It's finally feeling hot—hooray! With warmer temperatures, it can leave parents feeling worried about babywearing during the summer months. We often receive lots of questions about finding the right summer baby carrier—from how to stay cool using a baby carrier in the summer. These include: How do I protect my child from the sun? Won’t it get too warm? Which baby carrier is best for summer? Should I use a carrier at all in the summer or switch to a stroller with a sun canopy? The questions are endless…
Babies can’t fully regulate their body temperature at first. So, when you as parents sweat, you act like natural air conditioning for your child. Parents can cool or warm their babies through their skin—depending on whether the baby is too cold or too hot. Take advantage of this amazing feature that nature has given you.
That said, if the weather is extremely hot, we recommend staying at home or in the shade as much as possible or using a stroller like the Ergobaby Metro 3 with a sun canopy. You can even lower the back seat flap to allow more airflow and keep your little one cooler while in a shaded area.
Our Top 6 Tips for Babywearing in Warmer Temperatures
1. Choose the Right Clothing:
Dress yourself and your baby in light, breathable clothing. Fabrics like linen or 100% cotton are great, and performance fabrics with UV protection can work well too. Lightweight fabrics that cover arms and legs but still allow airflow are ideal, especially since babies shouldn’t use sunscreen until they’re 6 months old according to the FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics. Keep in mind, a baby carrier counts as one layer of clothing—so it’s best to wear one fewer layer and bring a change of clothes in case your baby gets sweaty or the weather turns cooler.
2. Skin-to-Skin (Kind of):
Yes, crop tops are in again. But when it's warm and you're out and about, bare skin can become slippery—especially if your baby also has a bare belly. Make sure there's at least one layer of fabric between you and your baby. But once you're home, enjoy those skin-to-skin moments together. The benefits are well worth it!
3. Avoid Strong Sun:
Stick to the shade and avoid direct sunlight when you're out with your baby. It may sound obvious, but like most parents, you might be rushing through errands regardless of the weather. Summer—especially during the hottest parts of the day—is a great time to slow down. Try doing your walks or activities in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t as intense.
4. Create Your Own Shade:
It’s not always possible to find natural shade, so bring your own! Hats with brims are great for both you and your baby. We love baby hats with Velcro closures so they can’t be pulled off easily. If your little one refuses to wear one, try a wide-brimmed hat yourself—it can help shade both of you. A parasol (umbrella with UV protection) is also a great option for portable shade.
5. Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential in warmer weather. Always carry water and breast/chestfeed your baby regularly. Keep in mind: babies under 6 months old should not be given extra water, even cooled tea. Their kidneys can’t process it yet, and it can lead to water intoxication. They’ll get all the hydration they need from breastmilk or formula. A fun way to cool down is to bring a small spray bottle of water—spritz hands, feet, or legs occasionally. Your baby may enjoy helping you spray too! Just remember to reapply sunscreen afterward if you're misting frequently.
6. Temperature Check:
When you're outside in the heat, regularly check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of their neck or between their shoulder blades. Signs of overheating can include: hot, damp skin, flushed face, rapid shallow breathing, fussiness, or unusual sleepiness. If you notice these signs, move your baby to a cooler area right away—and consult a pediatrician if necessary.
6. Temperature Check:
When you're outside in the heat, regularly check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of their neck or between their shoulder blades. Signs of overheating can include: hot, damp skin, flushed face, rapid shallow breathing, fussiness, or unusual sleepiness. If you notice these signs, move your baby to a cooler area right away—and consult a pediatrician if necessary.
Light and Breezy Summers — Which Carrier is Best?
Now you’re ready for summer babywearing let’s help you choose from the best infant carriers for summer in the Ergobaby collection. Looking for a breathable baby carrier for summer? Mesh panels or naturally cooling fabrics are especially comfortable and help reduce sweating.
In the Ergobaby collection, we offer several great options:
- Omni Deluxe – One of the best infant carriers for summer, with elevated features and SoftFlex™ Mesh panels for ultimate breathability, easy airflow and all-position comfort
- Aerloom – A lightweight baby carrier for summer, designed with flexible mesh panels that promote airflow
- Embrace Soft Air Mesh – Considered one of the best newborn carriers for summer, it’s cozy, breathable, and perfect for hot days.
- Aura Wrap – A lightweight baby carrier for summer with recycled mesh and gentle support for newborns
- Omni Deluxe Linen – Naturally cooling linen fabric offers softness and temperature regulation without mesh
- Alta Hip Seat – Ideal for older babies and toddlers; keeps you both cool with minimal fabric contact and a breathable mesh seat
Or use the Which Carrier is right for you quiz to find the carrier best suited to you.