World Breastfeeding Week 2025 Blog 5: Breastfeeding in hot weather

To mark World Breastfeeding Week 2025, Debra Hennessy IBCLC at Family Nursing and Home Care (FNHC), and Deborah McCoy Certified Breastfeeding Specialist Midwife at Health Care Jersey (HCJ), have collaborated on a series of Blogs to celebrate the week.

Blog 5 – Breastfeeding in hot weather

When the weather is hot, your baby may want to feed more frequently to quench their thirst. Think about how many extra drinks and water you have when the temperature increases.

It is normal for your baby to want extra short feeds during warmer weather; your milk will adapt and change to become more refreshing whilst still having all the same nutrients that your baby requires. Breastmilk is all that your baby needs.

If your baby is 0-6 months old and just having breastmilk, you do not need to give cooled boiled water on top of your baby’s breastfeeds. Water contains no calories and giving this in place of a breastfeed may impact on your baby’s growth. By giving extra breastfeeds you are ensuring your baby is receiving all the fat and calories it needs to grow and develop.

If your baby is 6 months and older, and starting to have solid foods alongside their breastfeeds, then you can offer a drink of water at each meal in a cup. They can also have small quantities in between feeds. It is important to keep the amount of water small as your baby’s kidneys are still developing.