When the sun comes out, we are regularly contacted by parents asking for tips on how to keep you and baby safe and comfortable in your baby carrier.
Here are some quick tips on keeping cool and confident wearing your baby in warm weather.
Thin Layers
Babies are naturally warm little bundles, which can lead to you both feeling a little uncomfortable. Your carrier or baby wrap acts as at least 1 extra layer of clothing, so it’s important to keep baby lightly dressed.
Shield from the Elements
Parents will tell you that a muslin has a 100s of uses and it’s never a bad idea to have one close to hand. Draping a muslin over exposed little arms and legs can help shield from the sun, but suncream should still be used as it’s still possible to burn through the thin fabric.
All Ergobaby carriers come with an integrated sunhood (folded into an open or zippered pocket on the back panel). This can be attached to one side or both sides on the shoulder straps, which allows flexibility.
If baby doesn’t like to wear her sunhat, wearing a sunhat with a wide brim yourself can help keep baby shaded too.
Be sure to take regular breaks in the shade to help you both keep cool.
Photo Credit : @jagochjuno
Keep Hydrated! (And don’t forget about yourself!)
It’s important that both you and baby are drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If you breastfeed, breastmilk will keep your baby hydrated. You may find that baby wants to nurse more often.
Bottle-fed babies can be given cooled boiled water throughout the day alongside their usual feeds.
Make sure you are looking after yourself too, by taking a bottle of water to keep up with the extra demands on your body.
Switch it up!
When it’s hot outside, wearing baby on your chest can feel like wearing a hot water bottle, so you might find that a different carry position is more comfortable for you both.
If baby is old enough try a hip or back carry in your Ergobaby carrier.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier |
Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier |
Choose a Lightweight Carrier or Baby Wrap
There are a number of carriers and baby wraps on the market, which are specifically designed for wearing baby in warm weather. They are commonly made with more lightweight, breathable fabrics.
If you live in a warmer climate or will be regularly travelling to hotter countries with your little one, these are definitely worth considering. Afterall, it’s easier to warm up on a cold day, than cool down on a hot day.
Our Cool Air Mesh Collection carriers have breathable, quick-dry mesh fabric panels and a 100% polyester construction, keeping them light and perfect for carrying on hotter days.
Our Aura Baby Wraps are made of 100% Viscose, from eucalyptus & acacia, not only making it a lightweight and breathable, but also super soft on baby’s delicate skin.
Hire a Different Carry Solution for Your Holiday
If a new carrier or baby wrap isn’t an option, your local sling library will no doubt have a number of suitable options for you to hire just for your time away.
Find your local sling library by searching by postcode at www.babywearing.co.uk/local/
Photo Credit (from top left) : @emmabarremyr, @pandapipa, @heatherkincaidphoto, @ra_tonsincola, @0quend0, @svandisfjola, @karynlynn27, @theworldwidewebers, @mara_sab
Know Your T.I.C.K.S.
The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safe Babywearing is important always, but on hot days it’s even more pertinent that you are monitoring baby’s cues and responding to their needs.
Further Reference :
Summer Slings and Keeping Safe | The Sheffield Sling Surgery
How can I keep my baby safe during hot weather? | NHS
Diet for a Healthy Breastfeeding Mum | Babycentre UK
The T.I.C.K.S Rule for Safe Babywearing | UK Sling Consortium