When you are babywearing in hot weather, there are three elements of summer cool.
Fire – Stay out of the Sun!
First step for summer cool, stay in the shade whenever possible. If you have a baby less than six months old, you should avoid sun exposure completely. If you have to be out in the sun, consider making your own shade with a big-brimmed hat or an umbrella (or, more appropriately, a parasol—which means “for sun”). Of course, if you are dealing with humidity as well as heat, the shade might keep you from sunburn but it won’t necessarily keep you cool.
A sun cover, either a sunshade made for the purpose or the long tail of a ring sling, can help keep the sun off you and baby.
Water – Drink Enough!
Stay hydrated. If you are breastfeeding, you will need a lot more water than you did before baby in order to stay hydrated and healthy this summer. Keep drinking water, and keep feeding your baby.
If you feeling too hot while babywearing, stopping in the shade to unwrap and drink could give you the break you need.
Air – Allow a Breeze!
Face it: you are going to sweat. Maybe it’s just Me of the Desert, but this was the most miserable part of summers for me when I lived in a humid, coastal area. Once you just let it happen, you can deal with it. Dealing means seeking a breeze. If nature doesn’t give you a breeze, make your own with a fan or a waving sling tail.
A lighter weight baby carrier will allow some cooling through the fabric itself, so choose the lightest weight carrier that gives you the sturdiness you need. Walking around town you will need less structure than hiking up hills wearing your baby.
Which Baby Carrier Works Well for Summer?
We’ve added two new wraps to bynature.ca that are perfect for the heat. Because we get many cottagers and boaters in our area who are escaping from Toronto for some rest and relaxation, we just had to bring these in.
Wrapsody Breeze Baby Carrier
Wrapsody Water Wrap Duo
Though it’s still too soon to tell, we think the Wrapsody Breeze is going to be a best-seller this summer. Parents that have come out to the store to try one on are just loving how light and airy it is. Nature Mom has been a personal fan of Wrapsody’s gorgeous hand-dyed and hand-batiked prints for years.
Wrapsody Bali Stretch Hybrid Wrap
We’re also carrying Wrapsody’s Stretch Hybrid, and, while it isn’t as light and summery as the Breeze, this lighter version provides the same function for parents who love woven wraps. The fabric is buttery soft, lightweight, and perfect for a newborn or toddler alike. In the store, we just love this wrap and it’s amazing fabric. Watch out, though. This wrap might give you baby fever, leaving you wishing for a little tiny newborn to snuggle up in one!
Sakura Bloom
Sakura Bloom linen slings are a best-seller this time of year, and their colours have recently been updated.
I plan wearing my baby all summer! Thanks for the advice. My little one was born July 4th 2013. We use the Moby wrap. I plan on taking her camping with it next month.