How to Dress Baby in Summer for Style & Comfort

With warm weather on the horizon, it’s time for sundresses, sandals, and stylish shades. But while you may have your summer-closet staples ready to go, you may wonder what your baby should wear to keep them cool and comfortable all season long.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered—from breathable layers to stretchy fabrics, we’re sharing everything you need to know about how to dress babies in summer.

Explore the best fabrics for your baby’s wardrobe, essentials for the season, and helpful tips to keep your little one cool in the summer heat.

Your go-to summer outfits probably feature lightweight, comfortable materials that move with you. Well, the same applies to your baby. Here’s a closer look at the best fabrics for your baby’s wardrobe this season.

Best Fabrics for Your Baby's Summer Wardrobe

Cotton may be a popular choice (it’s inexpensive, soft, and easy to find), but it’s not always the best option for babies. Instead, consider our signature Päpook® viscose from bamboo fabric. It’s breathable and silky-soft, offering your sweet pea a comforting, cooling texture that’s gentle on their skin.

Plus, high-quality, luxe materials like viscose from bamboo are made to stand up to wear and tear, as well as repeat washes. No matter the spills and stains, this fabric is up for the challenge. This means you can rest assured that it’ll maintain its shape and integrity wash after wash. After all, with a busy schedule and a little one in tow, you don’t want to have to worry about their clothing wearing out or shrinking.

So, for reliable summer  baby clothes that will keep your little one looking cute and feeling comfortable, find pieces made with viscose from bamboo.

Why Choose Breathable Fabrics?

Why is it important to opt for soft, breathable materials when curating your baby's summer wardrobe? Ultimately, babies have a harder time regulating their internal temperature. Lightweight materials allow air circulation to help with temperature regulation, ensuring baby stays comfortable, even in warmer weather.

By allowing heat and moisture to escape, breathable fabrics also reduce the likelihood of sweat and bacteria build-up. Because your little one’s soft skin is more sensitive than an adult's, it’s important to promote healthy, happy skin by keeping it dry and sweat-free during the summer.

Breathable clothing also ensures maximum comfort, allowing baby to stretch, move, and explore freely without feeling restricted. With the right clothing, you can take pride in knowing your little one will be cool and comfy all summer long.

Finding comfortable, easy-to-wear outfits that protect your little one no matter the weather is one of your top priorities! Thankfully, getting your baby dressed during the warmer months can be a breeze with the right staple pieces on hand.

Here's a look at a few stylish and comfortable summer outfits you'll want in baby's wardrobe:

Rompers and Bodysuits

If you’re looking for ideas on how to keep your baby cool in summer, baby rompers and bodysuits are a great option. They are great everyday wear for boys and girls and help keep babies secure and comfortable on hot days. Plus, snaps along the bottom and inside of the legs make for easy diaper changes no matter where you are.

The key to finding the perfect baby bodysuit or romper is ensuring the material has a weave that’s lightweight and breathable while maintaining softness and flexibility. Fortunately, viscose from bamboo offers both the stretchiness and breathability baby needs to enjoy summer days to the fullest.

Lightweight Hats and Sun Protection

Remember to use a sun hat to protect baby's skin from the sun. Considering the sun's strong UV rays, lightweight hats are a must for your baby this summer. Not only do they look absolutely adorable, but they also: 

• Help your little one regulate their temperature

• Prevent pesky skin conditions like sunburn or heat rash

• Helps protect your baby’s face and eyes from the sun

In particular, a hat with a rounded brim can offer your baby’s face and ears much-needed protection while keeping their scalp safe from the strength of the sun. This is especially important if you’re heading out mid-day when temperatures and UV levels tend to be at their peak.

Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies under six months out of direct sunlight.

Where to Find Stylish Summer Outfits

So, you’ve added rompers, bodysuits, and hats to your baby’s summer shopping list. But where do you go for these seasonal staples? And how do you ensure quality pieces?

