How hot is too hot outside for babies? Tips to protect infants in GA heat
Temperatures in Georgia will soon reach triple digits as the summer heat peaks. Although this means more outdoor time for some, others may find it impossible to enjoy, especially if you have infants or small children.
For some adults, anything above 85 degrees is unbearable, so what about babies? Here’s what we know about when it’s too hot for babies to be outside, plus how to protect your small children in hot temperatures.
How hot is too hot outside for babies?
According to Children’s Health, if the heat index is above 90 degrees, parents should not have a baby outside for too long.
“Babies are not as good at cooling their bodies as adults because they do not sweat normally,” explained Dr. Sushmita Yallapragada, M.D., Neonatologist and Associate Medical Director at Children’s Health. “Babies are also not able to tell you if they’re overheating and not feeling well.”
Yallapragada recommended checking the heat index before going outside with your baby and taking a break every 15 to 20 minutes when exposed to hot temperatures.
How to protect your baby in hot temperatures
Here are some ways to help protect your baby in hot temperatures:
Find shade & dress appropriately
Find a shady spot under trees or make sure your stroller has a cover to pull up over the baby’s face or body.
According to the CDC, babies under six months can’t wear sunscreen, so finding shade and dressing babies appropriately is essential. “Keep younger babies who cannot use sunscreen out of direct sunlight by finding shade and dressing them in sun-protective clothing,” as stated on the CDC’s website.
For babies older than six months, the CDC recommended applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapplying it at least every two hours.
Put them down for an extra nap if needed
Sunlight and outdoor time may make some babies tired.
“Planning time for babies to rest or nap following outside playtime can be helpful,” said Dr. Yallapragada.
Limit activities during peak sunlight hours
Parents should limit time outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is highest in the sky. “That rule is especially important for infants, who are less able to sweat, the body’s natural way of keeping internal temperature down,” said What to Expect blogger Colleen de Bellefonds.
Signs of overheating
According to Children’s Health, these are some signs that your baby is too hot:
More tired or drowsy than normal
Not interested in feeding or drinking
Red or flushed in the face, neck or chest
Very sweaty
If your baby shows any of these signs, take them inside for a break and put cool washcloths on their body. If they continue to show signs of overheating, call your baby’s pediatrician, especially if they are vomiting or not having as many wet diapers.
Are these tips helpful? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM with the headline "How hot is too hot outside for babies? Tips to protect infants in GA heat."
