Osteopathy and childhood: what are the benefits to support your child's development?
5 July 2026
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
With the first spell of warm weather, the question crops up every year: how to dress baby in summer ? Baby struggles to regulate their temperature and cannot tell us if they are hot or cold. Overdressing or underdressing risks discomfort — or even complications. Here is the complete guide to dressing baby wisely when the temperatures soar. ☀️
Infants and young children have an immature thermoregulatory system. Unlike adults, they do not sweat effectively for several months and cannot eliminate heat through perspiration the way we do. As a result, they overheat more quickly and need outside help to maintain a stable body temperature.
Overheating is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) — hence the importance of never wrapping baby up too warmly, even in winter. In summer, vigilance is even greater.
The classic paediatric rule for dressing a baby: one layer more than you are wearing. If you are in a t-shirt, baby wears a t-shirt + a light nappy. But in summer, above 25-26°C, this rule becomes more flexible: baby can wear the same as you, or even less.
The best indicator remains the baby's nape hot and humid = too hot; cold = too cold; lukewarm and dry = perfect.
The sun is dangerous for the delicate skin of babies — much more so than for adults. The official recommendations:
To properly prepare your summer outings with baby, our guide on what to put in a changing bag will help you forget nothing — sunscreen, a change of clothes, hat.
Night-time heat often disturbs babies' sleep. A few tips:
Discover our selection of lightweight baby rompers and of baby grows - soft, breathable fabrics to get through the summer with ease.
Signs of overheating: warm and clammy neck of the neck, red skin (especially face and neck), restlessness or conversely unusual lethargy, rapid breathing. In the event of significant overheating, remove a layer of clothing, offer a breastfeed or a bottle of water, and if baby has a fever > 38°C, consult a doctor.
Yes, along with a hat and SPF 50+ sun cream. For longer stays, a UV-protective suit covering the arms and legs is recommended. Never leave a baby exposed to direct sunlight between 11 am and 4 pm.
Before 6 months, breast milk or formula provides all the necessary hydration — there is no need for extra water. After 6 months, offer still water in small quantities between meals, especially during hot weather.
Bodysuits, rompers and lightweight jumpsuits made from soft cotton: PetitMaxou offers a summer collection designed with your baby’s comfort and safety in mind. Soft, breathable fabrics and colourful, practical designs. Free delivery throughout the EU.
→ View the full PetitMaxou baby clothing collection
An aquatic outing with a baby requires specific preparation. Here is what you mustn't forget:
To make sure you don't forget a thing when you're out and about with baby, our complete guide to what to put in a changing bag will provide you with the exhaustive checklist by age group.
When temperatures exceed 30°C, here are the steps that help baby cope with the heat: mist the face and limbs regularly with lukewarm water (not cold — thermal shock is counterproductive); offer more frequent breastfeeds or bottles as hydration needs increase; give a lukewarm (not cold) bath in the middle of the day to lower body temperature; keep the bedroom cool by closing shutters and curtains in the morning and airing it out at night; and carefully monitor for signs of overheating — damp neck, redness, lethargy, unexplained irritability.
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
Baby sunscreen is one of the summer essentials for young parents —