Kiddofreedom

Baby Carriers for Summer Hot Weather Walks

Baby wearing is a great way to stay in touch with your baby no matter what the weather of the day looks like. Whether it’s a cold and chilly winter day or a sweltering hot summer day during travel to a tropical climate, there’s always a baby-safe and comfortable baby carrier to use. But which are the best baby carriers for summer-hot weather walks out there?

Related: How to Make a Baby Carrier

Sometimes it is a highly breathable hot weather baby wrap or a lightweight summer-walks structured carrier designed to keep babies cool and happy.

Whatever you end up choosing, make sure it’ll keep your kiddo comfortable and safe. But which is the best baby carrier for summer weather?

I’ve personally used a bunch of slings, wraps, and soft-structured baby carriers at different times of year. And I’ve formed an opinion as to which options work best for summertime walks and hiking expeditions with your baby.

*Disclosure: I earn a small commission for qualifying purchases if you buy via my affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

IMO, the BabyBjörn FREE 3D Mesh Soft-structured Baby Carrier is one of the best baby carriers for summertime use. It’s not the most affordable option out there, but it breathes extremely well thanks to the all-mesh material it’s made from.

The carrier is also lightweight, supremely sturdy, generously padded, and comfortably supportive. Plus, it’s great for bad backs thanks to the amazing back support it offers. What’s more, washing it is as easy as tossing it in the washing machine and running a warm water cycle and then air-drying it.

BabyBjorn carrier for summer useIf you prefer a ring sling carrier for financial or style reasons, the Vlokup Baby Water Ring Sling Carrier is a good bet. This choice is super-light, soft, amazingly breathable (crafted from mesh), and not too hard to figure out if you follow the provided instructions manual. It’s also machine-washable and quick-drying, the kind you want for wading into cool pools.

cheap baby sling with baby in

And the sweetest part of this deal? It comes in at an unbelievable price for the quality. And no, slippage never happens provided you tie correctly.

How to Choose the Right Hot-Weather Baby Carrier (Or Sling/Wrap)

There are different kinds of baby carriers out there. Plus there’s all sorts of designs, brands, and fabrics to choose from, which makes the buying process that much involved. Fortunately, I’ve put together a summer baby carrier buying guide so you can spend less time shopping and more time walking around and bonding with your baby.

Carrier Type: Soft-structured Carriers, Slings, and Wraps, Which Do You Need?

There are 3 main types of baby carriers namely structured baby carriers, baby slings, and baby wraps. And it’s important to decide which style you like, one that’ll keep your toddler cool and comfortable on hot humid days.

Soft-structured Carriers/Buckle Baby Carriers (SSCs)

When moms talk about baby carriers, what they’re usually talking about is structured carrier. This is a solid carrier with a soft but sturdy carrying panel, straps, and buckles.

The best soft-structured carriers offer multiple carrying positions, which makes them usable from birth through toddlerhood. Note that with some structured options, you may have to separately buy an insert for baby support and better head control.

Parents everywhere love soft-structured carriers because they’re pretty easy to use and adjust for size and comfort. But their biggest advantage is that they’re supper supportive and safe.

As long as you buckle in and strap the baby correctly (as per manufacturer’s manual), this carrier should tote baby comfortably and safely. However, options that let you hip carry can be a little tricky to use.

These are the best baby carriers for hiking because they provide tons of lumbar support and other kinds of padded support. This makes them parents’ favorite choice for walking and hiking. They’re also really durable, highly adjustable, and a great choice for long-term babywearing.

Pros of Structured Carriers

  • Easy to use; simply load baby, work the buckles/straps and you’re good to go
  • Most supportive baby carrier type
  • The best ones offer multiple carrying positions
  • Long lasting and best choice for long-term baby wearing and hiking

Cons

  • Can be pretty expensive
  • Hip carries can be somewhat fiddly

Baby Wraps

There are woven baby wraps and stretchy wraps.Wraps may not be as easy to use as their structured counterparts. However, they’re lighter, thinner, cheaper, softer, and easily conform to the shape of the baby’s body.

