How do I protect my newborn from the sun?
Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight. Use shade and light clothing, and don’t cover a pram with a blanket for shade.
The short answer
NHS guidance says babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Use shade and lightweight clothing, check your baby regularly in hot weather, and use a pushchair sunshade rather than covering the pram with a blanket.
Keep a young baby out of direct sunlight
Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight, according to NHS guidance. Choose shade when you’re outdoors and avoid the strongest sun where possible. The NHS page is UK guidance, so check your local health service for advice that applies where you live.
Lightweight clothing can protect skin without adding unnecessary layers. A wide brim hat can shade the face when your baby is outside, but remove hats and extra clothing when you go indoors or enter a warm vehicle.
Use a pushchair shade, not a blanket
A clip on parasol or purpose made pushchair sunshade can provide shade while allowing air to circulate. The NHS warns against covering a pram or pushchair with a blanket or muslin because the baby can overheat. Check on your baby regularly and move to a cooler place if the environment becomes too warm.
If your baby feels hot, sweaty or unwell, remove extra layers and follow local medical advice. An article can’t check heat illness.
Follow feeding advice for hot weather
The NHS says fully breastfed babies under six months don’t need water, though they may want to breastfeed more often in hot weather. Advice for formula fed babies can differ by age and location. Follow your local health service and the baby’s care plan rather than using a general article to change feeds.
Seek medical advice if your baby seems unwell, is unusually sleepy, is feeding poorly or you’re worried about dehydration or heat.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.