It’s no news that summer is hot and when you’ve got a little one one your body, it’s even hotter. And while there aren’t any baby carriers with an air conditioner feature, there ARE carriers that are built in with ultimate breathability. Plus, we can offer a few tips for babywearing in hot weather 😉
1. Dress both yourself and baby for the weather.
Light and airy clothes are best. We like linen or 100% cotton or linen, although sporty performance fabrics are also great if that is your style! Remember that whatever carrier you are using acts as a layer, too. Also keep sun protection in mind. Baby Legs or other leg/arm covers are an easy on/off way to provide light protection while staying cool (some Baby Legs even have UV protection).
2. Keep a layer of fabric between you and baby to help make things feel less sticky!
Wearing a high neck shirt is the easiest way to do this. Some people like to keep a thin piece of muslin or cotton to place between them and baby (bonus: this can easily be swapped out).
3. Stay in the shade!
This may seem obvious, but if you’re anything like most parents we know, you may be stubbornly trying to go about your business without any regard for the weather. Summer (especially the hottest days) is a good time to slow down, take it easy as much as you can, and stay in the shade whenever possible. If you can, try to schedule your activities for the coolest part of the day (often early mornings) and before or after the sun is at its peak.
4. If it’s not possible to stay in the shade, make your own!
An easy way is to keep both of you in brimmed hats when you are outside. We like baby hats with a Velcro strap so baby can’t easily tug it off. If your little one really fusses with a hat, try a hat with a big brim for you – the right hat can provide both of you with quite a bit of shade! An umbrella can also come in handy for making your own shade. Did you know the word parasol literally means “for sun”?
5. Use water to help keep your body cool.
Of course you should drink plenty of liquids (and keep your child hydrated as well) but water can also help you cool off in other ways. We like to bring a little spray bottle for giving ourselves and baby a spritz on hands, feet and hair. Bonus: if you have a toddler or older child, they are usually thrilled to help with the spritzing!
6. Use air to help keep you and your baby cool.
Remember those little fans you made by folding paper as a child? They really work!
7. Wear your lightest, thinnest baby carrier.
Omni Breeze
Omni™ Breeze brings breathability to the next level. Rated #1 in Airflow* when tested with comparable carriers, the Omni™ Breeze uses SoftFlex™ Mesh fabric to maximize airflow, keeping you and your baby comfortable and dry all day.
Adjustable from newborn to toddler (~0-48m; 7-45lbs)
Every carry position you need including forward facing option
Padded Lumbar support for extra back comfort
Privacy hood for sun protection and breastfeeding
ErgoPromise Lifetime Guarantee
Embrace Soft Air Mesh Newborn Carrier
Soft, cool, and super cozy, this lightweight carrier is the sweetest way to stay connected from the start. No complicated wrapping or tying involved, the Embrace keeps you and your baby close as you find your new rhythm together.
Cozy & Breathable – Aerated Pin Dot Knit with Soft Air Mesh on the shoulders and back panel for maximum breathability and comfort. Soft Air Mesh and vented back panels offer targeted breathability where it matters.
Cool & Dry – Wicking fabric pulls sweat away from you and your baby and dries quickly, keeping you both comfy, cool, and dry.
Simple – Easy buckling without the frustration of wrapping or excess fabric.
Comfortable – Supportive waist belt and stretchable cross straps.
Compact – Easily rolls and tucks into a diaper bag
ErgoPromise Lifetime Guarantee
7-25lbs
8. Choose your carry with the weather in mind.
Back carries and hip carries feel cooler in the hot weather, so try one of these if your baby is older. For an infant, we still recommend a front carry so that you can monitor your baby. If you are wrapping, choose a carry that involves the fewest layers around you, such as a rucksack carry or a kangaroo carry.
We asked our Facebook fans how they cope with hot weather babywearing, and they had some great tips to add!
- When we are out and about, I keep a separate outfit for my girls in the cooler (in a Ziploc bag to keep them dry)… when they start getting too hot, I change them into the outfits from the cooler. I put the clothes they were wearing into the bag in the cooler. It’s a little more work, but it helps them cool and of course their cool clothes against my body keeps me cool too! – Melissa
- I keep cooler gel packs (for lunch boxes) in the refrigerator and put one in the front pocket of my Ergobaby on hot days. – Lindsey
- I carry an umbrella. I probably look silly but who cares? We went to Six Flags last weekend and it was in the 90’s but with my own portable shade we were quite comfortable. – Karin
- I keep a handkerchief in the diaper bag. On hot days, I dip it in cool water and drape it around our necks and pressure points to cool us both down. – Molly
- We use the Frogg Togg chilly pad…keep it went and it keeps baby (and mama!) cool. – Tiffany
Laurel McCarthy sells great baby carriers through her web store, Carry Me Away. Visit the CMA Learn Center for tons of advice on choosing the right baby carrier for just about any situation. She lives in Napa, CA with her husband and two children.
