Baby wearing in summer can be a wonderful way to stay connected with your little one while still enjoying outdoor activities and far off holidays, but it also brings some unique challenges. As temperatures rise, many parents wonder what their baby should wear in a sling to stay cool and comfortable. Baby wearing in hot weather requires a bit of planning to ensure your baby stays safe, well-ventilated, and happy. In this post, we’ll share tips for choosing the right clothing, fabrics, and carriers to make baby wearing in summer a breeze for both you and your baby.

If you’ve purchased a Hana Baby wrap then you have already got the best baby wrap for summer. Our Organic bamboo slings are just made for baby wearing in heat, and designed to help you out parenting in hot weather. The Hana Baby sling is one of the best lightweight baby carriers for summer. Not only does our organic bamboo fabric keep you cool with it’s breathable and moisture wicking weave. The bamboo fabric has a natural UV filter in it and had antibacterial properties making it perfect for your summer newborn.

Both our Expand carrier and Hana Baby wrap are made from Organic material, and we’ve always had comfort at the heart of our ergonomic designs. Baby carriers for older babies can be bulky but our Expand baby carrier is the perfect baby carrier for hot weather. Made from Organic cotton which is a natural fibre that allows air to circulate easily. This breathability helps release heat and moisture from the skin, preventing that sticky, sweaty feeling.

Whilst our Baby wrap and carrier’s have been made and designed to keep you as cool as can be Let’s talk about other ways you can safely babywearing in the heat.

The Best Baby Wrap for Summer

If you’ve purchased a Hana Baby Wrap, you’re already off to the best possible start. Our organic bamboo baby wraps were made with summer in mind. Lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, bamboo is one of the best fabrics for keeping cool during hot weather. Plus, it has natural UV filtering and antibacterial properties, perfect for those little summer adventures with your newborn.

For parents of older babies or toddlers, our Hana Expand Carrier is a brilliant summer choice too. Made from soft organic cotton, it allows air to circulate freely, no heavy padding or synthetic fabric to worry about. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a lightweight baby carrier for hot weather that still offers the support you need.

We’ve designed our wraps and carriers to be as breathable and ergonomic as possible, because being comfortable means more snuggles, longer walks, and fewer meltdowns (from both of you!).

How to Dress Baby for Hot Weather Babywearing

This is a question I get asked all the time, and with good reason. Overheating is a real concern in warm weather, especially for little ones. Here’s the golden rule: you count as a layer, and so does your sling or carrier.

So, if your baby is wearing a vest and sleepsuit, and you’re carrying them in a wrap, that’s already four layers. On a warm day, that can be far too much. I always suggest going as light as possible. A single layer like a short-sleeved vest is often enough, or just a nappy if you’re in full shade and want to keep things extra cool.

Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and bamboo are your best friends. They allow airflow, absorb moisture, and are less likely to irritate delicate skin.

Can I Use Sunscreen on My Baby?

Babies under 6 months shouldn’t wear sunscreen, so you’ll need to protect them in other ways. Here are a few easy ideas that work really well:

• Use a muslin cloth tucked into your sling to create shade over their legs or arms.

• Pop on a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap (if they’ll let you!).

• Wear a big sun hat yourself, it offers some extra shade for baby too.

• Bring along a UV parasol or lightweight sunshade for walks.

And always pack a change of clothes in case your baby gets sweaty or the temperature drops. Being prepared is half the battle!

Babywearing Safety in Summer

Your usual babywearing safety checks still apply, make sure baby’s airways are clear, chin off their chest, and they’re sitting high and snug against you. (If you need a refresher, we’ve got a full post on the T.I.C.K.S. safety guidelines right here.)

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for signs your baby might be too warm:

• They’re flushed, sweaty, fussy or overly sleepy

• Their chest, neck or back feels hot to the touch

• They’re crying or squirming in a way that feels different

It’s all about tuning into your instincts, taking breaks, and keeping hydrated.

Our Top Summer Babywearing Tips

• Avoid the midday sun, try early mornings or late afternoons for walks.
• Keep hydration in mind. Breastfed babies might want to feed more often, and you’ll need extra water too.
• Check in often, a quick feel of their back or neck will tell you how they’re doing.
• Don’t forget to create your own shade where you can.
• Give yourselves regular breaks. Let baby stretch out, cool off, and reset.

Final Thoughts

Summer babywearing really can be joyful, with the right carrier, a bit of planning, and a lot of grace. Whether you’re off to the beach, wandering a local market, or just popping to the park, being hands-free while staying close to your baby is always worth it.

And remember, if you ever have questions about safe babywearing or need help adjusting your sling, we’re always just a message away. No question is ever silly, we’re parents too, and we’ve all needed that extra reassurance at times.

Explore our summer-friendly baby wraps and carriers here, and let us help you carry through the sunshine.

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