Woven Baby Wraps

Even though are woven carriers, they have a decent amount of give diagonal-wise which enables them easy to mold around babies.

Wraps come with one HUGE advantage: you never have to worry about size. They fit all babies regardless of size and back height.

Used for single-shoulder and two-shoulder carries, wraps come in all kinds of stylish designs and fabric choices. There are 100% cotton or linen wraps as well as silk, wool, and hemp.

Since these are woven fabrics, they don’t stretch that much. Wool baby wraps are quite cuddly and soft, but they’re not the most common — cotton, linen, and hemp blends are.

They make for safe (tip: be sure to learn how to SAFELY tie the specific wrap you have) front carries, hip carries, and back carries. Some come in backpack-like designs and are predominantly suited for back carries. Again, learn how to correctly use the wrap you end up buying as it’s not rare for the ends to come undone, releasing the baby!

They’re available in all kinds of sizes ranging from 4.6 meters to 7 meters. Many moms find that size 6 (6 meter wraps) wraps work well for them.

Pros of  Woven Baby Wraps

  • One size fits all design
  • Don’t stretch, lending themselves to back, hip, and front carries
  • Available in a wide variety of designs, fabrics, and colors
  • Good for hip, side, and back carries

Cons

  • Ever-present risk of the ends coming undone and baby falling
  • Using them can be tricky, but there’s tons of helpful YT videos

Stretchy Baby Wraps

These ones are usually made from soft and stretchy cotton fabrics and are best suited for side and front carries. Since they’re stretchy, they may not always keep baby close and snug enough. That’s why they’re NOT GOOD for back carries or for carrying heavy babies.

They allow for hands-free carries in the first couple of months after birth so you can do other things while babywearing. Plus you can comfortably sit with baby still wrapped up because these fabrics so easily mold around the body.

Pros

  • Are soft and stretchy, which makes them super comfortable
  • Good for chest carries and side carries
  • Lets mom sit down with newborn baby still worn
  • Good for toting newborns
  • Work for parents with different frame sizes

Cons

  • Not ideal for big, heavy babies
  • Unsuitable for back carries

Baby Ring Slings

Typically designed for one-shoulder carries, ring slings are pretty much woven baby wraps. But unlike wraps, they have double rings sewn onto one end of the fabric to hold it in place during babywearing. Like wraps, ring slings are available in a vast variety colorful fabrics and wearing styles.

One advantage ring slings have over wraps is that they’re easier to use. You don’t need to learn any kind of complex sling tying technique to use them. Plus, they’re designed to adjust to the body of baby and babywearer, making them a good bet for different sized parents.

It’s pretty easy to get newborns and playful toddlers in and out the pouch. And since they’re not too hard to learn, many dads have no trouble using them.

Hubby used to love slinging our son around in this carrier type during our babywearing days. And he never asked for help using any of them. Dude never learned how to use any of the bunch of wraps we owned though.

Are baby slings safe? According to Mayo Clinic, baby slings can be a safe way to carry a baby around if the parent follow safety guidelines. However, slings can be a suffocation risk to newborns aged 0-4 months. Also, slings can keep babies curled in a C shape, and this can make breathing difficult.

Australian doctors and even the CPSC also warn parents to fit slings and carriers carefully as they may cause serious problems including death.

Safety Tips When Using a Baby Sling

  • Check your slings regularly for wear and tear.
  • Make sure all the seams are sturdy and that all fasteners are effective and safe.
  • Avoid bending at the waist with the baby still on your back, side, or front; instead, bend at the knees.
  • Check the minimum and maximum weight limit of the sling before using it.
  • Make sure that you can see your baby’s face at all times, and that the sling’s fabric NEVER comes into contact with baby’s mouth and nose to avoid suffocation hazards.

