When the weather warms up, baby skin can need a little extra care.
Hotter days often mean more sweat, more friction, more moisture, and more time outdoors - all of which can leave delicate skin feeling uncomfortable, irritated or dry. And because baby skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, these changes can show up quickly.
Research published in Dermatology Research and Practice has found that the infant skin barrier is still developing in the first years of life, making it more vulnerable to environmental stressors such as heat, humidity and friction than adult skin. [1]
The good news is that caring for baby skin in summer does not need to be complicated. A few small, gentle choices can go a long way in helping skin stay calm, comfortable and supported in warmer weather.
Why baby skin can be more sensitive in summer
Baby skin is naturally delicate, and in warmer months there are a few extra things working against it.
Heat and sweat
Hot weather can make babies sweat more, especially in skin folds, around the neck, behind the knees, and in the nappy area. When sweat sits on the skin, it can lead to discomfort, chafing and irritation.
Infants have a higher density of sweat glands relative to body surface area than adults, but their sweat glands are still maturing, meaning heat regulation works differently in babies and young children. Research in Pediatric Dermatology has documented that this, combined with skin folds and occlusion (such as nappies and clothing), makes infants more prone to heat rash (miliaria) and related irritation in warm conditions. [2]
Friction
Warm skin and movement can increase friction, especially where nappies, clothes or folds rub repeatedly. This can make already-sensitive skin feel more sore or reactive.
Studies on infant skin in the nappy area, including work published in Pediatric Dermatology, show that the combination of moisture, friction and occlusion in this region significantly increases the risk of irritation, and that this effect is more pronounced when skin is already warm or sweaty. [3]
More frequent washing
In summer, babies may need extra baths or freshening up after hot days, messy play or sticky nights. But frequent washing can sometimes leave skin feeling dry if products are too harsh.
Research on infant skin care practices, published in Pediatric Dermatology, has highlighted that the choice of cleansing product matters as much as the frequency of washing - gentle, low-irritant formulations are better tolerated by the developing skin barrier, particularly with more frequent use. [4]
Sun exposure
Time outside can be lovely, but sun, heat and dry air can all affect the skin barrier - especially on skin that is already sensitive or eczema-prone.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, in guidance published in Pediatrics, recommends that babies under six months be kept out of direct sunlight and protected primarily with shade and clothing, given how easily infant skin can be affected by UV exposure and heat. [5]
This is why what touches baby's skin every day matters even more in summer.
A nappy sitting close to the skin for hours. A wash used more often. A moisturiser helping support the skin barrier. The fabrics and fibres sitting against warm, delicate skin.
Small choices can make a big difference.
Keep summer cleansing simple and gentle
When the weather is warm, it is natural to want to keep baby feeling fresh. But more cleansing does not have to mean more products.
A gentle baby face and body wash can help remove sweat, sunscreen and everyday stickiness without leaving skin stripped, tight or uncomfortable. In summer especially, the aim is to keep skin clean and comfortable while avoiding unnecessary harsh ingredients or heavy fragrance.
This aligns with guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology, which recommends fragrance-free, gentle cleansers for babies with sensitive or eczema-prone skin - particularly relevant in summer, when skin is more frequently exposed to sweat, suncream and increased washing. [6]
For delicate or easily irritated skin, a simpler, gentler wash is often the kindest approach.
Why moisturiser still matters in warmer weather
Moisturiser can sometimes feel like more of a winter step, but baby moisturiser still has an important place in summer.
Heat, sun, frequent washing and even mild dehydration can all affect the skin barrier. A gentle moisturiser can help keep skin soft, calm and balanced - especially if your baby is prone to dryness, sensitivity or patches of irritation.
Research into infant skin barrier function, published in Dermatology Research and Practice, notes that regular use of moisturisers can help support the skin barrier through environmental changes - including heat and increased washing - and is a key part of managing eczema-prone skin year-round, not just in colder months. [1]
If skin feels dry after a bath, slightly rough in places, or more reactive in hot weather, moisturising can be one of the easiest ways to support it.
Think of it as helping baby skin recover after a warm, active day.
The nappy is one of the most important summer skin choices
If there is one product worth thinking about most, it is still the nappy.
