4 Tips to Keep You Cool While Babywearing This Summer

Whether you’re planning a getaway or a staycation, you’ll want to be prepared for this summer’s warm weather while you adventure with your little one. 

A supportive baby carrier will keep your baby close and connected and will help you feel comfortable and hands free as you explore the world together. 

Not all carriers are ideal for warm weather though, so having one that is made of natural fibres, is lightweight and breathable will help you stay cooler. Linen, cotton, hemp, bamboo and even athletic mesh are all great materials to choose for summer time.

Having said that, there are some things you can do that will help you stay cooler and ensure you are able to carry your little one comfortably for longer. 

4 Tips To Help Keep You Cool While Babywearing

Tip #1: Wear light layers.

Both you and baby should be wearing light layers. You may be tempted to overdress baby in an effort to protect them from the sun but remember that the carrier counts as a layer. Using a higher cut top will help keep your baby’s face off your chest which can become uncomfortable when it’s hot and humid outside.

Some people like to use rash guards for their little ones as they have uv protection built-in which can be quite handy to ensure baby’s sensitive skin is protected. A hat is also an important layer that will help both of you as it keeps the sun out of your face and if yours has a wide enough brim it can also offer your baby some shade. Always ensure that you can easily see your baby’s face and that their airway is clear at all times. 

Tip #2: Seek out the shade.

It’s best to stay out of the bright midday sun but sometimes no matter the time of day, the sun can feel harsh, so staying in the shade as much as possible can be very helpful in keeping you both cooler and enjoy being together. If there is not much natural or architectural shade then having an umbrella or parasol on hand can be very useful as it creates instant shade no matter where you are.

A small compact umbrella is easy to pack in a purse, diaper bag or backpack. They are light and don’t take up much space yet offer such relief from the sun’s hot beams, not only for yourself but for your little one too. 

Tip #3: Use cooling aids.

Sometimes we need to cool down quickly and cooling aids are perfect for that. A hand held bamboo fan can be a great low tech way to circulate some air to help you feel cooler. Add a bit of water on your skin and the effect is increased and can help to bring you and baby’s temperature down. A misting fan is a two-in-one tool that sprays water as it blows air and is a very convenient gadget to keep in your bag. Just be sure to pack extra batteries!

Cooling towels are also popular to help you cool off. These work well when draped on the back of your neck but be mindful that babies cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults so never put a cooling towel, ice pack on your baby’s body. Misting a bit of water on your baby’s legs is ok though. As your body temperature decreases, theirs will adjust also. 

Tip #4: Hydration is key!

It’s important to replenish the fluids you quickly lose during hot weather. Choosing water over diuretic foods and drinks can be really beneficial. Drinking plenty of water before, during and after your outing can really help your body work efficiently at keeping you cooler. This is also important for your baby. The heat can make them extra sleepy and your baby may nap longer than usual and may miss a feed. It’s ok to encourage your little one to feed to ensure they are getting enough to drink. 

Even with doing all these things, keep in mind that babywearing can just feel hot, especially in warm weather so you may need to take frequent breaks on your outings. The reality is that there may be times when the best option will be to take your baby out of the carrier and allow some airflow between the two of you while you both rest and cool off, preferably where there is air conditioning! Trading off the carrying with another caregiver or placing your baby in a well ventilated stroller are also helpful alternatives. 

So, having realistic expectations and being prepared for warmer weather can ensure you have a pleasant experience keeping your baby close despite the rising temperatures. 

Karla Gabriela is a mommy of four girls whom she’s worn since they were each newborn and well into toddlerhood, they are 10, 8, 6 and 2 years old. Now a Trained Babywearing Educator she feels blessed to share the tools to help parents and caregivers discover how simple and pleasant babywearing can be.
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