Breastfeeding in the Summer: Tips for Pumping and Breastfeeding in Hot Weather

Planning for beach days, festivals, farmers markets, and vacation vibes this summer? Wondering how you’re going to keep you and your baby cool while breastfeeding in hot weather? The tips in this guide will help make nursing and pumping more comfortable as you soak up that Vitamin D.

A little forethought and planning go a long way when considering when to pump or breastfeed during a summer outing. 

• If possible, nurse or pump before going outside. Feeding your baby and emptying your breasts just before leaving can buy you a little extra time before needing to nurse or pump once you’re out and about. 

• Consider early morning or evening outings to avoid the hottest time of the day. When the sun is high, heat feels much more intense, and shade can be harder to find.

• You may need to nurse or pump more often. It’s not unusual for babies to eat more frequently, for hydration, when it’s hot outside. This may require shorter, more frequent pumping or nursing sessions.

• Heat can make babies sleepy. Be sure to wake your baby to ensure they receive plenty of feedings throughout the day. 

Be cautious with nursing covers, as they can restrict airflow and cause overheating. If privacy is important to you, consider these alternatives:

• Two-shirt method - wear a stretchy tank or cami under a looser shirt. Pull the loose shirt up and the tank down, exposing only enough skin to get a latch or attach your pump. 

• Use a burp cloth to cover your chest, but leave your baby mostly uncovered. This method helps reduce the risk of overheating and maximizes airflow while still covering your breasts. 

• Only cover while getting your baby latched or attaching your pump. As soon as you’re all set, remove the cover.

• Wearable pumps are a great option for discreet pumping on the go. The Motif Aura Glow is lightweight, quiet, and fits easily inside your bra. No need to wear a cover at all!

• Have a friend or family member block the view of others while you’re nursing or pumping.

• If a nursing cover is necessary, opt for a gauze fabric to allow maximum airflow. 

Nurse in a side-lying position to maximize airflow between you and your baby. The side-lying position doesn’t require as much body contact as other nursing positions, so spread out a blanket and take the opportunity to rest while your baby eats. 

Hot weather and postpartum hormones necessitate considering strategies for sweat management throughout the summer months.

• Bring a towel along for drying sweat. Sweat can make it more difficult to get a good seal with your pump. It can also make it uncomfortable to be close to your baby. Dry the underside of your breasts, around baby’s neck, and any of baby’s other skin folds. 

• If skin-to-skin contact starts to feel uncomfortable, use a thin muslin blanket to place between you and your baby. 

• Choose light, breathable fabrics to help keep you comfortable, especially when you're breastfeeding in hot weather or using pumping bras.. Motif’s Pumping Bra is made of breathable fabric that provides just the right amount of stretch to hold flanges perfectly in place. 

• Change wet nursing pads frequently because hot, damp environments are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial and thrush infections. 

• Consider applying an anti-chafing gel or antiperspirant under your breasts. Keep these products away from your nipples and areola to avoid contact with your baby’s mouth. Aluminum-free options are the safest and remain effective in managing sweat. 

• Opt for a lanolin-free nipple balm to protect your nipples from chafing. Plain coconut oil is a great choice because it is antimicrobial, readily available, and less expensive than other options. 

Making breastmilk requires adequate hydration. Even mild dehydration can dramatically reduce your milk supply. Stay proactive and hydrated in the heat.

Pack hydrating snacks like watermelon, cucumber, berries, and oranges to stay hydrated. These foods deliver essential nutrients and boost your hydration.

Babies under six months don’t need extra water to stay hydrated because breastmilk adapts to provide just what they need, even in hot weather. Just be sure to continue offering breastmilk on demand. After six months, babies can have water, as needed, in addition to breastmilk.

Keeping your breast milk cool is a top priority during summer outings! Breast milk can be safely stored in a cooler for up to 24 hours. The key is to choose a high-quality cooler and long-lasting ice packs. The Luna Cooler Set is an ideal option for quick outings. The Motif Breast Pump Backpack features a built-in insulated pocket, ample space for your pump, and room for baby’s essentials as well. 

Even with the best cooler setup, it’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to car heat. Temperatures can easily soar over 120 degrees F inside a vehicle in the summer sun, which can cause milk to spoil quickly.

Cleaning feeding equipment is even more important when you’re out in the heat because higher temperatures can increase bacterial growth. 

• Washing pump parts with soap and water is ideal. Some families travel with a jug of water and a clean basin for washing up after pumping sessions. Ensure your parts are completely dry after washing, as moisture and heat can increase the risk of contamination.

A bit of planning, smart gear choices, and a few cooling tricks are all you need to stay comfortable while enjoying adventures with your little one this summer. A little bit of prep work means you can stay cool and hydrated while soaking up the sun at the beach, strolling through a weekend market, or attending a family cookout. 

No matter what your summer plans are, Motif has a breast pump that fits your needs. Use our Insurance Lookup Tool to quickly and easily see if you qualify to receive your breast pump through insurance.

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.