Pros of Baby Ring Slings

  • Easier to use compared to wraps
  • Available in different designs, fabrics, and colors
  • Good for newborns and toddlers
  • Designed for one-shoulder carries

Cons

  • Harder to use than structured carriers
  • Some doctors believe that slings are unsafe
  • Slings can pose a suffocation hazard for babies in the 0-4 month age range

Structured Carriers vs Slings and Wraps

Even though structured carriers are pricier and parents face sizing issues, they’re easier to use versus slings and wraps. They’re also the safest type of carrier you can get, outlast slings and wraps. And you can use them from birth through toddlerhood.

However, structured carriers are bulkier and not as thin as wraps and slings. And in general, structured options are somewhat less breathable compared to wraps and slings. That said, some of the most comfortable and breathable carriers for summertime babywearing have a structured design.

Since they’re the safest and most durable bet, I recommend SSCs for both summer and winter babywearing. What if money is a little tight? You can always grab a stylish sling or a cool wrap and still enjoy being out and about with your LO.

Carrier Fabric: Which Material is Best for Summer Weather Babywearing?

99% of baby carriers is fabric. But which fabric is the best option for toting a tyke in hot weather? The most suitable fabric for wearing a baby in hot weather is one that breathes incredibly well while also being thin pretty thin, strong, and lightweight.

This kind of carrier material is full of tiny pores that receive cool air from outside while releasing warm air. With this kind of swing, baby wrap, or carrier, you and your baby don’t end up with sweaty, sticky skin. And comfort is the most important thing when it comes to wearing your LO on a hot summer day.

100% cotton is the most common baby carrier/sling/wrap fabric. Blends between cotton and other materials such as hemp, linen, wool, cashmere, silk, bamboo, and viscose are are also worthy materials.

If you’re wondering which is the best fabric for babywearing newborns and young babies, it’s 100% cotton or a cotton/bamboo blend. I’ve also seen cotton/wool/cashmere/silk blends, and these are some of the best fabrics for babywearing in warm summer weather.

A wrap made from this combination of materials is ultra-lightweight, super soft, extremely supple, and unbelievably breathable. Plus, baby carrier manufacturers get to make all kinds of amazing textures

Linen vs Cotton for Baby Carrier, Which is Better?

Linen and cotton are manufactured in the same way and both are summertime fabrics. Same fiber processing machinery and equipment. Same technical processes including spinning, carding, weaving, and warping. Also, the manufacturer uses the same kinds of chemical additives.

Both fibers are manufactured from natural fibers (plant fibers). They’re natural fabrics. It’s hard to say which fabric is the better option. Each fiber has its own unique characteristics, and it’s up to you to decide which fiber properties matter more to you.

Cotton is Warmer, Fluffier, Stronger, and Costlier

Cotton is fluffier and softer than linen. And babies really love soft, fluffy fabrics because they’re super comfortable even in blazing hot summer weather. It’s also warmer than linen, which makes it somewhat the better choice for when the weather gets cooler.

Linen Is Cooler/More Breathable, Lighter, But Pricier

As for linen, it scores better in the breathability, longevity, weight, and moisture wicking departments. Even though many people prefer cotton carriers for their little ones, I prefer linen baby carriers because they’re cooler and comfier in warm weather and climates.

While cotton is warmer and lasts longer than linen, it’s less breathable than compared to linen. Its being more porous comes from the fact that linen’s fibers have a hollow structure. It’s also because textile mills usually weave linen fibers loosely, creating pockets that increase breathability. That’s why linen is the better option for making baby carrier fabric.

One drawback of linen is that it shrinks quite easily and doesn’t behave very well when tossed in the dryer. Plus, linen costs more to produce compared to cotton. Aside from the higher cost, linen beats cotton in terms of suitability as a baby carrier fabric.

Modal/rayon is stretches a bit and wicks sweat pretty well, keeping the body of the kid nice and cool. In fact, modal is one of the best moisture-wicking fabrics out there.

