Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Keeping babies cool in hot weather

2-minute read


Download this guide as a PDF

View text version of infographic

Dress light

Dress your baby in light clothing and use layers to adjust to the temperature.

Avoid direct sunlight

Babies under 6 months should not be out in direct sunlight. Use sunscreen for babies over 6 months.

Plenty of fluids

Offer breast milk or formula for babies under 6 months. They may want to feed more often, but for less time.

Use a fan

Use a fan to help circulate cool air. If using an air conditioner, don’t let it get too cold.

Cool bath

Give your baby a cool bath, especially before bedtime.

Shade, don't cover

Pram should be shaded, not completely covered to allow air to circulate.

Warning signs for heatstroke

  • High body temperature
  • Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
  • Pale or clammy skin
  • Sunken fontanelle (soft spot on baby’s head)
  • Sunken eyes and may not have tears when crying
  • Fast heartbeat and breathing
  • Headache and muscle cramps
  • Dark urine and not as frequent urine (wee)
  • Appearing overly sleepy or ‘floppy’
  • Seizure or possible loss of responsiveness

If your baby or child has symptoms of severe dehydration or heat-related illness, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.


Want more like this?

See more guides and infographics from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2023


Back To Top

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.