💡 Key points to remember : Breastfeeding in summer requires a few adaptations: it’s essential to stay well hydrated, wear light clothing and always breastfeed in the shade. Also remember to protect your skin without applying sunscreen to your breasts, to plan your outings during the coolest hours and to avoid overheating at home, for everyone’s comfort.
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High summer temperatures can quickly become a challenge for breastfeeding your baby. Here are 7 practical tips to help you breastfeed serenely during the summer, even when the thermometer goes crazy!
1. 💧 Hydrate… even more than usual
Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy and water, as your body produces milk, which is mainly made up of water. In hot weather, you lose more fluids through perspiration, which further increases your need for hydration. Drinking enough fluids helps prevent fatigue and headaches, and ensures your baby’s milk supply.
➡️ To stay well hydrated, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Always keep a bottle of fresh water close at hand, especially during feedings. You can also vary with cold infusions, homemade flavored waters (lemon, mint) or water-rich fruits such as watermelon.
2. 👶 No water needed for exclusively breastfed baby
In hot weather, we often hear that babies should be given water. However, if your baby is exclusively breastfed, breast milk is fully sufficient to cover his or her hydration needs – even in midsummer.
Breast milk is over 80% water, and naturally adapts to the weather and your baby’s needs. Mom’s body adjusts the composition of the milk in real time, making it more watery in the first sips to effectively quench baby’s thirst.
⚠️ Giving water to a breast-fed baby can be useless, and even risky: it fills his stomach without providing the essential nutrients he needs.
➡️ On the other hand, it’s perfectly normal for your baby to ask to feed more frequently in hot weather. These shorter, more frequent feeds are a natural way for him to stay hydrated.
3. 👕 Choose lightweight, breathable clothing
Heat can make feeding more uncomfortable if you wear clothes that are too tight or made of synthetic materials that don’t let the skin breathe. To make breastfeeding easier and avoid overheating, choose natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or bamboo, which are lightweight and absorb perspiration well.
➡️ For you, loose-fitting nursing tops or lightweight bras make it easier to latch on quickly, especially outdoors. For baby, light bodysuits or overalls, or even a simple diaper, may suffice, depending on the temperature.
4. 🌳 Always feed in the shade!
Direct sunlight can quickly tire and dehydrate both baby and mom. In direct sunlight, baby’s skin is very fragile and can burn easily. For comfortable breastfeeding, look for a cool, shady spot, such as under a tree, a pergola, or a covered terrace.
➡️ If you’re outdoors, a hat and baby sunglasses are good protection. A small muslin blanket or light diaper can be used to create a sort of “veil of shade”, while still allowing air to pass through.
5. 🧴 Don’t forget sunscreen… but not on feeding areas
Protecting your skin from the sun is important, especially if you spend time breastfeeding outdoors. However, you should never apply sunscreen to your breasts or areas where your baby will be breastfeeding, as they could ingest potentially irritating chemicals.
➡️ Apply sunscreen to your arms, shoulders, legs or face before breastfeeding, and protect exposed areas with light clothing or a shawl. You can also breastfeed in the shade to minimize this risk.
6. ✈️ Choose cooler hours for outings
In summer, the heat can quickly become too much for breast-fed babies. To preserve their comfort (and yours), organize your outings early in the morning or late in the day, when temperatures are cooler and sun exposure milder.
🚗 In the car:
- Protect the car seat with a sun visor,
- Slip a light cotton diaper between baby’s skin and the straps to prevent rubbing and perspiration,
- And make sure the passenger compartment is well ventilated before putting your child in.
Avoid travelling between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the heat is at its peak, and always remember to keep the atmosphere calm, shaded and reassuring for baby.
7. 🌬️ Create a cool, soothing home environment
Even indoors, the heat can quickly become uncomfortable for you and your baby, especially when breastfeeding. It’s therefore essential to maintain a pleasant room temperature, around 20 to 22°C if possible.
🪟 To naturally refresh your space, consider :
- Air early in the morning or late in the evening,
- Close shutters or curtains during the day,
- Use a fan or gentle air conditioning (never directed directly at baby).
If you practice skin-to-skin or if baby sleeps nearby, be sure to avoid superfluous blankets and adapt your outfit to limit shared body heat.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding during the warmer months requires a few adjustments, but nothing insurmountable.
By adopting a few simple reflexes – staying well hydrated, avoiding heat spikes, favouring cool breaks and protecting your skin – you can offer your child a serene breastfeeding experience. Differences in lipids, microbiome or vitamins are generally moderate. The most important thing is that your baby always benefits from the best that breast milk has to offer: tailor-made nutrition, powerful immune protection, and a precious bond with his mother.
At Pachamama Solutions, we firmly believe that a caring, well-equipped work environment enables young mothers to continue breastfeeding with peace of mind. By offering them comfortable and adapted spaces, we support their choice.
Autrice
Camille Desclée
Experte en QVT &
Co-fondatrice de Pachamama Solutions
Camille Desclée est experte en Qualité de Vie au Travail (QVT) et co-fondatrice de Pachamama Solutions, une entreprise qui œuvre pour une meilleure prise en compte de la parentalité en milieu professionnel. Elle développe notamment des solutions concrètes comme des fauteuils de tire-allaitement pour les espaces de travail, afin de favoriser le bien-être des jeunes mères et l’égalité en entreprise.