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Upały a niemowlę – komfort malucha latem

Heatwave and babies – toddler comfort in summer

Author : Natural Baby Care Team
Publication date:
June 24, 2025
Reading time: 5 minutes

Summer is a time for walks, family outings, and warm evenings. However, high temperatures can be a significant challenge for little ones. Babies' thermoregulatory systems aren't fully developed yet, meaning they're more susceptible to overheating and dehydration. How can you ensure your little one's safety and comfort in hot weather? Here's a practical guide for parents.

Heat and babies – why do you need to be careful?

Babies don't sweat as effectively as adults, and their skin heats up more quickly. High temperatures can lead to overheating, dehydration, and even heatstroke. From 26°C onward, caution should be exercised to ensure your child is provided with appropriate conditions and protection.

  • Choose clothes made of natural fabrics: cotton, muslin, bamboo
  • Avoid synthetics that trap heat
  • At home, a sleeveless bodysuit or a diaper will suffice.
  • Outside – a thin layer + a baseball cap or hat
  • In a wrap or carrier: one layer less than for an adult

Check out cosmetics for your baby's delicate skin

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When to go for a walk and when to stay at home?

The optimal time for walking is in the morning before 10:00 a.m. and in the evening after 5:00 p.m. Avoid walking in full sun and temperatures above 30°C. It's worth seeking shade: parks, paths, forests. And importantly, DO NOT cover the stroller with a rain cover – it traps heat and leads to overheating.

  • ... a baby's skin can lose up to2 times more waterthan adult skin. This is why they become dehydrated and overheated so easily, even in seemingly "safe" conditions.

Hydration – how to prevent dehydration?

  • Breastfed babies: breastfeed more often
  • Children on formula milk: water can be given (after consultation with a pediatrician)
  • Observe: number of wet diapers, urine color, drowsiness, apathy
  • Older babies (after 6 months): offer water regularly

How to cool an apartment without air conditioning?

  • Cover your windows from noon to evening
  • Air your apartment in the morning and evening
  • Use a bowl of cold water or frozen bottles at the crib
  • Consider using a cooling mat (e.g., a gel one under the sheet)
  • Cool baths in lukewarm water bring relief and refreshment

Symptoms of overheating – how to recognize and react?

  • Hot, red, moist skin
  • Crying, irritability, drowsiness or apathy
  • Rapid breathing
    What to do?
  • Move the baby to a cool place
  • Undress and rinse your body with lukewarm water (not ice cold!)
  • Breastfeed or give water
  • If in doubt, consult your doctor
  • "Hydration in infants and children"


    This review study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examines water requirements in infants and children, finding that young children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration due to their higher body water percentage and greater fluid loss through the skin. It emphasizes the importance of frequent feeding (especially breastfeeding) in hot weather.

    Szajewska, H. et al. (2010)

  • "Heat-related illnesses in children"



    A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics & Child Health discusses the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of heat-related illnesses in children. The authors note that infants and young children are most susceptible to heat stroke and heat exhaustion due to immature thermoregulation.



    Adegoke, S.A. et al. (2013)





  • Thermoregulation in Infants: The Risk of Overheating in Modern Parenting



    This study from Pediatric Research examines the impact of overdressing infants and the use of accessories (e.g., stroller covers) on a baby's ability to naturally regulate their temperature. The results highlight that overheating a baby can increase the risk of health problems and even be a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).



    Charchut, S. et al. (2012).

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Summer can be a wonderful time for the entire family, including those with a baby. Just stay vigilant, use proven heat protection methods, and adapt your daily habits to the temperature. This will ensure your little one's health and well-being, even on the hottest days.

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Jak ubierać niemowlę w upalne dni?

W gorące dni najlepiej ubierać niemowlę lekko – cienkie body lub sama pieluszka w domu, na spacer cienkie ubranko z bawełny i przewiewna czapeczka. Unikaj przegrzewania i sztucznych tkanin.

Czy można wychodzić z niemowlęciem na spacer, gdy jest gorąco?

Tak, ale najlepiej robić to rano (do 10:00) i wieczorem (po 17:00). Unikaj spacerów w pełnym słońcu i przy temperaturze powyżej 30°C.

Jak rozpoznać, że niemowlę jest przegrzane?

Objawy to: gorąca, wilgotna skóra, rozdrażnienie, senność, szybki oddech. W razie wątpliwości przenieś dziecko w chłodne miejsce i obserwuj.

Czy niemowlę potrzebuje więcej wody latem?

Dzieci karmione piersią zazwyczaj nie potrzebują dodatkowej wody. Częste przystawianie wystarcza. Dzieci na mleku modyfikowanym mogą otrzymać wodę po konsultacji z pediatrą.

Czy można przykrywać wózek pieluszką lub folią?

Nie! Zakrywanie wózka ogranicza cyrkulację powietrza i może prowadzić do przegrzania. Lepiej korzystać z daszka wózka i spacerować w cieniu.

Jak ochłodzić mieszkanie dla niemowlaka bez klimatyzacji?

Zasłaniaj okna w ciągu dnia, wietrz wieczorem i rano, używaj misek z zimną wodą, chłodnych kąpieli lub mat chłodzących (bez bezpośredniego kontaktu ze skórą).