Pros of Linen

  • More breathable
  • Cooler than cotton
  • Lightweight, lighter than cotton

Cons of Linen

  • More expensive to produce compared to cotton
  • Shrinks more
  • Stiffer than cotton
  • Doesn’t respond well to machine-drying

Pros Cotton

  • Stronger and more durable than linen
  • Cheaper than linen
  • Shrinks less compared to linen
  • Can be machine-dried on low heat

Cons of Cotton

  • Warmer than linen especially if the fabric is pretty thick
  • Heavier than linen

Padding and Support

When it comes babywearing using a structured baby carrier, more padding around the shoulders and other weight-concentrated areas on the parent’s body means more comfort. Nothings irks more than shoulder straps and waist straps with thin padding.

Such straps tend to dig into the skin of both baby and parent, making the walk pretty uncomfortable. The best options provide decent shoulder padding, waist-belt padding, and lumbar support. But more and better padding bumps up the product’s price.

Comfort and Carrying Positions

You want a carrier that totes your tyke around in a comfortable, natural position (the so-called frog position. With such carriers, the baby’s bum, thighs, and legs form the letter M once the baby is strapped in.

Also, you want to pick something that’s baby hip-safe. Something that’s been approved by a credible body such as the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. A good example of baby hip-friendly carriers for summer use are the Ergobaby carriers.

There isn’t too much pressure around the baby’s crotch. This kind keeps the knees at an upper position than the bum while keeping the LO’s back curved like the letter C rather than straight and stiff.

Some carriers provide a front carry with baby facing outward and a back carry. Others offer a front carry with baby facing parent as well a back carry. The rest offer multiple carrying positions: a back carry, a front carry with baby facing inward, a front carry with facing facing rearward, and a hip carry.

If two options are in the same price range, definitely go with the one with more carrying positions if it checks all/most of the other boxes.

Baby Carrier Size and Adjustability

Size matters when it comes to baby carriers. If the carrier you end up choosing won’t fit your baby and your body right, it’d be unsuitable for use in any kind of outdoor weather conditions.

You need something that’s comfortable to wear. An option that’s neither too small that it squeezes your and baby’s body nor too roomy that the baby slips right out and drops to the ground! Choosing the wrong size baby carrier can seriously compromise child safety so take care and pick an option that fits you and your baby perfectly well.

Babies grow insanely, like every passing day. Unless you’re for summer-friendly baby slings and wraps, make sure to buy an expandable baby carrier. A size adjustable carrier evolves as your little angel does, which makes it possible to pick one solid good carrier that outlasts your baby’s carrier-needing stages.

Are the Different Baby Carrier Sizes?

Yes, there are different sizes when it comes to baby carriers. There are baby size or newborn sized carrier meant for use from birth. I read somewhere that babies under the age of 4 don’t have strong-enough necks and face the risk of neck injuries if toted around in a carrier. Remember that.

Then there’s standard sized baby carriers designed for 4-month-olds up to 24-month-old kids. The next size category is the toddler sized carriers made for toddlers in the 18-36 months range. And if you need to get around with a preschooler strapped onto your back or front for whatever reason, you can always turn to child carriers.

Many baby carrier manufacturers state the age range their pouch is best suited for, but the best way to know for sure if it will fit your baby is to walk into a baby shop and have the attendants there fit your kiddo for a carrier. If purchasing online, you may want to read reviews written by parents like me and others about how a particular pick fits.

How a Baby Carrier Should Fit

A good baby carrier fit fosters normal hip development. The correct fit keeps the baby visible to you at all times. The kid’s hips should stay bent and the legs should straddle your body. Also, the knees should spread out rather than point into the parent’s back, and the thighs should have adequate support.

If the fit is right, it feels comfortable to you and your baby. And your baby should be able to move the head, arms, and legs without hindrance. I’d encourage you to visit a baby gear shop and ask the staff there to help you fit the sling, wrap, or carrier correctly.

Baby Carrier Standards

If you’re based out in Australia, you may already know that the country doesn’t have any baby-carrier specific standards to guide parents’ buying decision. But if you’re in the Eurozone, check the product’s description for the Eurpean Standard EN13209-2:2005. And if you live across the pond in the United States, keep an eye out for the ASTM F2236-08.

