Babywearing in summer: why slings are the better choice in hot weather

Squirrel Ring Sling Brown made from hemp

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Sweaty, sticky, restless baby – does it have to be that way? Summer brings warmth, lightness, and more time outside. But if you’re carrying a baby, you also know the flip side: soaked shirts, cranky kids, and carriers padded like winter jackets, trapping heat like a sauna. Many parents ask themselves once it hits 25°C: Is babywearing in summer still a good idea? The short answer: Yes – if you know what matters. And this is where wraps and ring slings really shine. They’re flexible, close to the body, and especially in summer, they offer a breathable, safe, and cozy carrying experience. For both of you.

Table of Content
    1. Why conventional carriers hit their limits in summer
    2. Baby wraps: Light, airy, and gentle
    3. Ring slings: Quick, compact, and perfect for short trips
    4. Tips for carrying in the heat
    5. Carrying in summer? Yes – with the right wrap
    6. Frequently asked questions about summer babywearing

Why conventional carriers hit their limits in summer

Baby wrap in purple

Modern baby carriers offer padding, structure, and convenience – but in the heat, those exact features become challenges. Many are made with thick, multilayered fabrics. Even mesh panels don’t always help enough. What feels cozy in spring or autumn can quickly turn into a heat trap once summer rolls around.

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Common issues:
  • Heat buildup from bulky materials and tight straps
  • Poor airflow, especially with full-back panels
  • Sweaty contact points that irritate both you and baby
  • Warm buckles and padded parts that cause pressure and discomfort

Many parents notice their babies getting cranky, overheated, or just “too much” when in the carrier. What should feel like connection becomes stressful – and that’s a shame, because it could be so much easier.

Baby wraps: Light, airy, and gentle

Dark forest baby wrap

Baby wraps – especially those made from breathable fabrics like linen, muslin, or thin cotton – have a real advantage here. They’re not only adaptable, but their texture and design allow for much better temperature regulation.

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Why wraps work well in the heat:
  • Fewer layers: With single-layer carries (like the Kangaroo or Rucksack carry), you minimize heat build-up
  • Fabric choice: Natural cooling materials like linen or Tencel make a big difference
  • Great airflow: Wraps sit snugly but still let the skin breathe
  • No plastic parts or padding that trap heat or rub the wrong way

The result: You stay mobile, and your baby stays close and can naturally regulate temperature through skin contact – a built-in cooling mechanism, by the way. Your own body temperature helps adjust theirs.

Ring slings: Quick, compact, and perfect for short trips

Lavender field ring sling

When it’s really hot, you might not want to carry your baby for hours – but a quick walk to the bakery, the farmers market, or downtown? A ring sling is your best friend.

With a single shoulder carry and a light stretch of fabric, a ring sling offers just the right mix of closeness and breathability. You can pop your baby in and out within seconds. No stress, no sweat (almost).

Paired with a breezy outfit (like a nursing top or summer dress), the ring sling becomes a minimalist yet safe option for the hotter months.

Tips for carrying in the heat

Brown hemp ring sling with squirrel detail Here are a few easy tips to stay cool and comfy while babywearing in summer:
  • Less is more: A diaper or thin bodysuit is often enough for baby
  • Wear light clothes yourself – skin-to-skin works better with fewer layers in between
  • Avoid the midday sun – morning and evening are your sweet spots
  • Bring a muslin cloth for light shade – just drape it loosely over both of you
  • Drink up – and nurse more often, since heat increases thirst
  • Watch your baby for signs of overheating: hot skin, sluggishness, or fussiness

Carrying in summer? Yes – with the right wrap

Forest fairy baby wrap made of hemp

Wraps and ring slings aren’t outdated relics – they’re often the smartest tools for bonding, comfort, and mobility in the summer months. They adapt with you, breathe with you, and give your baby something no high-tech carrier can: a vibrant, heart-to-heart connection with you.

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Wearing your baby in the heat doesn’t have to be a struggle. Choose the right gear, and it becomes a gentle, connecting experience – for your baby, for you, and for the summer you explore together.


Frequently asked questions about summer babywearing

Summary
Babywearing in summer: why slings are the better choice in hot weather
Article Name
Babywearing in summer: why slings are the better choice in hot weather
Description
Learn how to carry your baby safely and comfortably in a sling even in high temperatures.
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mariblum
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