Nappies sit against baby's skin for long stretches, day and night. In warmer weather, that matters even more. Heat, moisture and friction can all make the nappy area more vulnerable to irritation, so choosing a gentler nappy for sensitive skin can make a real difference.
Research into the infant nappy area found that heat and moisture trapped against the skin can soften and weaken the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to friction damage and irritation - an effect that is amplified in warmer, more humid conditions. [3]
When parents look for the best nappies for sensitive skin, they are often looking for:
- softness against delicate skin
- breathable materials
- reliable absorbency
- fewer unnecessary chemicals
- comfort day and night
At Beaming Baby, our nappies are designed with delicate skin in mind. They are made using soft organic bamboo and avoid chlorine, latex, perfumes and other unnecessary nasties many parents would rather leave out. They are also breathable and highly absorbent, helping to keep baby comfortable while still performing day and night.
Because in summer, just like every other season, the product sitting against your baby's most sensitive skin should be as gentle as possible.
Baby skin in summer: simple tips for keeping it comfortable
You do not need to overhaul everything. But these small steps can help support sensitive baby skin in warm weather:
- choose a gentle face and body wash for daily cleansing
- keep skin clean and dry, especially in folds and the nappy area
- use a gentle moisturiser if skin feels dry or easily irritated
- think about the fabrics and fibres sitting against baby's skin
- start with the products used most often, especially nappies
For many parents, the easiest place to begin is with the everyday essentials.
A gentler summer routine for delicate skin
Summer does not have to mean complicated routines or constant worry. Usually, it is about simplifying where you can and choosing products that feel lighter, kinder and more supportive of delicate skin.
A gentle wash. A skin-kind moisturiser. A breathable, thoughtfully made nappy.
Small everyday swaps can help keep baby skin happier through the warmer months.
If you are looking for a gentler place to start, explore our organic bamboo nappies, face and body wash, and moisturiser - everyday essentials designed to care for delicate skin, whatever the weather.
Sources & Further Reading
The research referenced throughout this guide is listed below. Each study is publicly indexed and can be found via the links provided or by searching the journal name and author on PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
[1] Telofski LS, Morello AP 3rd, Mack Correa MC, Stamatas GN. (2012). The infant skin barrier: can we preserve, protect, and enhance the barrier? Dermatology Research and Practice, 2012, 198789. —View journal
Reviews how the infant skin barrier continues to develop after birth and remains more vulnerable to environmental stressors — including heat, humidity and frequent washing — than adult skin, and discusses the role of regular emollient use in supporting it.
[2] O'Connor NR, McLaughlin MR, Ham P. (2008). Newborn skin: Part I. Common rashes. American Family Physician, 77(1), 47–52. —View journal
Discusses common infant skin conditions including miliaria (heat rash), which arises from immature sweat gland function combined with heat, humidity and occlusion — particularly relevant to skin folds and warm weather.
[3] Visscher MO, Adam R, Brink S, Odio M. (2015). Newborn infant skin: physiology, development, and care. Clinics in Dermatology, 33(3), 271–280. —View journal
Covers how moisture, friction and occlusion in the nappy area affect the developing skin barrier, and how these effects are heightened in warm, humid conditions — supporting the case for breathable, low-irritant nappy materials.
[4] Lavender T, Bedwell C, Roberts SA, et al. (2013). Randomized, controlled trial evaluating a baby wash product on skin barrier function in healthy, term neonates. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 42(2), 203–214. —View journal
A randomised controlled trial finding that gentle, low-irritant cleansing products were well tolerated by newborn skin and did not compromise skin barrier function, even with regular use — relevant to more frequent summer washing.
[5] Balk SJ; American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health; Section on Dermatology. (2011). Ultraviolet radiation: a hazard to children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 127(3), e791–e817. —View journal
AAP clinical guidance recommending shade and protective clothing as the primary sun protection strategy for infants under six months, due to the vulnerability of infant skin to UV exposure and heat.
[6] American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema resource centre: skin care recommendations for eczema and sensitive skin. —View journal
AAD guidance recommending fragrance-free, gentle cleansing products for babies and children with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, particularly relevant when washing more frequently in warm weather.
All studies are indexed on PubMed and can be found by searching the author name and journal title at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. DOI links above lead directly to each paper's abstract page.
