Summer with a newborn isn’t all sunshine—moms are quietly struggling with this unexpected shift

From sunscreen limitations to sweltering temps, first-time and seasoned moms alike are feeling stuck indoors—and deeply unseen.

The other day, I found myself standing on my apartment balcony with my three-month-old son, gently dabbing water on his cheeks while silently counting how many minutes we could stay outside before the sun got too harsh. He can’t wear sunscreen yet. His skin burns easily. And when we do venture out, his car seat turns into a tiny, padded furnace.

This is my first summer as a mom—and honestly, I didn’t expect it to feel quite like this.

I recently came across a video from Emily (@takeaminutemama on TikTok) that stopped me in my scroll. She said,

“I’m currently struggling with summertime with a baby… it’s just hard. I have all the things to make her comfortable in the heat, but she can’t use sunscreen unless we absolutely had to.”

That hit me. I have the stroller fan. I have the shade cover. I have the best of intentions. But even with all of that, I’ve mostly been confined to the living room—between feeds, diaper changes, and avoiding car seat naps (our pediatrician strongly advised against them). I take him out on the balcony like it’s a grand field trip.

Emily went on to say,

“I just feel like I’m stuck. Like we’re missing out because I just can’t be out at the beach all day. I can’t be at the pool all day.”

That’s exactly it. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss the spontaneity of summer. Getting ice cream on a whim. Spending too long at the park. Letting the day unfold around the sunshine. Now, I plan our tiny outings around nap windows and UV indexes, and I still worry I’m doing it wrong.

And I know I’m not alone.

@takeaminutemama Can anybody else relate? Yes, we still get out and do plenty but it’s just different and changes hard. I think anybody can understand that. #momsoftiktok #junepregnancy #summerbaby #momofthree #babynumber3 #relatablemom ♬ original sound – emily 🎀✨💗

Moms are feeling this all over

When Emily posted her video, the comments lit up with shared experiences—and relief:

“I 100% went through that last summer. I had a 5/6 month old last summer and I pretty much never left my house. PPD didn’t help lol but I promise mama you will get through it!” — @Courtney🫶🏻

“3rd kid is almost 7mo and it’s so hard – my older kiddos still need to get out, my mental health needs me to be out, my infant can’t handle long periods but alllll the work it takes to get 3 kids.” — @Matty Killilea Hatfi

“I needed to see this today. My parents have a pool & every summer we’re constantly swimming & I feel like I can’t this year. Yes, I can take him in the pool, but not for very long. Mama needs vitamin D!” — @user615734708846

“Mommas, you are not alone in this! We’ve been playing outside in the mornings, and some nights I’ve let my 3-year-old stay up a little later to sit outside just before bedtime when it’s cooler.” — @Chelly

Related: The summer snacks this nanny says could put toddlers at risk

Why the first summer with a baby feels uniquely hard

There are so many layered challenges:

• Sunscreen age limits. Babies under 6 months aren’t supposed to wear sunscreen unless absolutely necessary, which means full coverage clothing and shade are your only options.
  
• Nap needs vs. daylight hours. The best hours for being outside are often when your baby is napping—or melting down.
  
• Heat concerns. Overheating is a very real risk, especially in car seats or strollers.
  
• Feeding logistics. If you’re nursing, pumping, or just trying to stay on a feeding schedule, long outings become a logistical puzzle.
  
• Mental health. For many, especially first-time moms, it’s isolating. You want to “soak it all in,” but sometimes it feels like summer is passing you by through a window.

A gentle mindset shift for moms who feel stuck

If this summer feels “wasted,” here’s a reframing that’s helped me: this season is not forever, but it’s also not a throwaway. Yes, I’m not doing all the things I used to. But I am doing the thing that matters most—loving and caring for my baby in a new, very tender season.

Like Emily said,

“I know that it’s just a season. I know that next summer is gonna look different. I’m gonna have a one-year-old running around that will be able to do a lot more.”

Some days that perspective helps. Other days, I just need a deep breath and a few minutes on the balcony.

Light strategies to make it feel less hard

• Shift your “outside time.” Mornings and evenings tend to be cooler. Even a short walk around the block can make a difference.
  
• Window moments count. Letting your baby lie near the light or listening to outdoor sounds together can offer stimulation without stress.
  
• Let go of the pressure to do. You’re not missing summer—you’re just experiencing it in a different, quieter way.
  
• Talk to someone. If you’re feeling isolated, talk to your partner, a friend, or a professional. Sometimes saying “this is hard” out loud is the first relief.

I wouldn’t trade this summer with my baby for the world. But I can also say—it’s been hard. And that’s okay.

If you’re out there wondering why this season doesn’t look like you thought it would, you’re not alone. You’re just in a new summer rhythm, one that might not include beaches and barbecues, but is still full of love.

And next year? We’ll be chasing toddlers with popsicles. Promise.

Related: Why experts say you should stop bathing your newborn in the kitchen sink