
How should I dress my baby for a summer stroller walk?
Choose light, loose-fitting cotton outfits for sun protection and airflow. Add a wide-brimmed sun hat to protect their face, neck, and ears.
Avoid draping a blanket over the stroller to create shade — this reduces airflow and can cause overheating. Use a stroller parasol or clip-on fan instead.
Are there specific fabrics to look for in summer baby clothes?
Yes — look for natural, breathable fibers. 100% organic cotton, and organic bamboo are all excellent for summer.
They wick moisture, allow airflow, and are gentle on sensitive newborn skin. Avoid synthetics like polyester, which trap heat.
Do newborns really need socks in summer?
Usually not — Babies partially regulate temperature through their hands and feet, so keeping them uncovered in the heat helps regulate their temperature.
In cool places like air-conditioned stores or restaurants, a light pair of cotton socks is a smart thing to have in your diaper bag.
