What should my baby wear at 24–26°C (75–79°F)?

What to dress your baby in at 24–26°C

24–26°C is a hot day in the UK. NHS advice is simple: when it is hot, a single layer is enough, and lightweight cotton is best because it is breathable. A short-sleeved vest or a cotton romper, a wide-brimmed sun hat and shade cover most outings.

If you cannot find shade, a loose long-sleeved cotton top and trousers in a close-weave fabric protect skin from the sun while letting air move. Leave fleece, cardigans and pramsuits at home.

At 25°C, a single layer of lightweight cotton plus a wide-brimmed hat is usually enough.

• One layer of lightweight cotton: a short-sleeved romper or vest
• Loose, long-sleeved cotton top for sun cover if you cannot find shade
• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Parasol or sunshade on the pram

How to check your baby is not too hot or cold at 24–26°C

Feel the back of your baby's neck, their chest or their tummy. Warm and dry means they are dressed right. Sweaty or hot means take off a layer of clothing or bedding. Cool hands and feet on their own are normal, so do not add layers just because fingers or toes feel cold.

In hot weather, check the back of the neck or tummy often, not just once. Sweating or a hot tummy is your cue to remove a layer (NHS). Move into the shade or indoors, offer a feed, and check again after a few minutes.

Pram, carrier and car seat at 24–26°C

In the pram, use a single layer, the hood and a clip-on parasol or sunshade. Never drape a blanket or muslin over the pram: the NHS warns it could lead to overheating.

In a carrier, a nappy and a short-sleeved vest is often enough, because your body warmth adds heat. Choose the shade, keep their face clear, and take breaks so you can both cool down.

In the car seat, a single light layer is enough. Cool the car before you go, use window shades, and never leave your baby in a parked car, which heats up fast (NHS).

Sun, shade and hats at 24–26°C

Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sun completely. For older babies, cut sun time to a minimum, especially from 11am to 3pm, when UV peaks (NHS).

Use a sun hat with a wide brim or a long neck flap. From 6 months, use SPF 30 or higher with UVA protection on uncovered skin, and reapply every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming. The NHS does not recommend sunscreen under 6 months. The AAP allows a small amount on small areas such as the face if shade and clothing are not available.

Signs your baby is too hot and when to get help

In the daytime, draw the blinds or curtains so your baby's bedroom stays cool, and do not aim a fan straight at them (NHS). Breastfed babies may want to feed more often, formula-fed babies can have a little cooled boiled water as well as their milk, and from 6 months you can offer sips of water with meals.

If your baby seems unwell in the heat, move them somewhere cool, take off extra clothing and offer a feed. Call NHS 111 if you are struggling to cool them or need advice. Call 999 or your local emergency number if they have a seizure, lose consciousness, or are still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling.

This is general dressing guidance, not medical advice. If you are worried your baby is unwell, call NHS 111 or your GP. In an emergency, call 999 or your local emergency number.