When temperatures rise, it’s natural to wonder whether you need to change your breastfeeding or pumping routine.
The good news? Breast milk continues to provide everything your baby needs, even during hot weather. However, warmer temperatures can make feeding and expressing feel more challenging, so a little preparation can go a long way.
1. Offer feeds more frequently
Babies may want to breastfeed more often during hot weather to stay hydrated.
This doesn’t necessarily mean your milk supply has dropped—it’s often your baby’s way of taking smaller, more frequent feeds.
2. Don’t forget your own hydration
When you’re breastfeeding or expressing milk, staying hydrated is important all year round—but even more so in warmer weather.
Simple tips:
- Keep a reusable water bottle nearby.
- Drink whenever you’re thirsty.
- Eat regular meals and snacks.
Create a pumping station
3. Pumping in hot weather
Expressing milk during warm weather can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
Helpful ideas:
- Pump somewhere cool if possible.
- Wear light, breathable clothing.
- Have a cool drink beside you.
- Keep your pumping station stocked with everything you need.
Storing breast milk safely in hot weather
4. Storing expressed milk safely
Expressed milk should always be stored safely, especially during warmer temperatures.
If you’re expressing away from home, travelling or returning to work, using an insulated cool bag with ice packs can help keep your milk at a safe temperature until you can refrigerate or freeze it.
The Ardo Cool Bag Complete is designed to help parents transport expressed milk safely while they’re out and about. Whether you’re heading to work, enjoying a day trip or travelling on holiday, it offers a practical way to keep your milk cool and protected until you reach your destination.
Ardo Mum Rachel pumping in the hot weather
5. Pumping on the go this summer
Summer often means making memories with family and friends — from holidays and picnics to beach days, festivals and long car journeys.
If you’re expressing milk while you’re out and about, a wearable breast pump can give you the flexibility to continue your feeding journey without putting your plans on hold.
The Ardo Melia wearable breast pump is designed to fit comfortably inside your bra, allowing you to pump discreetly and hands-free whether you’re travelling, enjoying a family day out or simply making the most of the sunshine.
The Ardo Melia breast pump
6. Keep Baby Cool and Comfortable
Warm weather can affect babies more quickly than adults, so it’s important to take extra care during hot spells. Alongside feeding responsively, there are a few simple ways to help keep your baby cool and comfortable.
- Dress your baby in light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Keep them in the shade and avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm.
- Offer breastfeeds more frequently if your baby seems thirsty or unsettled.
- Watch for signs that your baby may be too hot, such as flushed skin, rapid breathing or unusual sleepiness.
- If you’re concerned about your baby’s health or hydration, seek medical advice promptly.
IBCLC Hannah Croft
Top tip: IBCLC and Ardo friend Hannah Croft suggests dampening a muslin cloth under a cold tap and placing it between you and your baby during skin-to-skin feeds. It’s a simple way to help keep you both cool while still enjoying the closeness and benefits of skin-to-skin contact, which can feel especially warm during the summer months.
Remember: Babies under six months who are exclusively breastfed do not usually need extra water, even in hot weather. Breast milk provides both the nutrition and hydration they need.
7. Build a Summer Pumping Kit
Before heading out, pack a few essentials to make pumping away from home that little bit easier:
- Breast pump (such as the Ardo Melia wearable breast pump)
- Ardo Breast Milk Storage Bags
- Ardo Cool Bag Complete with ice packs
- Reusable water bottle
- Healthy snacks
- Muslin cloth
- Hand sanitiser
- Spare nursing pads
Ardo Cooler Bag Complete
Conclusion
Summer can bring new challenges, but it also brings wonderful opportunities to get out and enjoy time together.
Whether you’re breastfeeding at home, expressing at work or pumping on holiday, a little preparation can help you feel more comfortable and confident throughout the warmer months.
With the right support, practical planning and feeding equipment that fits around your lifestyle, you can continue your feeding journey—whatever the weather.
