Baby Heat Safety: MFD Breaks it Down

By Jodi Graves | July 1, 2025

Here are the top questions we get asked at Michigan Family Doulas about baby heat safety. Whether you are visiting the Ann Arbor Art Fair, heading up north to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival, or just relaxing in your backyard, we want you to feel confident your baby is comfortable and safe! We are breaking it all down below to help get you the answers you need fast!

Baby Heat Safety Basics

Stay Hydrated: For newborns under 6 months, frequent breastfeeds or formula feeds are crucial. They do not need water, as breast milk or formula provides all the necessary hydration. For babies over 6 months, you can offer small sips of water in addition to their regular milk feeds.
Seek Shade: Always keep your baby in the shade when outdoors. This means using trees, umbrellas, canopies, or finding a shaded spot. Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, especially during peak sun hours (typically 10 am to 4 pm).
Dress Appropriately: Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. A single layer, such as a light cotton onesie, is often sufficient. Light colors reflect the sun better than dark ones.
Cool Baths: A lukewarm or cool (not cold!) bath can help cool your baby down. You can also use a damp washcloth to gently wipe their face, neck, and limbs.
Indoor Cooling: Utilize air conditioning or fans indoors. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to block sun and heat from entering.
Limit Outdoor Time: On extremely hot or humid days, it’s best to stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment. If you must go out, keep outings short and plan them for the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening).

What Are the Signs of Heatstroke in Infants?

High Body Temperature: A core body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher.
Hot, Red, Dry Skin: The baby’s skin may feel hot and appear flushed, but surprisingly, they might not be sweating.
Rapid Breathing and/or Racing Heart Rate: Their breathing may be shallow and fast, and their pulse can be significantly elevated.
Lethargy or Unresponsiveness: The baby might be unusually sleepy, floppy, listless, or unresponsive.
Irritability or Confusion: They might be unusually fussy or disoriented.
Vomiting.
Glazed Over Eyes.
Seizures.

It’s important to differentiate from heat exhaustion, which is less severe but still requires action. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale or ashen skin, dizziness, headache, and nausea. If you see signs of heat exhaustion, move the baby to a cool place, offer fluids, and apply cool compresses. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen, seek medical help.

Baby Heat Safety for Hot Weather Sleep

Creating a safe and cool sleep environment is vital to prevent overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.

Fabric Choice: Always opt for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton, muslin, or bamboo for pajamas and sleep sacks. These fabrics allow air to circulate and wick away moisture.
Minimal Layers: In warm rooms (above 70-72°F), a single layer is often enough. This could be just a diaper, a short-sleeved bodysuit, or a very thin sleep sack (low TOG rating).
No Loose Bedding: Avoid blankets, quilts, or any loose bedding in the crib, as these pose a suffocation risk and can trap heat. A wearable sleep sack is the safest alternative.
Monitor Temperature: Feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck to check their temperature. Their skin should feel warm and dry, not clammy or hot. Cool hands and feet are normal.

Is My Baby Dehydrated in Hot Weather?

Dehydration can happen quickly in infants. Watch for these signs:

Fewer Wet Diapers: This is often the most reliable sign. For newborns, fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours can be a red flag.
Dry Mouth and Lips: Their mouth might feel sticky, and their lips can appear dry.
Few or No Tears When Crying.
Sunken Eyes.
Sunken Soft Spot (Fontanelle): On top of their head.
Lethargy or Unusual Drowsiness: They might be less active or more sleepy than usual.
Irritability or Excessive Fussiness.
Cool and Discolored Hands and Feet (in severe cases).

If you notice any of these signs, offer frequent feedings (breastmilk or formula) immediately. If your baby is refusing to feed, or if symptoms worsen, contact your pediatrician right away.

Ideal Room Temperature for Baby in Summer (Michigan)

While specific numbers can vary slightly, the general recommendation for a baby’s room temperature, regardless of location, is between 68-72°F (20-22°C). This range is considered optimal for safe sleep and helps reduce the risk of SIDS.

