The telltale signs of summer are sneaking up on us - the days are longer, the weather is warmer and more skin is on show, instead of being tucked under long clothing.
And many people are starting to question me about babywearing in the heat.
There’s a perception that babywearing can’t be done in the heat, but I disagree. I have birthed in September, December and January, and have relied heavily on babywearing throughout the hottest months here in Townsville, Australia (and if you didn’t know - it gets REALLY HOT HERE!). It’s absolutely possible to babywear in the summer, without becoming a completely disgusting, sweaty, hot mess.
Early on in our mothering journeys, we often hear about how our chests can act like an incubator, bringing a baby’s body to an optimal temperature faster than any man-made machine can. Rather than thinking of your chest as an incubator, instead think of it as a miraculous machine designed for thermoregulation. A mother’s chest has the ability to increase baby’s temperature AND DECREASE IT when needed. Any mother who has ever had a baby with a fever will have witnessed the improvement of a baby’s comfort when they are allowed to have skin to skin contact.
Once understanding that babywearing from a biological perspective can work, the other factors usually seem easier to overcome. Here are my tips:
Consider clothing
If the thought of having a sticky baby covered in boob-sweat really bothers you, dressing in light, breathable layers can help. Ideally, something that will allow you to take full advantage of any cool breezes is best. Organic cotton and linen are two of my favourites. Having a layer or two of clothing between you and your baby will help catch moisture, so wearing a shirt that covers your chest can help you stay comfortable. If you like to breastfeed while you’re babywearing, a specially designed breastfeeding top with a slit that allows you to bring your breast out might be a better choice than a top with a low neckline. I really like to wear singlets and often improvised with a small muslin square over my chest to stop my baby sticking to me in the carrier.
Weigh up your babywearing options
Some babywearing styles are hotter than others. For example, anything made of canvas, like a structured carrier, is going to be hot and won’t breathe very much especially if it has a newborn insert. If you choose to go with a strutured carrier aim for one that is adjustable and does not require an insert like the Boba X. Some structured carriers are made from woven cotton and this is a huge plus in terms of coolness and breathability like the Emeibaby and Ankalia carriers.
Woven wraps are versitile and can be extremely comfortable in the hot weather. A simple one layer carry like a rucksuck, front wrap cross carry or kangaroo carry will be your friend through summer.
A stretchy wrap can be hot as they must be worn in three layers to support the baby adequately. If you love your stretchy wrap the airconditioning will be your best friend, when out try and find some shade or go places with a good fresh breeze like the beach.
Ring slings are such a perfect summer option in the tropics! The leather baby co linen ring sling is the perfect summer carrying companion. It is light and airy being made of linen, but also strong and supportive for even a toddler.
Be sun smart
There are lots of ways you can protect yourself and your baby from the sun - sunscreen, sleeves, hats, sunglasses, shade - plenty of options. When babywearing though, an umbrella and a wide-brim hat can both be extra helpful. Depending on where in the world you are, and what the weather is like, it can really help to be mindful of what time you’re heading out too. Running your errands first thing in the morning, or in the evening, might be more suitable than being out in the hottest part of the day.
A simple wet facewasher
Sometimes you might end up in situations where all of the things above just couldn’t be managed. If you find yourself wearing your fast asleep baby who’s wearing nothing but a nappy, in the hottest structured canvas carrier in the world, while you’re wearing a bikini top, on a horribly hot day, I just have this one tip - don’t underestimate the power of a facewasher. Wet it and stick it between yours and your baby’s bodies. It not only acts as a barrier between your two bodies, but it soaks up the natural moisture, while providing a little bit of cool relief.