For stylish, high-quality options that will stand the test of time, browse Posh Peanut’s collection of clothes, baby swimwear , and accessories made with our signature Päpook viscose from bamboo fabric.

Whether you’re after mix-and-matchable tops and bottoms, easy one-pieces and rompers, or lightweight summer dresses, you’re in the right place. With both seasonal collections and tried-and-true staples, you’re sure to find pieces that will keep your little one cool, comfortable, and stylish all season long.

Plus, our stretchy signature material moves and seemingly grows with your baby, ensuring clothing that lasts.

See related: How to Dress Baby for Sleep in Summer

Understanding how to dress your baby in summer for style and comfort goes beyond choosing the right clothing and fabric. With your Posh Peanut essentials in hand, let’s explore some handy tips to help you dress your baby in the summer heat:

Balancing Sun Protection and Comfort

During the summer months, it’s key to balance sun protection and comfort. Fortunately, soft, breathable materials, like bamboo from viscose, can help regulate your peanut’s temperature while shielding them from the sun.

But why not lean on SPF for sun protection?

Although you may be used to lathering on your own sunscreen, this isn’t recommended for babies, especially if they’re under six months. This is because baby skin is more sensitive than adult skin and can experience certain side effects from sunscreen, like a rash.

So, whether you’re getting ready for a beach vacation or plan on being pool-side all summer long, prioritize protective clothing for baby like:

• Wide-brim hats

• Sunglasses

• Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing

While you want to avoid bundling up baby, full-coverage pieces are still a good idea as long as they’re made from breathable fabric that prevents your little one from overheating.

Layering for Easy Temperature Adjustments

Even in the summer heat, a cool breeze or sudden cloud coverage can cause a major temperature shift. For this reason, you’ll want to have layers on hand to help baby adapt and stay comfortable no matter what the forecast brings.

Keep an Eye on the Forecast 

Speaking of forecasts, another aspect of knowing how to dress baby in summer is reviewing the temperature and weather conditions before heading out for the day. In particular, you’ll want to keep an eye on a few key factors, including:

• Temperature – Depending on where you live, summer temperatures can skyrocket, making it crucial to dress baby in breathable summer clothes and non-constricting fabrics. If possible, use an app or website that gives you an hour-by-hour breakdown of the temperature ahead so you can head out during the cooler periods of the day or stay inside if it’s going to be too hot out, especially if you have a newborn.

• UV index – Aside from the temperature, you’ll want to review the UV index, which is a measure of the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Early morning and late afternoons typically have a lower UV index (between 0-2). These are times when you and your little one are a lot less likely to experience extreme UV rays. However, if the UV index is over 8, you’ll need to make sure baby’s sensitive skin has extra protection.

• Humidity level – If you live in a damp climate, it’s important to also look out for humidity levels, especially in the summer heat. High humidity can make a baby’s environment feel warmer than the actual temperature, so you’ll want to opt for fabrics that allow their skin to breathe and release heat. This can also help prevent rashes and bacterial growth.

Ultimately, when it comes to dressing for the season, being prepared is half the battle. By looking at these factors ahead of time, you can make sure you have all the gear you need for a fun and relaxing summer adventure with your baby.

As the sun reemerges, knowing how to dress your baby in summer can help you rest easy and enjoy everything the season has to offer. Whether it’s stretchy, comfortable rompers or sunhats that provide extra protection, having the right summer gear can make all the difference for you and your little one.

Posh Peanut offers a variety of summer must-haves, from easy-to-zip one-pieces and adventure-friendly rompers to lightweight dresses and shorts. Plus, we craft every piece of clothing from soft and breathable viscose from bamboo fabric so that you can dress your baby in the very best.

Sources: 

1. Government of Canada. Sun Safety Tips for Parents. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/sun-safety-tips-parents.html

2. FDA. Should You Put SunScreen on Infants? Not Usually. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-put-sunscreen-infants-not-usually

3. HealthyChildren.Org. Baby Sunburn Prevention. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Baby-Sunburn-Prevention.aspx