Summer concerts are an experience to remember—music in the park, festival breezes, and happy crowds. If you’re bringing your baby along, you can still have a great time and create amazing memories, as long as you plan ahead for the heat, crowds, and your little one’s unique needs. Here’s your practical parent’s guide to making sure everyone stays cool, safe, and smiling at that next big outdoor gig.

Timing is Everything

Whenever possible, choose shows that start early or in the late afternoon. Midday sunshine is the hottest, and both you and your baby will be more comfortable when the sun is lower. Check if there’s a shady area or a family zone near the stage—these are worth arriving early to claim.

Keep in mind that concerts are more than just listening to music. So why not make it a day out together? You could arrive early and have a refreshing meal or snack before the concerts begin, or organise a family-friendly dinner before the event. This way, you can spend quality time together and find ways to relax before or after the show!

Shade Up and Dress Down

Babies overheat faster than adults, so keep things breezy. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatsroke, and sunburn are real risks for your baby’s health, especially during hot weather.

To protect your little one and enjoy peace of mind during the event, take some key precautions. For instance, dress your child in thin, light-coloured layers and a wide-brimmed sun hat. Always pack a spare set in case of spills or sweaty naps. Plan to spend time under trees, tents, or pop-up canopies. If shade is limited, clip a sunshade to your stroller or set up a lightweight UV umbrella.

Beat the Heat: Hydration and Nutrition

Tiny bodies lose moisture quickly, which makes nutrition and hydration essential to stay healthy in the sun. Offer regular drinks if your baby is old enough for water, and breastfeed or bottle-feed often. For parents who use formula, look for options that won’t spoil in the sun and are easy to pack. One popular choice is kendamil ready to feed, which is mess-free and remains stable at a variety of temperatures, letting you feed confidently without needing to mix powders or search for clean water.

For snacks, pack squeezable fruit pouches, soft cut fruit, and plain crackers. Avoid sugary juices (they dehydrate) and foods that melt fast. Don’t forget a cooler bag with ice packs for extra peace of mind.

Protect Little Ears

Outdoor concerts can get loud, even for adults. And, the risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is higher for babies and young children. So, to keep your baby’s ears safe, consider investing in noise-canceling earmuffs designed for infants.

Here are a few extra tips to keep your baby’s hearing safe, especially if you are planning to attend several concerts this summer:

• Make sure earmuffs fit snugly but comfortably—never too tight or too loose.
• Always check that your baby doesn’t seem irritated by them.
• Try the earmuffs out at home first so your child gets used to the feel.
• Take breaks away from the stage or speakers during especially loud songs
• Watch for signs that your baby may be overwhelmed or uncomfortable with the noise.

Keeping a little distance and checking in often helps protect your child’s hearing while still letting everyone enjoy the music together.

Move With the Crowd—Safely

Stay on the edges of busy zones so you have space to spread out and a quick escape route if your baby needs a break. Avoid being close to loudspeakers or front-of-stage crowds. Bring a picnic blanket for a home base. Plus, keep in mind that strollers are helpful for shade and naps but tricky in packed areas, so consider a sling or baby carrier for easy movement.

Pack Light, Pack Right

Make a checklist:

• Lightweight blanket
• Sunhat and spare outfit
• Portable clip-on fans
• Small, soft baby earmuffs
• Wipes and hand sanitizer
• Ready-to-feed bottles and healthy snacks
• Tiny first aid kit (plasters, teething gel)

Keep everything organized in a backpack for hands-free fun. Use a cooler bag for food, drinks, and formula to keep things fresh.

Stay Calm and Flexible

Every parent knows outdoor adventures don’t always go as planned. If your baby gets overwhelmed, don’t stress—a walk around the venue or a cuddle in a quiet spot can work wonders. Watch out for fussiness, red cheeks, or fewer wet nappies (signs of dehydration or overheating). Set realistic expectations: you might not catch every song, but you will have a good time together!

Last But Not Least: Enjoy the Moment!

Music brings families together, and outdoor concerts can become treasured memories. You’re showing your child how to enjoy community, culture, and (most importantly) that family fun comes in every shape and size.