Dear SlingLady: We’ve had a heat wave and DS (8 months) and I are sweating to death in our fleece pouch! Do you have any recommendations for a carrier that would be comfy for us in the sweaty, humid weather in DC?
-Amber
Dear Amber: Unfortunately, no one has yet invented a baby carrier with an air conditioner feature, but when they do, we’ll be the first ones to sign up. Until then, the bottom line is that wearing your baby is in hot weather is goin to be, well, hot! Ain’t no two ways about it.
That being said, I do have some tips for babywearing in the heat, sun and water.
Stay in the shade! This may seem obvious, but if you’re anything like we are, you may be stubbornly trying to go about your business without any regard for the weather. Summer is a good time to slow down, take it easy as much as you can, and stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Dress your baby lightly. Loose linen fabrics that cover the skin but are breathable and cool may help. If you will be inside/in the shade, you may want to consider just putting your baby in a diaper.
- Consider a carrier with UV protection built in, like the Moby Wrap with UV Protection or the Gypsy Mama Water Wrap.
- Consider coverage when choosing baby carriers for the warm weather. Ring slings can be used to provide additional coverage.
- Consider the fabric of the baby carrier you choose. Fabrics made specifically for warm weather, like mesh, are breathable and cool. 100% cotton is breathable and therefore also a good choice.
- Consider a back carry over a front carry, when possible. I’m not sure of the reason, exactly, but back carries always feel less hot.
Our favorite carriers for hot summer weather are:
- The Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Mesh Pouch (breathable, dries quickly, very light)
- The Gypsy Mama Water Wrap (dries quickly, has UV protection, great looking)
- ERGO baby carrier (less fabric to trap the heat in)
- Ring Slings in cotton or linen (breathable, and you can use the tail for coverage
- Hotslings pouches (breathable, very minimal material)
- Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Breeze wraps – while wraps are hotter than other carriers due to the amount of fabric, the Bali Baby Breeze wraps are made from very thin gauze – super breathable and light!
What do you do to stay cool while wearing your baby? I’d love to know!
