How to Dress Your Baby in Summer

Dressing your baby in summer can feel confusing, especially when temperatures change throughout the day or you're trying to work out what's best for prams, travel or warm nights indoors.

In general, babies are the most comfortable in light, breathable layers that can be easily adjusted as the weather changes throughout the day. On warm days at home, a simple vest, bodysuit or lightweight romper is often enough. On particularly hot days indoors, a single nappy may be suitable for short periods, as long as your baby is comfortable and supervised.

Outdoors, the focus shifts from layering to protection and comfort. Shade, airflow, breathable fabrics and regular temperature checks are more important than adding extra clothing.

A quick guide to summer baby outfits

Here’s a simple guide to choosing summer baby clothes for different situations, from warm days indoors to prams, carriers, holidays and bedtime. 

• Light, breathable layers such as vests, bodysuits and rompers

• Fewer layers indoors in hot weather, sometimes it can be just a nappy 

• Shade, sun protection and a hat outdoors

• Avoid overheating by checking your baby's chest, tummy or neck

• Adjust clothing throughout the day as temperatures change
Dressing your baby on warm days

During typical summer weather (when temperatures are between 20°C and 25°C), simple and breathable clothing is usually best. Soft bodysuits, sleeveless vests and lightweight rompers allow movement while helping your baby stay comfortable.

A lightweight sleepsuit can also be useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces, giving a little extra coverage without feeling heavy.

In very warm indoor conditions (when temperatures are 30°C and over), some babies may be comfortable in just a nappy for short periods. The key is to always monitor your baby and adjust as needed rather than sticking to a fixed outfit.

A helpful way to check comfort is to feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck. If they feel warm or sweaty, remove a layer. If they feel cool, add something light.

Explore summer baby clothes designed for warm days, from breathable bodysuits and vests to lightweight rompers and sleepsuits.

What newborns need in summer

Newborns often need a little extra care in warm weather as they are still developing temperature regulation.

When choosing newborn summer clothes, or thinking about how to dress a newborn in summer, focus on:

• Soft, breathable layers such as short-sleeved bodysuits

• Lightweight sleepsuits for cooler moments or evenings

• Spare outfits for changes during the day

• Avoiding heavy fabrics or unnecessary layering

• Keeping babies out of direct sunlight, especially under 6 months

Even on cloudy days, sun protection and shade are important when outside. For more guidance, see the NHS advice on keeping babies safe in the sun.

Explore MORI’s newborn essentials for soft, breathable layering pieces designed for everyday comfort.

Dressing your baby for holidays and travel

When it comes to baby holiday clothes, flexibility is key. Whether you’re staying in the UK or travelling abroad, temperature changes between indoors, outdoors and transport can vary widely.

It helps to pack:

✓  Lightweight bodysuits and rompers

✓ Extra outfits for spills or delays

✓ Easy-change clothing for travel days

✓ Light layers for air-conditioned environments

✓ Sun hats and protective clothing for outdoor time

✓ Breathable sleepwear for warmer nights

If you’re visiting the beach or spending time outside, shade and protection should always come first.

For travel days, soft and simple outfits make outfit changes easier and more comfortable for both you and your baby.

Choosing breathable summer fabrics

Fabric choice makes a big difference in how comfortable your baby feels in warmer weather.

Lightweight, breathable materials help reduce heaviness and allow air to circulate more easily around the skin.

MORI’s Signature and Ribbed fabrics are made from organic cotton and bamboo which are soft, breathable and designed to feel gentle against delicate skin. It’s ideal for summer dressing because it is lightweight, smooth and easy to layer when needed.

When choosing summer baby clothes, look for:

• Natural or breathable fibres

• Soft, lightweight textures

• Simple designs that allow airflow

• Easy layering options for changing temperatures

Discover MORI’s organic cotton and bamboo styles for everyday comfort. You can also explore the MORI bamboo fabric guide for more detail.

Summer clothes for babies: checklist

When the weather is warm, having a few versatile essentials on hand can make getting dressed simpler, whether you're at home, out for the day or heading off on holiday. Use this checklist as a handy guide when building your baby's summer wardrobe.

✓ Short-sleeved bodysuits

✓ Sleeveless vests

✓ Lightweight rompers

✓ Footless sleepsuits

✓ Sun hat

✓ Light extra layer for cooler moments

✓ Breathable sleepwear

✓ Spare outfits

✓ Swimwear or UV clothing if needed

✓ Muslins (for feeding or wiping, not pram covering)

✓ Nappies and wipes

Build your baby’s summer wardrobe with MORI summer essentials.

What about summer sleepwear

At night, babies often need fewer layers in warmer weather. In hot rooms, a vest or even just a nappy may be enough for short periods depending on conditions.

Always follow safer sleep advice and TOG guidance when dressing your baby for sleep. The Lullaby Trust offers guidance on helping babies sleep safely. For more detailed guidance, explore MORI’s summer sleepwear article.

Keeping your baby comfortable in the pram

Prams can warm up quickly in direct sunlight or still air, so it’s important to keep things light and well ventilated.

Key considerations:

• Dress your baby in breathable, lightweight layers

• Use a pram-safe sunshade or parasol

• Ensure airflow is not restricted

• Check your baby regularly for comfort

• Avoid trapping heat inside the pram

Pram safety

Do: Use a purpose-designed sunshade or clip-on parasol
Don’t: Cover the pram opening with a blanket or muslin

Babywearing safely in hot weather

Babywearing using a wrap or carrier can be a lovely way to stay close to your baby, but in summer it’s important to remember that carriers naturally increase warmth.

To keep things comfortable:

• Dress your baby in lighter layers than usual

• Choose breathable fabrics

• Keep exposed skin protected from sun where needed

• Take regular breaks in cooler or shaded areas

• Check your baby’s comfort often

In warmer weather, less layering is usually more comfortable for both parent and baby.

Explore MORI's summer baby clothes, from breathable bodysuits and rompers to soft sleepsuits and holiday-ready layers designed for easy, comfortable dressing through every kind of summer day.