Summer is not far away in New Zealand and in the last few weeks some days have been very warm already! This means that it is time to start being mindful about what to look out for when babywearing in hot weather.
My daughter was already 5 months old, when she experienced her first Summer. Up until then I used to carry her in a stretchy wrap, which worked really well. But as the weather got warmer (and she got older and heavier) the stretchy wrap wasn’t the best carrier choice anymore. I decided to start using a meh dai, which I found to be a great choice as a Summer carrier as it was light and airy for both of us.
Here are a few points to look out for when babywearing in hot weather:
Choice of carrier
When babywearing in hot weather it is a good idea to choose a carrier that is airy and light. Great carriers can be ring slings, woven wraps (use a wrapping technique with only one layer over your baby), meh dais and some soft structured carriers that have been designed for hot weather (using mesh, cotton or linen as a fabric choice).
Choice of carrying position
If your baby is 4 months or older, consider carrying her on your hip as this will be less hot than a front carry. Back carries are also cooler (learn more about back carrying here).
Layers, layers, layers
Same as in cold weather it is very important to use layers, when babywearing in hot weather. Dress your baby in thin long-sleeved clothes to protect their arms and legs from the sun. Then place layers over yourself and your baby, which can be taken off as needed.
Protection from the sun
Protect your baby’s skin and your own from the sun by wearing thin long layers of clothing and sunscreen on exposed skin. A wide brimmed sun hat for you and a sun hat for your baby are also great ideas. Stay in the shade as much as possible and try avoiding the sun between 10am and 4pm in the middle of the Summer.
Hydration
It is very easy to dehydrate when the weather is hot. Make sure you carry enough fluids with you when being out and about. Check on your baby regularly if she might need more fluids too. It is quite common for breastfed babies to feed more frequently during hot weather.
Take a break
If it is just too hot for you and your baby, take a break from babywearing. Consider using a pram instead. Please do not place any thick cloths over the pram though as this will increase the temperature underneath the cloth.
Have you been wearing your baby in hot weather?
Let me know in the comments what has been your favourite trick to keep cool.
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