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Babywearing in Summer
Babywearing in Summer – do you? Don’t you?
There’s no escaping the heat (although air conditioning helps) and babywearing is still an essential part of day to day parenting so how do you babywear in summer?
There are special consideration for babies as they are more affected by hot weather because they can’t adjust to changes in temperatures as well as adults, they sweat less which means they have a reduced ability to cool down and they generate more heat in physical demanding activities.
There are actually a few benefits of babywearing in summer including that our bodies are thermo-regulating and will help baby to regulate, it is easier to monitor them than if they were in the pram and a covered pram is actually 15 degrees hotter than the outside temperature!
I’ve gone through the main areas to consider when babywearing and tips to make different baby carrier types more comfortable and enjoyable for you both to wear in Summer.
Dressing You and Your Baby
> Always remember that the baby carrier is considered another layer so take that into consideration when dressing bubs. It can be tempting to dress baby in just a nappy but often having another layer between the two of you can help wick any moisture or sweat away and protect more of baby’s body from the sun or wind
> Light, natural fibre clothing (such as cotton or linen) are great options for you both
> Try to reduce the amount of skin to skin contact which can feel hotter and sweaty
> Bring a change of clothes as often you both will be sweaty when you take off the carrier and this will make the day more comfortable for you both
Sunsmart
– Stay indoors in the hottest and sunniest part of the day
– Try and avoid the sun as much as possible. Using an umbrella will cover you both or a wide brimmed hat for often covers both of you. A light baby hat is also a good option.
– You can always use a light muslin cloth to go around the outside of the carrier to protect baby’s arms and legs from the sun while allowing airflow. This helps in windy areas to protect from windburn.
Access to Air
> Not only do babies do most of their regulating of temperature through their head and face, it is also important to ensure they have adequate airflow
> If you are going to use the hood, either roll it and then attach so baby’s head is mostly clear or just attach the hood one the side of the back of their head so their face is clear
Monitoring
– Check your baby often for signs of overheating (warm to touch, red face, temperature but no sweating, lethargic, dizzy/confused, vomiting)
– Check in with yourself, if you are feeling hot so will your baby
– You and your baby will need to drink plenty of fluids to replace anything sweated out
Cooling Aids
*These are only recommended from over 6 months as under 6 months they can’t regulate their temperature at all
> A damp cloth, fan or cooling towel can help keep you both cooler – just check that your baby doesn’t go from hot to cold too quickly
Now to tips on summer babywearing with the different baby carrier types!
Stretchy Wraps
Woven Wraps
Ring Slings
Meh Dai’s & Half Buckles
Full Buckles
Onbuhimo
If you have any questions about babywearing please pm me or contact me at info@babywearingandyou.com.au
Looking for the perfect Summer baby carrier? Make sure you check out our article about my favourite options MY TOP BABY CARRIERS FOR SUMMER
Enjoy those babywearing snuggles,
Kylie
Certified Babywearing Consultant
Kangatraining Instructor