Sun and heat: dressing a baby in hot weather

In the heat, a single light cotton layer is usually enough. Shade for babies under six months, a wide-brim hat, and never a blanket over the pram.

In the heat, a single light cotton layer is usually enough.

Lightweight cotton breathes. Overheating is the risk for a baby, so in hot weather less is usually better.

1. Under six months, keep your baby out of direct sun — shade first. 2. A wide-brim hat keeps the sun off the face. 3. Never cover the pram with a muslin or blanket — it traps the heat. 4. Indoors, or in a warm car, bus or train, take the hat and extra layers off.

If the tummy or the back of the neck feels hot or sweaty, take a layer off.

Outside in the heat

From 25°C (77°F), the app suggests a short-sleeve bodysuit and a sun hat, with bare legs and bare feet. The sun hat comes on from 23°C (73°F), or earlier in sunshine.

Sleeping in the heat

From a room of 26°C (79°F), the app suggests a short-sleeve bodysuit and no sleep sack. A fan can move the air, as long as it isn't pointed at the baby, Red Nose says. Never a hat for sleep.

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