Your Baby's First Vacation: Adjusting Clothing and Sun Protection Down South
A vacation with baby in southern countries? No problem — as long as clothing, UV protection, and sleep environment are right. Here's how to make the trip relaxing for you and your baby.
Written by Sepehr Asemann on July 21, 2025
Categories: Baby vacation, Traveling with baby, Baby clothing, Sun, UV protection, Summer baby, Wetterbaby, Baby weather, Babywetter
Finally, a vacation! And the first trip with baby! Many parents deliberately plan a trip down south to soak up sun and warmth. But especially high temperatures, an unfamiliar environment, and strong sunlight can be challenging for your baby. With the right preparation, it can still be a relaxing trip.
Clothing for the South: Light, Airy, Safe
In the south, less is often more — but you can't go without clothing entirely. Above all, choose materials that are breathable and skin-friendly. Cotton, muslin, or linen are ideal.
- During the day: Airy short-sleeve bodysuits, comfortable pants, or loose rompers.
- At the beach or pool: UV protective clothing with SPF 50+.
- Head protection: A sun hat with a wide brim and neck flap is a must.
- In the evenings: Light long-sleeve clothing also helps protect against mosquitoes.
Important: Your baby should never be exposed to direct sunlight, even with clothing on. Shaded spots are essential.
Sun Protection: From What Age and How?
Infants under 6 months should not use sunscreen. Instead: UV clothing, shade, and a sun hat. For older babies from about six months, you can apply a mineral sunscreen without fragrance to exposed skin (e.g. face, hands), ideally with SPF 50+.
Don't forget: UV radiation is present even in the shade! And a light breeze can quickly mask how warm it really is.
Sleeping on Vacation
A peaceful night is worth gold, especially while traveling. Pay attention to these points for the sleep environment:
- Keep an eye on room temperature: 18–22 °C is ideal.
- Light summer sleeping bag with a low TOG value.
- Air conditioning or fan? Use only indirectly. Never point them at the baby!
- A safe sleep space (own mattress or travel crib) and an airy blanket, if any.
Well-Equipped on the Go
In the stroller, definitely use a UV sunshade or umbrella. A hand-held fan with a safety net can help circulate air. Damp cloths or a small water spray provide pleasant cooling in between.
With the Wetterbaby app, you get not only weather data for home but also for your vacation destination — including concrete clothing tips for your baby in heat, sun, and wind.
