What are the best slings for the heat?- This is a question we get asked all the time as the weather begins to warm up so we've put together a guide with tips for baby carrying in the heat and to help you choose the right Oscha Sling for you & your little one this summer.
Type of Sling & Fabric Weight
We suggest choosing a sling in a lighter weight fabric, especially if you wish to wrap multi-layer carries. You could also consider using a slightly thicker wrap for single layer carries, particularly if you are carrying an older child who wants to be up and down a lot, and if you prefer more 'cush' on the shoulders. We suggest something between 180 and 260gsm.
While wraps offer a lot of versatility, ring slings are another great choice as they offer a single layer carry, covering less of your body while allowing air to circulate. Also, the long tail can be to cover little legs, or your shoulders, from the sun!
Choosing a blend for the summer
Ice Cotton
Ice cotton is an innovative yarn that, through advanced spinning technology, makes a cool to touch and breathable fabric. It is made with 100% Supima cotton (the finest American Pima cotton) with no synthetic fibers, and is free from harmful chemicals.
Ice cotton's unique cooling composition makes it perfect for summer carrying – we have an amazing range of low gsm wraps finished with our soft touch technique for the perfect summer weight wrap, ready to use straight from the bag.
Linen
At Oscha we love linen and offer a range of choices. It is a very popular blend for summer slings, being light and airy yet supportive, linen blends tend to do well in single layer carries.
Find out more information about our linens here.
Linen is a very popular choice for a summer sling. It is light and airy; despite this, it is also supportive so it tends to do well in single layer carries.
At Oscha we love our linen and we have a variety of blends to choose from, linen is a strong and breathable fabric and combined with other softer yarns it can make a great wrap for all ages. Choose a lower linen percentage for a breathable carry perfect for smaller kids, or a higher linen percentage for added strength and breathability: great for carrying all way through to toddlerhood.
Bamboo
Bamboo can be a great choice, it offers natural UV protection and is moisture-wicking. It is soft and feels cool against your skin. Viscose bamboo will is great for younger children in single layer carries, while for heavier children we would recommend multi-layer carries. Pure bamboo is slightly thicker and is perfect for summer wearing from newborn through to toddlerhood. You can also visit our Bamboo for bigger kids blog post if you wish to learn more about using bamboo with older children.
Silk
Many of our customers have told us they have found our silk blends wonderful for hot weather. Silk is temperature regulating and great for keeping cool this summer with its naturally breathable composition.
We currently have a range of silk blends in stock, which are easy to wrap with, offer great support and cush for children of any weight.
100% Organic Combed Cotton
Cotton is always a great all-rounder for any weather; it is soft, strong, breathable and easy to care for.
Wool
Wool is often underrated for hot weather and is mistakenly believed to be too warm to use. However, wool is great at regulating body temperatures and is naturally moisture-wicking making is perfect for carrying in the heat.
Types of Carries
Some favourite front carries in the heat include the FWCC with un-spread cross passes (this keeps a single layer across baby), and the kangaroo carry.
Poppable Front Cross Carry
'My favourite hot carry is the poppable front cross carry because it is easy to pre-tie, easy to get baby in and out, not too much pressure on bare baby legs/body, open on the sides so there is a nice breeze ... It only has two passes over baby so even in cotton wouldn't be too hot'
- Kathleen Nicole
Hip carries
Hip Carries can be lovely and cool as there is less body contact and less layers of fabric wrapped around you.
Back Carries
Back carrying a simple ruck tied in front or under bum is probably the simplest and coolest carry you can do.
Top Tips For Using a Baby Sling In The Sun
First of all, make sure any delicate skin is protected. Ensure your little one is wearing a hat with UV protection and sun cream suitable for their age. You can cover exposed legs with a muslin or the tail of your sling. Don't forget you can also use a parasol or sun umbrella to provide shade.
You could opt to dress your child in only a nappy and sunhat, but it will probably be more comfortable for you both if you aren't skin to skin for long periods in the heat. One of you can wear a layer of soft, breathable, natural fabric or, alternatively, you could place a muslin in between you both.
Some customers have said they found it helpful to place a muslin that had been soaked in cool water or even a cool bag (**If you choose to use a cool bag, use it with caution and do not place it next to baby's skin**) in between them when carrying in the heat. You could also use a fabric made of wool, silk or bamboo to avoid too much heat build up between you. You could also bring a change of top for you both to keep you fresh.
Remember that you both will need plenty of fluids!
'Babywearing is great for knowing how your baby is coping with heat on a roasting day as you're constantly in tune with their fluctuating temperatures, breathing rates and alertness - if you're too hot and struggling then it is likely your baby is too.
Fiona Smith