Brand and Price

Babyjorn, Boba, Ergobaby, Moby, Infantino are all decent brands that many parents like. Read individual summer baby carrier reviews to learn what other parents say about the product’s suitability and safety. As for price, expect to pay $20-$600 for good slings and wraps and $100-$200-ish for good soft-structured baby carriers. In the end, it’s your budget that determines which option to pick.

5 Best Warm Weather Baby Carriers

Here’s the list:

1. BabyBjörn New Baby Carrier One Air 2019 Edition

For me, the BabyJorn Air One 2019 isn’t the best baby carrier ever designed. But if you’re looking for something that’ll fit a 300-pound six footer and works superbly in warm or hot climate, this is it. I know a guy this big, and this is the baby carrier he wears when out and about with his equally big kid.

breathable summer baby carrier

The straps adjust well for front and back carries, and the seat is wide and roomy. And you can make the Air One 2019 fit a smaller parent or a larger one. If you’re petite and hubby/wife is big, this should work well for the both of you.

One thing that the Air One 2019 carrier gets right is comfort when the weather gets hot and humid. If you’ve ever worn a baby carrier that wouldn’t breathe at all in the summer, I’m sure you still remember how uncomfortable it soon got.

This carrier consists entirely of 3D mesh, a highly breathable material (polyester). The material keeps both you and baby cool in hot summer weather and dries pretty quickly. Plus, an extremely breathable mesh stays between mom and baby, keeping things even cooler. Unfortunately, this separating mesh makes nursing baby a tad more challenging.

Nothing about the product feels cheap. Everything feels like high quality because it is. It’s a sturdy carrier, one that should last long with proper care. And yes, it’s machine-washable.

The One doesn’t need inserts for newborns. In fact, no BabyJorn carrier needs newborn inserts. The carrier is wearable right from birth all the way through toddlerhood.

But why did BabyJorn make this “improved” carrier? They say they needed to give parents a new design that simplified folding the head support down to get it out of the way in the forward-facing carrying position.

The improved design features two strings that the parent tightens to get the head support out of the way. When parents work these strings, head support gets out of the way, but not without bunching up awkwardly so that the design improvement makes little difference.

Also, adjusting the straps tends to get them tighter than intended. But that’s not all. There’s NO STORAGE whatsoever on this $200+ baby carrier, like seriously BabyJorn?

Finally, I wonder why this company had to “improve” the original X design of the back straps. The new design’s straps tend to cut into the caregiver’s body and don’t offer much support.

As a result, the waist straps step in to provide as much support as they can. But this soon starts feeling uncomfortable. If you experience back pain, look for something else. Babyjorn, why improve a design that works great?

Pros

  • Made entirely of extremely breathable 3D mesh
  • Fits even the largest moms and dads
  • Easy adjustments for front and back carries
  • Wide, adjustable baby seat
  • A well-made, sturdy, durable carrier
  • No newborn inserts needed
  • Head support stays out of the way
  • Machine washable with warm water

Cons

  • Zero storage space available at this price point
  • Head support not simple to adjust
  • Not enough back support

2. BABYBJÖRN Free 3D Mesh Baby Carrier

The BabyBjörn FREE 3D is one of the most comfortable baby carriers I’ve worn. The shoulder straps and back support work extremely well on this one and my shoulders and back don’t experience pressure.

babyjorn hot weather structured carrier

The shoulder straps are thick and plush padded. Plus they’re adjustable for different wearer sizes. If you’re a tall parent and wondering if this BabyBjörn baby carrier works for six footers or taller parents, wonder no more. It does. In my experience and that of many parents in my social circles and on parenting communities online, BabyBjorn baby carriers are the best deal for big moms and dads.

Do you see that piece of fabric hanging around the bottom of this carrier? That fabric allows you to create as much seating room as baby needs. If baby is bigger, you won’t have much fabric left and if they’re on the smaller side of size, you’ll have more of it hanging. This carrier grows with baby, and it’s meant for kids from birth up to around month 15. Its maximum weight limit hovers around 26.5 pounds.

