When it comes to breastfeeding in warm weather, it can be really tough. Not only can the heat make you and your baby more restless and agitated, but it's also not easy to tell if you're feeding them too little or too much.
We spoke with Lactation Consultant, Angela Cartwright and Midwife Pip, who share some helpful tips to make sure that both you and baby stay feeling cool and comfortable when breastfeeding in warmer weather.
1. Don’t stress about your milk
If you're wondering if your baby needs extra fluids in warmer weather, they don't. Midwife Pip says "your baby will likely feed more often and that is perfect, just follow their lead,"
"Breastfed babies do not need supplementation with water or any other fluids other than continuing to feed on demand in warm weather," she adds, "your milk adapts to meet their exact nutrition and hydration needs."
2. Stay hydrated
As well as thinking about what your baby is drinking, you need to give yourself equal consideration in the heat.
"Leave water bottles around the house so you can drink whenever you need to," says Angela. "If it’s a hot day, you’re likely to feel really thirsty as your baby will be taking more water from you."
Get in the habit of having a drink every time you feed your baby, and aim to drink an extra litre of water day while breastfeeding (three litres instead of the usual two).
Angela adds: "new mums are often too busy to drink or may reach for something like coffee, which is dehydrating, so it’s really important to stay hydrated for your own wellbeing as well as for your milk supply."
3. Be mindful about your environment
Midwife Pip says: "Breastfeeding in warm weather can be sweaty business, so keeping comfortable is important. Wearing loose, breathable clothing will help keep you cool."
She also mentions: "you can also have a fan in the room your feeding in but avoid it being directly on your baby. You can also help to keep rooms cooler by having blinds down or curtains shut to help keep the overall temperature lower."
4. Use a muslin cloth
Midwife Pip and Angela both recommended using a muslin cloth between yourself and baby when feeding.
"Lightly wetting a muslin cloth or placing in the fridge before putting it between you and your baby during feeds can be cooling," Midwife Pip explains.
5. Take regular breaks
Summer days out and holidays can mean longer journeys than usual, whether you're driving, or walking.
"Your baby may sleep for longer than usual if in a car, meaning they might not wake for feeds as often as they would at home, so it's important you take breaks to feed," says Angela.
"Also, keep in mind that the air conditioning in many cars doesn’t quite reach the back, so while you might feel quite cool in the front, your baby might be quite hot. If you’re going on a long car journey on a hot day, make extra stops and wake your baby up for a feed."
Be sure not to go for longer than two hours without taking a break.
6. Try a different feeding position
By nursing in a different position than the traditional cradle hold, for example an underarm rugby hold position, you'll conduct less body heat between you and your baby. To do the rugby hold, support your baby by placing your hand under their head and shoulders and let their legs point behind you.
7. Keep an eye on their nappy
You can make sure your baby is getting enough milk by keeping an eye on their nappies. There should be at least five wet nappies in 24 hours. "Breastfed babies should also have quite runny stools, especially if your baby is not eating solids," says Angela.
Look out for any signs of dehydration such as dark coloured urine or hard stools, frequent breastfeeding will reverse the effects of mild dehydration. However, if your baby refuses to feed or seems unwell, seek medical advice.
8. Freeze water bottles
Freeze a bottle of water so you have a refreshing, cold drink on hand to keep you cool. You can also put frozen water bottles in your changing bag next to some muslins. This will give you a handy stock of cold muslins to cool you both down when feeding.
About the expert
This article contains expert advice from Midwife Pip. Midwife Pip is a truly passionate midwife and advocate for the profession, bursting with knowledge. Pip is an experienced, practicing Midwifery Sister, MSc graduate, founder of Midwife Pip Podcast, Hypnobirthing and Antenatal Educator, co-author of published research and very importantly, a mum.
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.