Breastfeeding in Hot Weather: what your baby really needs

The first warm day arrives and suddenly you panic. Does my baby need water? Should I be feeding more? What about dehydration?

Heat is one of those things we all worry about with our babies: keeping them out of the sun, applying sun cream, how many layers and remembering the sun hat. But one of the great things about breastfeeding is that a mother’s body is constantly adapting your milk to meet your baby’s needs.

During hot weather (as with when it’s not so hot!) breastmilk naturally contains all of the hydration your baby needs. They often feed more frequently during a hot spell with lots of smaller, thirst-quenching feeds. For some parents this can feel like a worrying pattern with a baby seemingly attached to the breast all day but, provided your baby is producing plenty of wet nappies (at least 6 in 24 hours) and is their normal happy self, this is completely normal. Remember how often you might be reaching for an extra sip of drink when the temperature starts to rise- your baby is just doing exactly the same.

For a baby under six months who is exclusively breastfed there’s no need to offer extra water. Breastmilk does the job perfectly.

For a breastfeeding parent, though, frequent feeding can be particularly draining when it’s hot out. It can be helpful to set yourself up in a cool space with a big bottle of cool water within reach. An outside space in the shade can be great, if possible, but keeping the sun out with blinds can help if not. If it’s all getting a bit hot and sticky a muslin placed between you and your baby can help to ease this and just wear whatever breathable clothes feel best for you.