But what I appreciate most about this carrier is how breathable it is when worn in warm weather. Like the Air One 2019, the FREE 3D is made entirely from mesh (100% polyester). The numerous tiny holes on the mesh let cool air from outside get in and warm air get out, creating a really nice cooling effect for you and baby.

And now the bad: Even though lower back support is great, adjusting the waist support belt can be challenging to open. It’s difficult to take this carrier off. It’s difficult to the point I have to step out of it after loosening the lower back support belt. It seems like a serious design flaw to me, something this brand needs to improve ASAP.

Another thing I’d like to see improved is the way the carrier’s top part folds over. If your baby likes to enjoy the world around them, you’ll soon hate how the top keeps flopping back up after you fold it over. If these shortcomings seem like a deal breaker, definitely buy something else. But this is one of the most summer-friendly baby carriers ever made.

Pros

  • Easy to wash and dries quickly
  • Breathes extremely in warm weather
  • Adjusts to accommodate growing babies
  • Can be shared between petite and plus size parents
  • Well-made and super durable
  • Easy to wash: machine washable with warm water
  • Adjustable back support and amazing shoulder support

Cons

  • Only useable until month 15
  • Waist strap difficult to open
  • Top part of carrier struggles to stay in place once folded over

3. Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier: Best Summer Ring Sling

baby in a breathable linen wrap

I’ve encountered a bunch of baby slings that just didn’t work, but the Nalakai Ring Sling isn’t one of those. This sling comes from Pura Vida, a small family-owned business founded by a mommy named Anne Ferris. It looks stylish — I bet strangers will keep asking where you bought it.

If you like (and you probably should) supporting fledgling family businesses, this mommy company deserves your dollar. Not only is their customer service great, but they also make well-fitting, supportive (obviously not as supportive as soft-structured carriers), silk-soft ring slings that many moms and dads love.

Wondering how long the Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier is? This “warm sand beige” ring slings measures 85″ in length or about 2.36 yards. Well, it’s not the longest sling I’ve seen, but it should work for petite moms and average size moms and dads. But it may not fit plus-size parents as adequately.

I used this to tote my baby around from month 2, and it worked great. Threading the fabric through the rings and adjusting it for fit was easy. To give my baby the extra supported they needed around their newborn neck, I twisted the ring sling’s tail end some.

This ring is blanket-soft, softer than anything you’ve ever seen. It’s made of soft environmentally friendly bamboo blended fabric which keeps things soft and comfy even when the day’s weather is pretty warm. No more clammy skin when walking about with baby in summertime.

These slings can be safe if used properly because Pura Vida’s fully complied with all the safety standards set down by the CPSIA and ASTM. Pura Vida even have a CPSC-approved Children’s Product Certificate, which means this company takes baby safety very seriously.

This ring sling’s been tested for flammability and strength/support, and it’s strong and not easily flammable. The double rings have been tested as well and found to be free of lead. As long as you tie up the sling correctly, you can front, back, or hip-carry your baby safely and comfortably.

Pura Vida’s put out video tutorials that show moms how to use this sling. Find the videos and watch them before using.

When washing this ring sling, put it in a wash bag before tossing it in the washer to preserve its structural integrity. Use cold water and run a gentle cycle.

For the fit, style, and comfort, the price is great

Pros

  • Bamboo/linen blend, an environmentally friendly choice
  • For the fit, style, and comfort, the price is great
  • Nalakai complies with the safety standards set by the ASTM and CPSIA
  • Works superbly for petite and average size moms
  • Made by a small, family-owned business
  • Looks stylish
  • Machine-washable (put in a wash bag)

Cons

  • May not work well for plus-size parents
  • Some have questioned the safety of ring slings

4. Boba Wrap Original Stretchy Infant Carrier: Best Cotton Wrap

Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, this carrier is soft and reasonably stretchy for comfort. Like the Nalakai Ring Sling, the Boba Wrap is machine washable and therefore easy to care for.  It’s designed for infants and older kids up to 35 pounds.

babywrap for hot days

The Boba Wrap is 5.5 yards long. It’s twice as long as the Nalakai Ring Sling, which means it’s extremely long. If you’re a petite mom and are buying for a summer baby, I suggest you buy something else.

