Feeding Your Baby When It's Scorching Hot Outside

It's sweltering outside, you've got a brand new baby, and nobody warned you that a heatwave would make feeding feel like a whole extra challenge. You're not imagining it — hot weather really does change things. Here's what's actually going on, and what to do about it. If you have a newborn (first few days) In the first few days, your body produces colostrum — that thick, golden first milk. It comes in small amounts, but it's exactly what your baby needs. It's packed with goodness and perfectly designed for a tiny new tummy. In the heat, you might notice your newborn seems extra sleepy and harder to rouse for feeds. This is one of the things I see most in the infant feeding team at hospital. It's really common, but it does need your attention — sleepy babies can quietly go too long without feeding, and in hot weather that matters more. Try these to wake a sleepy newborn for feeds: skin-to-skin contact, undressing them down to a nappy, a cool flannel on their forehead or feet, and gently talking to them while moving their arms and legs. Now, skin-to-skin is brilliant for feeding — but in a heatwave, both you and your baby can end up hot, sweaty, and stuck together in a way that feels anything but relaxing. If that's you, try laying a thin muslin between your skin and theirs. It absorbs some of the sweat, stops that uncomfortable peel-apart feeling, and still keeps you close enough for all the hormonal magic to happen. A small fan pointed near (but not directly at) you both can also help. Aim to feed at least 8–12 times in 24 hours in those early days, even if you have to work for it. When your transition milk comes in (usually day 3–5) Once your transition milk arrives, you may find your baby wants to feed constantly in hot weather. This is normal. They're not just hungry — they're thirsty too. Breastmilk adjusts its composition throughout a feed, and the more watery milk at the start acts as a drink. Your baby is clever; they know what they need. Don't be tempted to top up with water. For babies under six months, breastmilk (or formula) is all they need — extra water can actually cause harm in very young babies. A word on keeping yourself hydrated This really matters. If you're breastfeeding, your body is working hard to make milk on top of everything else — and in the heat, you're losing fluid faster than usual through sweat too. Dehydration can affect your milk supply and leave you feeling exhausted, headachy, and low. Keep a large glass or bottle of water next to wherever you usually feed, and drink every time your baby drinks. It doesn't have to be fancy — plain water is perfect. If you're finding it hard to eat in the heat, keep easy snacks close by too. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and that is especially true in a heatwave. If you're bottle feeding Formula-fed babies should only have their usual formula feeds in the heat — not extra water alongside, unless your baby is over six months. In hot weather, you might find your baby wants feeds a little more often or takes slightly less at each feed. Both are fine. Follow their lead. A few practical things to keep in mind: never leave made-up formula sitting out in a warm room as bacteria multiply quickly in the heat; cool boiled water used to make formula should be used straight away or stored in the fridge; and bottles left in a warm changing bag are a no-go. Signs your baby may be getting too hot or not feeding enough Keep an eye out and get help sooner rather than later if you notice fewer than the expected number of wet nappies (roughly 6+ a day after day 5), dark yellow or strong-smelling urine, a dry mouth or lips, a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on their head), an unusually lethargic baby who is very difficult to rouse, or fewer dirty nappies than normal in those first weeks. When your baby is over six months, you can offer small sips of cool, cooled boiled water alongside their usual milk feeds in hot weather. Call 999 if your baby is unresponsive, has a very high temperature and can't be cooled down, or you're seriously worried. Call 111 or contact your midwife/health visitor if you're worried about feeding, nappy output, or your baby seems off but it's not an emergency. You're doing brilliantly Feeding a newborn is hard work at the best of times. In a heatwave, give yourself a lot of grace. Stay hydrated, rest when you can, and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, reach out. That's what your midwife, health visitor, and infant feeding team are there for. Eva x

Eva Levinson is a part-time Postnatal Midwifery Assistant & Infant Feeding Specialist for the NHS, a Doula UK trained postnatal doula, and an Ofsted/HSE compliant first aid instructor. She runs And Chillax in Anerley, South London.