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Choosing the Best Baby Carrier for Summer
When choosing a lightweight baby carrier for the summer and hot weather there are a few simple things to consider. This guide will help you choose between different sling types and fabrics as well giving you lots of top tips for carrying in the heat.
Top Tips for Using a Baby Carrier in the Summer
- Use a sun hat with UV protection
- Apply suncream suitable for your little one's age
- Use a parasol or umbrella to provide shade
- Don’t forget a muslin or tails of your sling can be used to cover little legs
- Remember babies need less clothing when using a sling, this is especially important in hot weather
- Don’t forget to increase both of your fluids when it is warm!
Top Tip: 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.
Babywearing is great for knowing how your baby is coping with heat on a hot 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.
Which Type of Baby Carrier is best for the Summer?
Woven Baby Wraps
Verstile and mouldable, you can find a carrying option that you will find both comfy and airy for the summer (more on carries below).
Single layer carries are a great choice as well as options that allow the air to pass through.
A thicker baby wrap carrier in single layers could be used for bigger kids for more cush on your shoulders.
Ring Slings
Ring slings are perfect for hot weather baby carrying as they offer a single layer carry and cover less of your body; allowing air to circulate. The long tail can be used to cover little legs, or your shoulders, from the sun!
They are great for longer carries with small children, and for quick ups and downs when carrying independent toddlers.
If your toddler wants to be up for long periods you might consider a thicker fabric.
Bairn Baby Carrier
A simple full buckle, there's plenty of space for air to circulate with the Bairn. You can also front or back carry.
The double layer of fabrics on carriers may feel a bit warmer for your little one so chose a lower gsm carrier and a breathable fabric like cotton or linen.
The Cairis Carrier
The Cairis Carrier allows air to circulate around you. The carrier hood can be used to cover your child’s head, protecting them from the sun. Pick linen or cotton and low gsm as the double layer of fabric will a a bit of warmth.
Carriers are good for carrying toddlers and heavier babies in hot weather - they cover less of your body but still provide comfort on the shoulders thanks to the padded straps. Pick a lower GSM and a breathable fabric to add to your comfort in hot weather.
Onbuhimo Back Carrier
Probably one of the cooler choices - the Onbuhimo has no waist band so there is even less fabric on you. Good for older babies who can sit unaided. Ideal for shorter carries. Choose the Cairis or a wrap for longer hikes.
Which Fabric to Choose for hot weather baby carriers and slings?
Choose breathable fabrics to help keep you both cool -
Linen - breathable and cooling
100% Cotton & hemp - breathable, easy-care
Bamboo & Tencel - moisture-wicking, cool
Silk - breathable and temperature regulating
Pick Lightweight options
Choose fabrics with a lower GSM (grams per square metre). Generally anything under 260gsm will work. You can use our filters to find these fabrics.
Note that viscose blends like Tencel and Bamboo usually weigh more than other natural yarns yet will feel thinner in hand. Take about 30gsm off those blends for a comparable weight.
Best Carries for Baby Wraps in Hot Weather
If you are using a woven baby wrap then the type of carry in hot weather can be important in keeping you both comfy and cool. It is useful to remember that each layer of wrap fabric over your little one is equivalent to a layer of clothing.
Single Layer Carries
This means there is only one layer of fabric over your little one, and these are great as they can avoid overheating. A Front Wrap Cross Carry with un-spread cross passes and the Kangaroo Carry are good choices for hot weather. Ruck Tied in Front is a good option for a back carry.
Hip Carries
Hip carries can be lovely and cool as there is less body contact and fewer layers of fabric wrapped around you. Using a shortie wrap (a size 2, 3 or 4) for a Slip Knot Carry can be a great choice in hot weather.
Multi-layer Carries
These are carries with more than one layer of fabric over your child. Multi-layer carrier offer more support for bigger kids. If using multiple layers then it is important to choose a breathable fabric and a suitable GSM, and you might consider removing an item of clothing for your little one if it is very hot.
A Poppable Front Cross Carry is a good multi-layer option as it is easy to pre-tie, avoids putting too much pressure on bare legs and is open on the sides allowing air to circulate.
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