Why? Because this wrap carrier would be extremely long for you. It’d literally wear you! You’d have to wrap it around yourself and baby multiple times and end up with a bunch of layers covering the both of you. More layers means more warmth trapped in, and heat is something you’re trying to get rid of when babywearing in the summer.

One the other hand, if you’re really big, have twins, and live in a moderately warm climate, the Boba Wrap is for you. I know one plus-size mom who uses this very wrap. She’s tall and beautifully beefy, and she totes her twins in it.

It doesn’t get too hot for her and her twins since there’s less layers. And since the place never gets too hot anyway, this thing works fine for her and her tots.

For petite moms and average size folks like me, the Boba Wrap Original would be too hot for summer use. But the extra layers of fabric would keep things nice and warm when babywearing in the winter.

It’s a bit of a learning curve tying this wrap, but it’s not too hard. You won’t need to watch too many YT video tutorials to learn how to mold this wrap around you and baby. Once you get the hang of it (after a few practice ties), the wrap pretty much molds itself around the contours!

Pros

  • Extremely long: excellent for plus-size moms
  • Easy to wrap around after a few practice ties
  • Safer and more supportive than most ring slings
  • Roomy enough for twins
  • Keeps things cool in moderately warm weather (when used by big parents)
  • Great for petite and average size moms (in cool weather)

Cons

  • Can get too hot for petite moms

5. Vlokup Baby Water Ring Sling Carrier: Best Budget Summer Sling

cheap summer sling

What’s the best thing you can do with $20? Buy a nice, breathable, lightweight, quick-drying (so you can wade into pools with baby still strapped in) baby ring sling. And if you can’t seem to decide what the best budget sling is, give the Vlokup Baby Water Ring Sling a chance. It’s available in a multitude of beautiful colors so you can choose slings that work for your style.

Many moms who’ve used this ring sling like it because once you tie it securely around the sturdy aluminum rings, it keeps baby strapped in comfortably and safely. Adjusting the tail end through these rings was easier than I’d imagined. Much easier than threading through plastic rings.

I tested the ring for strength by pulling the material with lots of force. But no slippage happened and I muttered, “Ring sling baby carriers aren’t nearly as bad or unsafe as everyone would have you believe.”

I bought this cheap baby sling for one of my toddlers (they’ve grown really big since) because summer was approaching.

This option stood out to me mainly because it’s made from lightweight, net-like, 100% polyester material. And the fabric promised to keep it nice and cool when summer-babywearing and to dry fast if it got wet. The other reason was, of course, that it was insanely cheap. It dries insanely fast, the perfect choice for moms who like getting into pools with their tots.

Learning to tie this wrap wasn’t too hard. Inside the package was a detailed booklet that described clearly how to use the carrier. I followed these instructions, and I created nice womb-like support around my little one in minutes.

The sling comes with an in-built pouch into which you can slip your phone. But I’m not sure storing your keys in there would be a good idea. I believe this the best summer baby sling to buy on a budget.

Pros

  • Net-like material that breathes extremely well
  • A quick-drying carrier for wading into swimming pools with baby
  • Lightweight material that stores easily in a diaper bag
  • The rings are sturdy and hold the fabric securely if tied correctly
  • Great quality and ease-of-use for the money
  • Machine-washable and quick-drying

Cons

  • Risk of sling releasing the hold (and baby) if incorrectly tied

Hot Weather Baby Carrier FAQs

Below is answers to some of the questions our readers have frequently asked.

1. Can a Baby Get Too Hot in a Sling?

Yes, a  baby can get too hot in a sling. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent this undesirable thing from happening. Here are tips to prevent overheating in the sling: Wet a handkerchief and use it to cool your neck and your LO’s little neck.

