10 things that will help with hot weather babywearing
It's hot, hurrah! But it can feel a bit sticky and leave us feeling worried about our babies overheating while babywearing. Thing is, if your babies are anything like mine, babywearing still needs to happen, even when it's hot. And the alternative of pushing a pram is also going to be hot. So here are my tips to stay cool AND protect from the sun.
1. Hydrate - can't be said enough. Especially if you're breastfeeding. And especially while babywearing, you're going to be needing more hydration. Treat your self to a reusable insulated water note like this Klean kanteen and you'll have icey cold drinks all day. And don't forget baby too. Lots of regular breaks for feeding for little ones and offering water often. Which in turn gives you and them so "out of sling" breaks. https://www.babipur.co.uk/klean-kanteen-27oz-classic-loop.html
2. Create your own shade. You'll be amazed at the difference just giving yourself a bit of shade has. Get a cute UV protecting parasol like this one and rock the parasol look. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L6CBXZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_I4ulBbHZ49AYH
3. Fan. Get your hands on one of those little hand held fans. (Now, before they all sell out!) When you both need a blast of fresh air but there is no breeze, these can be really nice. You can get ones that have a bottle of water attached for a cooling spritz too.
4. Layers. Think about the layers of your sling, it will count as a layer of clothing. (Or multiple if you're using a caboo for example). Dress right down. Vest top for you and just a nappy and vest for baby. You can always add on a pair of socks or a cardigan around you both if the temperature drops. Be aware of the type of fabric too. The natural fibres such as cotton and linen are most breathable.
5. Cool sling.
There are some really awesome "cool" versions of lots of our favourite slings. For a great buckle carrier, I love the beco gemini cool and the Tula coast.
For a cool wrap, anything with linen or a gauze ring sling like a wrapamore are AMAZING.
And a lovely thin, bamboo cotton stretchy sling like this Joy and Joe can make newborn babywearing with a stretchy easier in the warm.
6. Sunscreen. When it's super sunny, get the sun cream on. I love the green people sun cream. No nasties in it, and it's coral reef friendly. It's pricey but a really great option, especially for young sensitive skin. When babywearing, quite often the sling will make babies clothing ride up a bit (eg trouser legs) so I always suncream higher than the trouser or t-shirt line, just in case.
https://www.greenpeople.co.uk/shop/by-product/organic-sun-lotion/organic-children-sun-lotion-spf30-scent-free-150ml
7. Hat. A sun hat is a must but so is one with a strap. Because while back carrying, have you ever managed to get a hat back on? Nope, not me. I love this frugi hat
And if your baby absolutely hates hats, get a really wide brimmed one for yourself that covers you both!
8. Muslin. Handy for several reasons, mopping up sweat (nice). Rinsing with water and wiping you down. Covering legs which are exposed to the sun...I love these giant ones
9. Positions in the sling. Back carries and hip carries are often a bit cooler than a full front carry. So if your baby is old enough have a try with those. Check out my video for a buckle hip carry here
Or try a passes spread front wrap cross carry with a woven wrap.
Or arms out in a buckle carrier with a bigger baby. And if you'd like some more help, come along to the next sling library session and we will happily help you figure out the coolest way to carry!
10. Skin to skin. Maybe you're thinking that'll be a bit sticky? Well, with a younger baby, carrying them skin to skin will actually help regulate their temperature and is really soothing. This can be particularly calming on a hot day if they are unsettled.
I'd love to hear any of your top tips for staying cool!
And if you've found this helpful, this blog is up for an award, and we'd be super grateful for your vote 😘http://www.essexmums.com/awards/voting/
It's hot, hurrah! But it can feel a bit sticky and leave us feeling worried about our babies overheating while babywearing. Thing is, if your babies are anything like mine, babywearing still needs to happen, even when it's hot. And the alternative of pushing a pram is also going to be hot. So here are my tips to stay cool AND protect from the sun.
1. Hydrate - can't be said enough. Especially if you're breastfeeding. And especially while babywearing, you're going to be needing more hydration. Treat your self to a reusable insulated water note like this Klean kanteen and you'll have icey cold drinks all day. And don't forget baby too. Lots of regular breaks for feeding for little ones and offering water often. Which in turn gives you and them so "out of sling" breaks. https://www.babipur.co.uk/klean-kanteen-27oz-classic-loop.html
2. Create your own shade. You'll be amazed at the difference just giving yourself a bit of shade has. Get a cute UV protecting parasol like this one and rock the parasol look. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L6CBXZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_I4ulBbHZ49AYH
3. Fan. Get your hands on one of those little hand held fans. (Now, before they all sell out!) When you both need a blast of fresh air but there is no breeze, these can be really nice. You can get ones that have a bottle of water attached for a cooling spritz too.
4. Layers. Think about the layers of your sling, it will count as a layer of clothing. (Or multiple if you're using a caboo for example). Dress right down. Vest top for you and just a nappy and vest for baby. You can always add on a pair of socks or a cardigan around you both if the temperature drops. Be aware of the type of fabric too. The natural fibres such as cotton and linen are most breathable.
5. Cool sling.
There are some really awesome "cool" versions of lots of our favourite slings. For a great buckle carrier, I love the beco gemini cool and the Tula coast.
For a cool wrap, anything with linen or a gauze ring sling like a wrapamore are AMAZING.
And a lovely thin, bamboo cotton stretchy sling like this Joy and Joe can make newborn babywearing with a stretchy easier in the warm.
6. Sunscreen. When it's super sunny, get the sun cream on. I love the green people sun cream. No nasties in it, and it's coral reef friendly. It's pricey but a really great option, especially for young sensitive skin. When babywearing, quite often the sling will make babies clothing ride up a bit (eg trouser legs) so I always suncream higher than the trouser or t-shirt line, just in case.
https://www.greenpeople.co.uk/shop/by-product/organic-sun-lotion/organic-children-sun-lotion-spf30-scent-free-150ml
7. Hat. A sun hat is a must but so is one with a strap. Because while back carrying, have you ever managed to get a hat back on? Nope, not me. I love this frugi hat
And if your baby absolutely hates hats, get a really wide brimmed one for yourself that covers you both!
8. Muslin. Handy for several reasons, mopping up sweat (nice). Rinsing with water and wiping you down. Covering legs which are exposed to the sun...I love these giant ones
9. Positions in the sling. Back carries and hip carries are often a bit cooler than a full front carry. So if your baby is old enough have a try with those. Check out my video for a buckle hip carry here
Or try a passes spread front wrap cross carry with a woven wrap.
Or arms out in a buckle carrier with a bigger baby. And if you'd like some more help, come along to the next sling library session and we will happily help you figure out the coolest way to carry!
10. Skin to skin. Maybe you're thinking that'll be a bit sticky? Well, with a younger baby, carrying them skin to skin will actually help regulate their temperature and is really soothing. This can be particularly calming on a hot day if they are unsettled.
I'd love to hear any of your top tips for staying cool!
And if you've found this helpful, this blog is up for an award, and we'd be super grateful for your vote 😘http://www.essexmums.com/awards/voting/
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