Babywearing even in summer? Practical advice and tips.

Author of the article: Iveta Bartošová

During the summer months, carrying babies in a wrap can be much more demanding than in other months, because as you and your baby touch each other, you also sweat more. It is therefore necessary to choose suitable clothing for both of you so that carrying is comfortable and safe. At the same time, you can reach for a wrap made of material suitable for summer. So how do you wrap in summer so that it is comfortable?

Wrap material

For summer, wraps with so-called blends are great. These include silk, hemp, linen, tencel, or merino wool. These materials are breathable, can wick away sweat, and you won’t get cold in them if the wind happens to blow and you and your baby are very sweaty.

Clothing for wrapping

In addition to choosing the right wrap, it is also important to remember that the wrap itself is already one layer of clothing for the child, so it is a good idea not to overdo the other layers so the baby does not overheat. A great material for a baby is a bamboo bodysuit or merino, and Outlast or Moira are also suitable. For mom, a nursing T-shirt made of merino, bamboo, Outlast, or Moira is a good choice. 

The child’s head needs to be covered from the sun, but not too much, so it does not overheat. A breathable hat, a little scarf (e.g. muslin scarf with a visor), or a cap that also covers the neck will work well. There is no need to worry about the arms; they are usually hidden in the wrap, so the child can easily wear a short-sleeved bodysuit. It is better to cover the legs, whether with some trousers or leg warmers. You can also leave them uncovered, but thoroughly coated with sunscreen. 

Suitable tying method

Since the wrap itself is already one layer of clothing, it is good to choose a suitable tying method as well, where the child has only one layer of wrap over them. Suitable ties include, for example, cross carry with a pocket inside (without the second layer), double cross, hip carry, or directly a ring sling wrap or a backpack carry (on the back).

Safety first

Throughout the entire time of carrying in a wrap, it is important to think about safety for both yourself and the child.

• It is therefore advisable to keep hydrated - plain water for mom, more frequent breastfeeding for the baby.
• If the baby will be carried for a longer time, then take breaks. The wrap can also serve as a blanket or a swing when hung between trees.
• If possible, be in the shade as much as possible, or use an umbrella as a sunshade and protect yourself from the sun and possible heatstroke. 

In short

Carrying your child in a wrap is beautiful, but a little more demanding in summer. It is important to think about a suitable wrap material, ideally with a blend of merino, linen, hemp, or silk. The same applies to the clothing you and your baby are wearing. A great choice is a merino or bamboo bodysuit for the baby and a nursing shirt also made of merino or bamboo, or Outlast or Moira, so that you stay dry despite sweating. The child’s head definitely needs to be covered; a hat, scarf, or cap that is breathable and ideally also covers the child’s neck is enough. You can cover the legs with lighter trousers or leg warmers, or leave them uncovered but properly coated with sunscreen. If you like experimenting with tying methods, you can try a hip carry, a back carry (the so-called backpack), or a double cross. With these carries, the baby has only one layer of wrap on, so it does not get as hot. Throughout the whole time of carrying, keep hydrated, breastfeed more often, take breaks, and if possible, stay well in the shade. 

Do you carry your baby in a wrap in summer? What are your experiences? Do you have any handy tips?