On extremely hot days, schedule your walks to happen in the cooler portions of the day, in the morning or before dusk. And if it gets too hot mid-stroll, why not find seek protection under shades such as trees and roofs?

Alternatively, bring an umbrella. You may not look like the coolest mom on the planet, but you and your baby will stay cool. Other parents put baby’s clothes in a Ziplock bag and cool them in the fridge. When it gets too hot, they change baby into the cool clothes, which keeps both baby and parent really cool.

Another idea is to use really thin, highly breathable summer baby carriers, wraps, and slings. Hydration and spritzing parts of the body with water (hands, feet, face, hair) also helps keep things nice and cool during hot weather walks.

2.Can You Use a Baby Carrier in Hot Weather?

Yes, you can. Just make sure the carrier is suitable for warm weather use. If it’s thin, breathable, lightweight, and strong, it should be a good bet for babywearing in the summer.

3.How Do You Carry a Newborn in the Summer?

If your little one is a newborn or infant, a front carry is the best way to carry them around. A front carry is the best way to haul an infant around in a carrier because it lets you keep an eye on them while fostering lasting bonds with them. And if the kid is older, a hip carry or a back carry should be the best strategy because it keeps baby really cool when it’s warm and sunny outdoors. If you prefer wraps, understand that the fewer the layers the cooler and comfier for your baby. A kangaroo carry or rucksack is a great choice for when it gets a tad warmer.

3. Which is the Best Baby Carrier for Hot Weather?

The Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is among the finest summer carriers ever made. The fabric used to make it is thin yet amply-padded and super strong. Most importantly, this fabric breathes super well, allowing warm sweaty air to get out and cool breezes to get in. The shoulder strap is comfortable and strong, plus it comes with lumbar support for those with weak backs. It’s not cheap, and this isn’t surprisingly at all considering what this deal represents. If all the positive customer ratings online are anything to go by, it’s a great carrier for hot weather babywearing.

5. Is the Boba Wrap Good for Summer Weather?

The Boba Wrap isn’t the best summer carrier for babies. This is because it’s relatively thick when compared to others, plus it’s not the most breathable option out there. If you go with this choice, your baby will soon realize how hot things can get with the wrong baby wrap! But when it comes to baby wearing in the spring and winter/cool weather, the Boba wrap does a really good job of keep you and your baby warm and toasty.

Verdict: Which is the Best Summer Baby Carrier?

The BabyBjörn FREE 3D Mesh Carrier won because it’s made of extremely breathable 3D mesh and supports baby securely. It’s also super comfortable for parents and works for petite and big parents. And while it’s not the cheapest SSC on the market today, it’s cheaper than many that don’t come closer as far as comfort and breathability in summer weather.

Author: Esther Moni

I'm Esther Moni, a proud stay-at-home mom and a psychology graduate of the United States International University (USIU) . I hate it when anyone calls me a housewife, because what does housewife even mean? Being a mother of two babies and a pup, Bailey, as well as being Ricky's wife tires me to no end, but I still manage a smile at the end of it all. And when my boys aren't done doing mischief, I juggle writing a post on parenting or baby gear performance for this blog and running my little counselling office based out in Nairobi. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/esther.moni/">Visit my Facebook profile here</a>, and this is my <a href="https://ke.linkedin.com/in/esther-moni-3841b573/">LinkedIn profile</a>, and here's my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKcVb3NNDrURDH8C0KiAE1g/">nascent youtube channel.

Esther Moni

I'm Esther Moni, a proud stay-at-home mom and a psychology graduate of the United States International University (USIU) . I hate it when anyone calls me a housewife, because what does housewife even mean? Being a mother of two babies and a pup, Bailey, as well as being a wife tires me to no end, but I still manage a smile at the end of it all. And when my boys aren't done doing mischief, I juggle writing a post on parenting or baby gear performance for this blog and running my little counselling office based out in Nairobi. Visit my Facebook profile here, and this is my LinkedIn profile, and here's my nascent youtube channel.

Leave a Comment