Your baby feels warm. Their cheeks are red. They are restless, drooling and chewing on everything. It is tempting to think: It must be teething. Sometimes it is. But during hot weather, these signs can also mean that your baby is getting too warm or needs more fluids. So, how can you tell the difference and what should you do? Here is a simple guide to help you keep your baby comfortable and safe this summer.
Why heat can affect babies so quickly
Babies cannot tell you when they feel too hot, thirsty or uncomfortable. They depend on you to keep them in the shade, dress them appropriately and offer regular feeds.
They can also become overheated or dehydrated more quickly than adults, especially during naps, stroller walks and car journeys.
That is why it is important to check your baby regularly when temperatures rise.
Is your baby teething or too hot?
Teething often comes with:
- More drooling than usual
- A strong need to chew or bite
- Gum rubbing
- Tender or swollen gums
- Irritability
- Restless sleep
Your baby may feel slightly warmer while teething, but teething should not cause a true fever of 38°C or higher.
If your baby has a fever, do not assume it is “just teething.” It may be linked to an illness or infection.
Signs your baby may be too hot
Look out for:
- A hot or sweaty chest, back or neck
- Clammy skin
- Flushed cheeks
- Faster breathing
- Unusual sleepiness or irritability
- Less interest in feeding
- Fewer wet diapers
A useful tip: check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck. Hands and feet can naturally feel cooler and may not give you an accurate idea of their body temperature.
How to keep your teething baby comfortable in summer
1. Find a cooler place
Move your baby into the shade or a cool, well-ventilated room.
Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
And remember: never leave a baby alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside can rise very quickly.
2. Remove extra layers
Choose light, loose and breathable clothing.
If your baby’s chest or neck feels hot or sweaty, remove a layer and check again a few minutes later.
Avoid covering the stroller completely with a blanket. It may block airflow and trap heat around your baby. Use a stroller sunshade instead and keep the area well ventilated.
3. Offer feeds more often
Your baby may want to feed more frequently during hot weather.
Babies under six months usually get the fluids they need from breast milk or correctly prepared infant formula. Never add extra water to formula.
Advice about giving water to babies under six months can vary depending on the country and the baby’s needs, so follow your pediatrician’s guidance.
From around six months, small amounts of water can usually be offered alongside breast milk or formula.
4. Give your baby something safe to chew
Teething babies often want to chew because gentle pressure can feel soothing on tender gums.
You can try:
- A clean, cool, damp washcloth
- A gentle gum massage with a clean finger
- An age-appropriate rubber or silicone teething toy
- A teething toy cooled in the refrigerator
Avoid freezing teething products until they become very hard, as they may hurt sensitive gums.
Always supervise your baby and check teething toys regularly for tears or damage.
5. Keep teething toys clean
Summer outings, drooling and constant chewing can make teething toys dirty very quickly.
Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and stop using any product that becomes split, torn or damaged.
6. Avoid unsafe remedies
Health authorities advise parents not to use benzocaine teething products, homeopathic teething tablets or amber necklaces worn around a baby’s neck.
Necklaces may create choking or strangulation risks.
Choose products designed to be safely held and chewed, and always use them under adult supervision.
What should you do if your baby feels too hot?
Stay calm and act quickly:
- Move your baby to a cooler or shaded place.
- Remove extra clothing and blankets.
- Offer breast milk, formula or age-appropriate fluids.
- Place a cool—not ice-cold—cloth on their skin.
- Watch their breathing, alertness and wet diapers.
Do not place ice directly on your baby’s skin.
When should you call a doctor?
Contact a healthcare professional if your baby:
- Has a temperature of 38°C or higher, especially if under three months old
- Is difficult to wake
- Seems unusually weak
- Is breathing quickly or struggling to breathe
- Refuses several feeds
- Has noticeably fewer wet diapers
- Vomits repeatedly
- Does not improve after being moved somewhere cool
Confusion, collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness may be signs of heatstroke and require emergency medical help.
Your simple summer checklist
Before leaving home, remember:
Shade: Keep your baby away from direct sunlight.
Clothing: Choose light, breathable layers.
Feeds: Bring enough milk, formula or age-appropriate water.
Cooling: Pack a clean, cool washcloth.
Chewing: Bring a safe teething toy.
Checking: Feel your baby’s chest or neck regularly.
Never: Leave your baby in a parked car or a fully covered stroller.
The takeaway
Teething can make your baby drooly, restless and eager to chew—but it should not explain a true fever or serious changes in behaviour.
During hot weather, trust what you see. Keep your baby cool, offer regular feeds and check them often.
When something does not feel right, seek medical advice rather than assuming it is only teething.
Meet Bambeado
Bambeado’s Little Bamber, Dibly and Pacibamber are thoughtfully designed baby products created to support safe chewing, sensory exploration and everyday comfort throughout the teething stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but it should not cause a fever of 38°C or higher. A true fever may be a sign of illness and should not automatically be blamed on teething.
How can I tell if my baby is too hot?
Feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck. Hot, sweaty or clammy skin, fast breathing, tiredness, reduced feeding and fewer wet diapers may all be warning signs.
Should I give my baby water during hot weather?
Babies under six months usually get the fluids they need from breast milk or correctly prepared formula. Follow your pediatrician’s advice, as guidance may vary. Never dilute formula with extra water.
Can I freeze a teething toy?
It is usually better to cool a teething toy in the refrigerator. A frozen toy may become too hard and uncomfortable for tender gums.
Can I cover the stroller with a blanket?
Avoid fully covering a stroller with a blanket, as this may trap heat and reduce airflow. Use a suitable sunshade and keep the stroller ventilated.
Can my baby be teething and overheating at the same time?
Yes. A baby can be teething while also becoming too warm. Always consider the weather, their clothing and their overall behaviour.
When should I seek medical advice?
Call a healthcare professional if your baby has a fever, is difficult to wake, refuses feeds, has fewer wet diapers, breathes unusually fast or does not improve after cooling down.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace advice from a pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional.