Babywearing can be hot. When you’re strapping two bodies together there’s really no way around it, but there are tweaks that can make you and baby more comfortable in hot weather.
Pick a cool(er) carrier
Some fabrics and carrier designs are a little lighter or more breathable.
Ring slings, by design, only have one pass of fabric around the child, so they are one of the cooler options for warm-weather wearing. Ring slings made of linen are light and breathable – perfect for summer. In the lending library, we have linen slings from Comfy Joey, Zanytoes, Sakura Bloom, and Soul Sling.
You can also pick wraps made from lighter materials. Options from our lending library include the Wrapsody Breeze, Wrapsody Stretch Hybrid, K’Tan Active, and Solly Baby,
Soft-structured carriers made with lighter fabrics or mesh panels are another great, breathable option. In the lending library, we have the Beco Gemini Cool, BityBean Ultra Compact Baby Carrier, Ergo Performance Ventus, Infant Kinderpack with Koolknit, Pognae, Connecta Solarweave, Lillebaby All Season and Lillebaby Airflow.
Ways to keep cool
Regardless of which carrier you use, there are a few things that will keep you and baby cooler.
- Dress in light colors, which will feel cooler in the direct sun.
- Dress in layers, especially if the day will start cool. During the spring, the day can heat up fast. Being able to shed a layer is an asset.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water will help keep your body temperature down. Remember, babies shouldn’t be given water –
- A misting fan will also help you and baby feel cooler – and stroller fans can also be clipped to carriers!
- Keep out of the sun as much as possible. Sun hats will help keep you covered – or use an umbrella to make your own shade.
- Use a cooling towel to cool the wearer. A cooling towel like FroggToggs should never be used on baby or between baby and the wearer because babies can’t regulate their body temperatures as well and it’s hard to tell if they’re getting too chilled.
Watch for overheating
When you’re out and about, it’s important to stay mindful of signs that baby is in distress. Signs of overheating can include:
- Rapid breathing or rapid heartbeat
- Excessive redness or rash
- Baby seems dizzy, confused, lethargic, or limp
- Baby acting overly fussy and uncomfortable
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to get baby and yourself into a cooler environment and consult your pediatrician.
