5 Things Every New Parent Needs to Know This Summer About Warm Weather With a Baby

One of the things you probably pictured when you imagined maternity leave was this: long, lazy summer days, a sleeping baby, a coffee that's actually still warm, maybe a garden or a park nearby. And honestly? That vision isn't wrong. Summer with a newborn can be genuinely magical. It's easier to get out of the house, the long evenings feel full of possibility, and there's something about sunshine that makes the whole thing feel a little lighter.

You do just need a few things in your corner to make it work. Hot weather brings its own set of considerations with a tiny baby, and once you've got those covered, you're free to enjoy every single minute of it.

Here's what's worth knowing....

1. Be mindful of safer sleep guidance

Practicing safer sleep is something most new parents research thoroughly, and then a heatwave arrives and throws everything off. The general guidance is to keep your baby's room between 16 and 20 degrees, but in a UK summer that can feel ambitious. The key is adjusting what they sleep in to match the actual room temperature, rather than sticking rigidly to a routine that was built for cooler nights.

A tog-rated sleeping bag takes the guesswork out of it completely. Rather than layering up and second-guessing yourself, you dress them for the temperature of the room they're actually sleeping in.

💡 Cubbi Tip: ergoPouch design their sleepwear specifically around tog ratings, making Cubbi members get an exclusive discount, so it's worth picking up a lighter tog option before the warm nights arrive.

2. Shade isn't optional, it's essential

Newborns under six months shouldn't be in direct sunlight at all, which means shade is non-negotiable on days out. If you're using a pram, a proper parasol is worth every penny. The ones that clip directly onto the frame and rotate with the sun are genuinely game-changing. Pair it with a light muslin over the seat for airflow and you've got a solid sun setup without needing to stay indoors all day.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Mamas & Papas have a great range of pram parasols, and your Cubbi discount applies there too. One less thing to pay full price for.

3. Suncream: know the rules before you reach for the bottle

It's not recommended for babies under six months to have suncream applied directly to their skin, so shade and clothing are your first line of defence. For older babies, you want a mineral-based SPF 50 that's free from harsh chemicals and kind to sensitive skin.

💡 Cubbi Tip: iHerb stock a brilliant range of natural and mineral sunscreens, including options specifically formulated for babies. Cubbi members get an exclusive discount, and because iHerb ships quickly it's easy to have a bottle on standby before the weather turns.

4. Time to get splashing

Baby swimming lessons are one of those things that feel like a lovely-but-later idea until all the baby swim classes are booked up for the next six months. Warmer weather is the perfect prompt to just get on with it. You can start lessons from around 6 weeks, the water confidence babies build early is genuinely remarkable, and it doubles as a useful way to cool down on a hot day.

You'll want a proper swim nappy and something comfortable to put them in that dries quickly and doesn't irritate their skin.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Mori make gorgeous, soft swimwear that's gentle on baby skin, and their designs are the kind you'll actually want to photograph. Cubbi members get a discount on Mori, so treat yourself before the first lesson.

5. Don't forget the emergency headwear

A wide-brimmed sun hat is non-negotiable once you're out and about in summer or a pair of baby sunglasses to protect tiny eyes from UV glare, not to mention they are extremely cute and you will want to document them extensively.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Cozy Crew Club have some gorgeous options on both fronts. Cubbi members get a discount on their sun hats and sunglasses, which makes stocking up feel a lot more reasonable when you know they'll probably lose one before August.

In the end, trust your instincts, keep them in the shade during peak hours, offer feeds more regularly in the heat, and don't stress if naps go sideways when the temperature spikes. You've got this!

warm weather with a baby