Hot Weather Wearing

Hannah is keeping baby cool with bunched passes in her woven wrap and by putting a hat on her baby!

It’s hot. Hot weather is hot. Strapping another human being to your body is going to be hotter! Still, hot weather shouldn't stop you from wearing your baby! While we can't provide you a temperature miracle, we have a few tips to help you and your baby stay as comfortable as possible this summer in any carrier type. 

Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs)
The open sides of a SSC allow for lots of airflow, while the quick on-and-off can let you easily take a break when needed. There are some awesome SSCs that have breathable panels made of mesh, solarveil/solarweave, koolnit, etc. Bamberoo, Kinderpacks, Lillebaby, Ergo, Beco, and Pognae are some options with breathable panels.

Meh Dais (MDs)
Like a SSC, the open sides of a MD allow for lots of airflow. A MD hip carry may offer additional cooling.

Ring Slings (RSs)
The one-layer pass of a RS will help to keep the heat at bay. A linen or linen blend fabric can increase airflow as well. Another option are mesh ring slings. Typically, mesh is most recommended for use in the water, but on a warm day they can be great! Mesh slings are very thin and can be hard to wear long-term as the thin fabric can create additional pressure points. With a mesh sling, you need to take caution that the fabric is not too slippery and that your rings stay tightened and secure on the fabric. Some sling options are Comfy Joey, Sleeping Baby Productions, BabyEtte, Beachfront Baby, and TaylorMade.

Woven Wraps
Woven wraps made of gauze, linen, linen blends, and lightweight fabrics will be some of the best options. Gauze is very thin and while the fabric has great air flow, it will feel best with multiple passes over baby. Single-layer carries with one pass over baby will be the coolest option. Try carries like ruck variations, kangaroo carry, or a simple torso carry. With multi-layer carries like front wrap cross carry or back wrap cross carry, you can leave the passes bunched vs spreading them across the child’s back. Some great lightweight woven wraps can be found in brands such as Ellaroo, Wrapsody Breeze, and Vatanai.

Other Tips
Take care to monitor your child as you always do while babywearing, especially for overheating.

If age appropriate, back carriers can allow for more air circulation.

Dress in light clothing that will keep your baby's skin covered. There is nothing worse than hot, sticky skin-on-skin contact when in extreme heat! This will also help protect your baby's skin from the sun. For extra shade, you can also use a large umbrella, hats for caregiver and child, or one large-brimmed hat to cover everyone!

Use chilly pads like Frogg Toggs to quickly wipe your or your baby's face or neck. To use these towels, you wet them and ring out the extra water. The towels will remain cool to the touch for hours! When trying to cool down, use the Boo-Boo Packs, chilly pads, or a cool water bottle on pressure points. 

Can you use a stroller in the heat? Of course! Strollers are always a great option, especially for older children. Always do what is best for your family and situation.

If you want to learn more about hot weather wearing or check out the cooler options we have in our lending library, consider attending a meeting!

---