How to Dress a Baby for the Summer

Dressing a baby for the summer often leaves new mothers stumped as to whether the baby is too hot or if they should be wearing socks. The best way to tackle these concerns is to prepare for all possible circumstances. Learn what to pack and how to dress a baby for summer weather.

Things You'll Need

• Onesies
• Hat with a brim
• Light jacket
• Pants
• Receiving blanket
• Bibs
• Burp cloth
• Socks
• Mittens
• Baby powder with cornstarch

Instructions

1. Start with the basics for baby's wardrobe for the summer. A onesie is one of the most simple and inexpensive items you can have for your baby. Onesies are simply a short sleeved bodysuit. It's best for the onesie to be made of 100 percent cotton for maximum breathability. Keep your baby in light colors, making sure not to draw unwanted attention from the sun.

2. Protect your baby's scalp and face by putting on a hat with a brim. Hats are great for amusement parks when there isn't much shade anywhere else. Make sure the hat is comfortable for your baby and as with any other baby item, take more than one when traveling.

3. Keep a light jacket, pants and receiving blanket in your baby's diaper bag for when you are going in and out of air conditioned buildings, like a mall or inside of a person's home. A receiving blanket is easy to take on and off. A jacket and pants are especially convenient when you find yourselves at a late evening barbecue or other outdoor event. You don't have to leave early because of the baby being cold--you can simply put on a jacket and pants over the onesie.

4. Make sure you take extra bibs and burp cloths as well. If your baby drools, it may get on her clothes. When going in and out of air conditioned buildings or if the outside temperature changes, this will make your baby cold and she can become sick. Putting on a fresh bib when you see that your baby is drooling will prevent her clothes from becoming soaked.

5. Check your baby's hands and feet often. Although you may feel warm on a summer day or be in a warm environment, it is likely that your baby's extremities are a little cool. In order to prevent your baby from having any discomfort or from catching a cold, always keep mittens and socks in your baby's diaper bag. It may be weird even though it is summer but you won't regret it.

6. Put baby powder with cornstarch inside of your baby's diaper to keep his bottom dry. There are many disputes over whether or not baby powder is safe but using baby powder with cornstarch as an ingredient has not been proven to be harmful. Be sure to sprinkle powder in your hand before applying it to your baby to prevent either of you from inhaling it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to let your baby run around in his diaper if he gets too hot.

• Beware of overdressing your baby during the summer as they can overheat very easily.