What should my baby wear at 27–30°C (81–86°F)?
5 min read
Quick answer
At 27–30°C (81–86°F), dress your baby in one thin cotton layer, such as a short-sleeved vest or loose romper, plus a wide-brimmed hat, and keep them in full shade. Go out early or late rather than between 11am and 3pm, feed more often and never leave them in a parked car.
- One thin cotton vest or romper, nothing more
- Full shade, and no direct sun under 6 months
- Outings before 11am or after 3pm
- Never leave your baby in a parked car
What to dress your baby in at 27–30°C
27–30°C is heatwave weather in the UK, and the NHS lists babies and young children among the people more vulnerable in a heatwave. Your baby needs as little as possible: one thin layer of loose cotton, such as a short-sleeved vest or romper, and a wide-brimmed hat when outside.
Indoors, a vest or just a nappy is enough, and the NHS says the same for the warmest nights. Outdoors, if you cannot find shade, a thin, loose long-sleeved cotton top in a close-weave fabric is better than bare skin, because it blocks the sun without trapping much heat.
At 29°C outside, one thin cotton layer, a wide-brimmed hat and shade is all your baby needs.
- One thin, loose layer: a short-sleeved cotton vest or romper
- Wide-brimmed sun hat with a neck flap
- Shade: a clip-on parasol or sunshade on the pram
- No extra layers, except a thin top for air conditioning
How to check your baby is not too hot or cold at 27–30°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 this heat, check your baby at every stop and every time they wake. Sweating, a hot tummy or a hot neck means take clothing off, move to the shade or indoors, and offer a feed.
Pram, carrier and car seat at 27–30°C
In the pram, remove any thick liner or footmuff, use the hood and a clip-on parasol, and park in deep shade. Never cover the pram with a blanket or muslin: the NHS warns it can lead to overheating.
A carrier holds your baby against your warm body, so keep carrier time short on a day like this. Wear a thin layer yourself, keep your baby in a nappy and thin vest, and stop in the shade to check their neck.
In the car seat, use a single thin layer and cool the car before you put your baby in. Never leave your baby in a parked car: the NHS warns that enclosed spaces like parked cars get hot very quickly.
Sun, shade and hats at 27–30°C
Babies younger than 6 months should have no direct sun at all, and older babies as little as you can manage, especially from 11am to 3pm (NHS).
A sun hat with a wide brim or a long neck flap protects the head, ears and neck. From 6 months, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and UVA protection on uncovered skin, and reapply every 2 hours and after sweating. Indoors, close blinds or curtains during the day and do not aim a fan directly at your baby (NHS).
Signs of overheating and when to get help
Breastfed babies may want to feed more often in the heat, and fully breastfed babies under 6 months do not need water. Formula-fed babies can have a little cooled boiled water as well as their usual feeds.
If your baby seems unwell in the heat, move them somewhere cool, take off their clothes down to a nappy, sponge their skin with cool water 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 show signs of heatstroke, such as:
- Still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling and fluids
- Hot skin that is not sweating
- A very high temperature
- A fast heartbeat, or fast breathing
- Confusion, a seizure or loss of consciousness
Sources
We check this guide against these sources. It is general information, not medical advice: speak to your health visitor, GP or paediatrician about your own baby.
Questions parents ask
What should a baby wear in 30°C heat?
At 30°C, one thin cotton layer is enough outside, such as a short-sleeved vest or loose romper, with a wide-brimmed hat and full shade. Indoors, a vest or just a nappy is fine. Check the back of the neck or tummy often, and take clothing off if your baby is sweating.
Is it safe to take a baby out at 28°C?
Short trips are fine if you plan around the heat. Go out before 11am or after 3pm, keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight, use a clip-on parasol on the pram, and bring milk, or water for babies over 6 months. Never leave your baby in a parked car, even briefly.
Should I use a fan for my baby at 27°C?
A fan can help cool a room, but the NHS advises not to aim it directly at your child, as it could make them dehydrated. Close blinds or curtains during the day to keep rooms cool, and dress your baby in a single thin layer or just a nappy indoors.
Can my baby nap in a carrier on a 29°C day?
Only for short spells, in the shade, with their face clear and visible. A carrier holds your body heat against your baby, which adds up quickly at 29°C. Dress them in a thin vest or just a nappy, wear a thin layer yourself and check their neck often.