A midwife’s guide to caring for your newborn during Australian summer

Advice from Lauren Brenton, Endorsed Midwife and Founder of One Mama Midwife

Bringing your baby home for the first time is one of those moments you dream about throughout pregnancy. And if your little one is arriving during an Australian summer, you might already be wondering - how do I keep them cool? What should they wear? How hot is too hot? Is the fan okay?

As a midwife and a mum of four, I get asked these questions every single year - so let’s talk about how to keep your newborn safe, comfortable and happy in the summer heat, without overthinking every outfit change.

1. Keep the house cool, but not freezing

Your newborn can’t regulate their body temperature, so it’s important their environment helps them stay comfortably cool.

- Ideal room temperature: between 18–22°C (learn more)
- Use a fan or air-conditioning (yes, it’s completely fine!)
- If using air-con, keep it on a stable, moderate temperature (not blasting at 18°C)
- Point fans away from baby (circulating air, not blowing directly at them)

Quick tip: If you’re unsure whether the room is too warm or cool, check their chest or back. It should feel warm, not sweaty or chilly.

2. Dress your baby appropriately for summer 

A good rule of thumb is dress your baby in the same amount of layers that you have on yourself and in summer, noting that may only be one light layer.

Suggested outfits for hot days:

 - Short-sleeved cotton or bamboo onesie from ergoPouch
 - Nappy only or nappy with a 1.0 TOG Swaddle Bag 
 - Lightweight singlet onesie for sleep

Quick tip: Avoid fleece sleepwear or heavy wraps in  hot weather. This is because babies can’t sweat efficiently, so they can overheat quickly. Learn more about the benefits of breathable materials.

3. Hydration is key - your breastmilk adjusts

If you’re breastfeeding, your milk naturally becomes more watery in hot weather to help keep baby hydrated. You may notice they want to feed more frequently, and this is completely normal.

- Breastfed babies do not need extra water
- Formula-fed babies may also feed more often on hot days
- Never give water to babies under 6 months - it is not safe 

Quick tip: If you notice fewer wet nappies, lethargy, dark urine or dry lips, speak to your midwife or GP right away.

4. Be aware of car seat safety in the heat

Car seats can heat up quickly, especially once the car has been sitting in the sun. 

Always:

- Cool the car before placing baby inside (put the air-con on for a few minutes first)
- Use a window shade to help keep the vehicle cooler
- Avoid adding extra thick liners unless they are specifically breathable and designed for hot weather
- Never place a baby on hot fabric – always make sure to touch first
- Sometimes airflow in the car doesn’t quite reach the capsule/carseat – getting a clip-on fan can help keep baby cool in the car.

Quick tip: Once baby is strapped in, do a quick check behind their neck to ensure they’re not getting sweaty to prevent overheating.

5. Practice sun safety for newborns

Newborn skin is incredibly delicate, and sunscreen isn’t recommended before 6 months, so keeping them out of direct sunlight is the best protection.

If you’re outside with baby: 

- Use shade and wide-brim hats
- Avoid blankets that cover the pram as this will block airflow and can significantly increase the temperature inside the pram. 
- Avoid being outside in the hottest part of the day.
- If it's too hot for you to be outside, it’s too hot for bub.

6. Use bath time to help cool them down

A short, lukewarm bath (not cold) can help settle a baby who’s feeling uncomfortable from the heat. After the bath, dress them in something light.

7. Know the signs of overheating

Keep an eye out for:

- Red or flushed skin
- Fast breathing
- Clamminess or sweating
- Irritability or lethargy

If you notice any of these, remove a layer, move to a cooler room, offer a feed and monitor closely or visit a health care provider.

8. Give yourself grace. It takes time to adjust.

The first few days (or weeks) home with your newborn are filled with round-the-clock feeding, cuddles, sweating through your shirt, questioning every outfit choice and Googling room temperatures at 3am.

You’re not doing it wrong; you’re just getting to know each other.

Lean on your village, ask your midwife questions and trust that, with time, you will feel more confident about reading your baby’s cues.

About the Author

Lauren Brenton is an Endorsed Midwife, mum of four (soon to be five) and founder of One Mama Midwife, who is passionate about empowering families with evidence-based, practical, and confidence-building birth and parenting education. She is the founder of One Mama Midwife, a rapidly growing antenatal and baby & child first aid education brand trusted by thousands of Australian families.

United by her belief in “Your Birth, Your Way,” Lauren combines clinical expertise with real-life motherhood insight to make education feel relatable, supportive, and genuinely helpful. Known for her warm teaching style and ability to simplify complex information, she leads in-person classes across multiple Australian locations and drives online community growth through engaging, evidence-based content.

Outside of her business, Lauren balances life with her husband Josh and their four children, embracing the chaos and beauty of motherhood while continuing her mission: helping parents feel prepared, supported, and empowered every step of the way.