1. Choose the Right Time of Day
- Shoot during golden hour — early morning (before 9 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 6 p.m.) when temps are cooler and light is softer.
2. Dress Them Lightly
- Go with lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Avoid layers and ditch the shoes if possible — bare feet are cute and cooler.
- Side note- clothes that don’t show sweat lol (I did not think about the boob sweat until it was too late lol)
3. Bring a Portable Fan or Cooling Towel
- A battery-operated stroller fan can clip to a stroller, parent’s arm, or even a nearby tree. This one is blade free.
- Chilled wet wipes or cooling towels (dampened and kept in a cooler bag) can help wipe down their neck and cheeks between shots.
4. Use Shade Strategically
- Pick locations with plenty of tree cover or buildings to shoot under.
- Bring a pop-up tent or umbrella if you’re in open space — great for breaks or nursing. I use this one as my changing closet.
- I also incorporate water locations (like creek sessions) or baby in a bucket of water and florals
5. Keep Them Hydrated
- Offer frequent sips of water or milk (whatever they’re used to). A spill-proof sippy cup is a must.
- You could also bring cold fruit (like grapes or watermelon) in a cooler as a refreshing snack in this cute mini cooler.
6. Limit Time in the Sun
- Keep active shooting time to 15-20 minutes max for the baby.
- Use breaks in the shade for outfit changes or family photos without the baby.
7. Use Props Wisely
- Use blankets or props that don’t trap heat — think gauzy wraps or muslin. I have one like this one
- Avoid anything that might feel hot or sticky on their skin.
8. Keep Your Expectations Low
- Babies melt down when they’re too hot — sometimes candids in the shade are better than posed moments in full sun.
- Be ready to wrap early if baby is fussy — and reschedule if it’s just too hot.
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