In Michigan summers, this means utilizing air conditioning or fans effectively. Keep a thermometer in the nursery to monitor the temperature accurately.

Preventing Heat Rash on Baby’s Neck

Heat rash (prickly heat) is common in hot, humid weather when sweat glands get blocked. The neck is a frequent spot due to folds of skin.

Dress Lightly: As mentioned, breathable, loose-fitting cotton clothing helps.
Avoid Overdressing: Don’t bundle your baby up unnecessarily.
Keep Skin Dry: Gently pat dry areas prone to sweating, like the neck folds.
Cool Baths: Regular lukewarm baths can help keep the skin clean and cool.
Stay Cool: Keep the baby in a cool environment as much as possible.
Allow Airflow: Ensure air can circulate around the neck and other skin folds. Avoid tight clothing or bibs if possible in hot weather.

If heat rash appears, keep the area cool and dry. It usually resolves on its own. If it worsens or shows signs of infection (redness, pus), consult your pediatrician.

When Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?

The general recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is:

Babies Under 6 Months: Sunscreen is not recommended. The best protection is to keep them entirely out of direct sunlight. Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and use stroller canopies.
Babies 6 Months and Older: You can use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are generally gentler on sensitive skin. Apply generously to all exposed skin 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

Safe Fan Use in Baby Room

Fans can be very effective in keeping a room cool and circulating air, which is important for baby safety.

Indirect Airflow: Position the fan so it’s not blowing directly on the baby. Instead, aim it to circulate air in the room, creating a gentle breeze.
Safe Distance: Ensure the fan is far enough away so that your baby cannot reach it. For standing fans, ensure they are stable and not easily tipped over. For oscillating fans, ensure the baby can’t get tangled in cords.
No Sheets Over Cribs: Never drape a sheet or blanket over a fan aimed at a baby’s crib; this can be a fire hazard and trap heat.
Airflow, Not Just Cold: The goal is air circulation and a comfortable temperature, not necessarily making the room feel cold.

Baby Heat Safety in Stroller

Strollers can get surprisingly hot, so caution is key.

Built-in Canopy: Always use the stroller’s built-in sun canopy or hood, ensuring it provides ample shade.
Avoid Draping Blankets: Never drape a blanket (even a thin one) over the stroller opening. This can drastically increase the temperature inside the stroller by trapping heat and blocking airflow, creating a dangerous “oven-like” environment.
Stroller Fan: A battery-operated, clip-on fan (positioned out of baby’s reach) can help circulate air inside the stroller.
Stroller Sunshade/Parasol: Consider a clip-on sunshade or parasol specifically designed for strollers to provide extra shade.
Timing: Again, try to avoid being out in the stroller during the hottest parts of the day.

What to Do If Baby is Too Hot

Move to a Cooler Spot: Immediately take your baby indoors to an air-conditioned room or a shaded, cool area.
Remove Layers: Take off excess clothing, leaving them in just a diaper or a light onesie.
Cool Compresses/Bath: Gently wipe them down with a lukewarm or cool (not cold) damp washcloth. You can also give them a cool bath. Avoid very cold water, which can cause shivering and actually raise their core temperature.
Offer Fluids: For babies under 6 months, offer frequent breast or bottle feeds. For babies 6 months and older, offer more breast milk/formula and small sips of water.
Monitor Closely: Watch for signs of improvement. If they don’t cool down quickly, become lethargic, or show any signs of heatstroke (see above), seek immediate medical attention.

Baby heat safety is no joke, good job asking questions and staying informed! By staying informed and taking these precautions, you can help ensure your little one has a safe and enjoyable summer here in Michigan! #MichiganFamilyDoulas #Doulasnearme #Weareheretohelp #Babyheatsafety

Posted in New Family Tips and tagged baby, newborn, safe sleep