Wearing babes in hot weather « Back to Group Discussions

[triple07]

What are your favorite baby carriers for hot weather. I have a bamberoo but the fabric is so thick & heavy, & a cozy, while less thick/heavy is still too much for hot El Paso summers. What carriers do you girls have/want for summer.

I have never used a ring sling but am willing to try. I am interested in maybe a moby wrap or something similar.

Also, I cannot afford those awesome but super expensive baby carriers.

[XanaduMama]

For really hot weather (ie, North Carolina in May-September with a chunky 6mo), I found that the coolest were those in which baby was not directly against my skin: so a pouch sling or ring sling. I used my pouch sling a lot when ds was that age and able to sit up kangaroo-style, but had trouble finding one that fitted me properly, so never really used it with dd at all.

Apart from the sweatiness factor, my go-to carriers were/are my Kozy mei tai (wore dd in that continuously from her birth--in NC--in March through the Mississippi summer, and was fine with it) and the Ergo once they're bigger, esp for back carries. I hated every wrap I tried--too hot, too much fabric, too unwieldy and not enough support for my chunky babes.

As for cost, I'd look on craigslist (got to move fast, though) or consignment stores. Around here, there are often Ergos (for eg) in the consignment stores at a more reasonable cost, though they go quickly. I got mine in '06 when they were $75 new, which I thought was outrageous at the time; now, they're a lot more than that (though prettier, too!). If you're crafty, you could make yourself a pouch or a mei tai quite easily, I'd imagine (not being at all crafty myself).

[MaerynPearl]

With my last I used my Moby wrap all this past summer, she was considerably larger than newborn but there are plenty of different ways you can wrap it that allow for baby and yourself to not have skin-to-skin contact, plus the organic Moby breathes REALLY well, never had an issue with sweating in it. If I wasn't using that, it was usually just a homemade sling made out of a length of cloth tied over my shoulder (I have about 5 to match different outfits because the cloth was so cheap)

I do feel the need to note that the slings that just go over one shoulder (like the ones I made) and hold the baby in a C shape should NOT be used with babies who do not have neck control. They pose a suffocation hazard, even when mommy is paying attention to baby. They are great for older babies though.

[BigMamaBear]

I like the good old maya wrap because I can hold the tail up over their head as a sun shelter, and the fabric is soft and breathable. 

[stegenrae]

My boys were both born at the end of March, which in KC means they were only about 8 weeks before the heat/humidity kicked in with gusto. I LOVED my Maya Wrap, and wore them upright--their heads were pretty much directly under my chin. You can arrange the cloth with bitty ones to support their heads, too. I also loved the tail for some added sun protection (them AND me!). 

I think I'm going to try out a "uniform" for most of the summer: various color nursing tanks with coordinating Moby wraps (or knockoffs made from just buying a length of cotton jersey or gauzy material, SPOC-like). I remember a friend doing that with her July baby and thinking it was ingenious. ;) Paired with a jersey skirt, it especially looks put together. 

Pouch slings and I only get along around 12-18 months, and then we return to having no use for one another. :P

[DecemberSun]

Originally Posted by BigMamaBear 

I like the good old maya wrap because I can hold the tail up over their head as a sun shelter, and the fabric is soft and breathable. 

 Yep.  And the tail can be used as a nursing cover, or a blanky for their legs if it does get chilly. 

I live in AZ.  It's not just hot here in the summer, it is HOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!    But I've never had an issue babywearing in the heat.  I even used a fleece pouch with my 3 mo old at Disneyworld in May and she was perfectly comfortable.  I have a Kozy, which is great when they're a little older, and woven or fleece pouch slings that are ok after you get the hang of them...   

BUT, if I had to pick a favorite it'd be my Maya.  It's just easy, tried and true.  And not bulky to keep in the bag or car.  I can use it from newborn on up, in several different carries.  LOVE mine.    

[LindyGirl]

I haven't tried this one yet, but I've been checking out the Baby K'Tan. It looks pretty lightweight, and has much less fabric than most wraps. http://www.babyktan.com

For my other July baby, I used a stretchy hemp fleece Pea in the Pod pouch, which isn't being made anymore, but I loved it. (Although yes, it was hot.) I also had a cotton stretch pouch, which was cooler, but less supportive overall.

[lbkw]

I own the baby K'tan. I think I shrunk it in the wash, though so it's a little snug. I didn't have it when DD was newborn though so I'm looking forward to trying it out. It's pink so if this baby is a boy, I may tie dye it! It is pretty easy to use, though.

[lbkw]

So I keep obsessing about how I've been totally miserable at baby-wearing for my first 2 kids. I feel like I have a relatively short torso and my boobs get so big that it's so crowded. I own an ergo, but never used it for an infant. It confuses me with all of the buckles and stuff. I gave it to a friend and told her that chances are I won't ask for it back. I have the k'tan that I got on sale somewhere, but I think I shrunk it. It might still be good for a newborn. I'm only about 5'2" and get up to F/G when nursing. I feel like everyone who baby-wears is tall or if they are short have no boobs that get in the way. I know there have to be other shorties like me who are successful...right. I'm also notorious for buying something (not cheap) that I'm sure will work and then never using it. (hence the ergo going to a friend)

[XanaduMama]

Just FTR, I'm about 5'2" as well, and somewhat chesty--a C right now, but I get up to a DD at least when nursing. And I love babywearing! The mei tai was my go-to carrier when dd was little, like I said, and I love the Ergo once they're bigger and especially for back carries (the MT is less comfortable on the back, at least for me). There are only 2 buckles on the Ergo--around your waist and behind your neck; really easy once you get into the swing of it and have everything adjusted to fit you. A pouch or ring sling might be the answer for you, if you're worried about things being "crowded," but you've got to make sure it fits you (not too long) and that baby's positioned right.

[DecemberSun]

lbkw- do you have a babywearing group or store in your area that could help you with different styles/carries?  That would be tremendously helpful, I think.  You can do an internet search for a local store, or a yahoo search for a local babywearing group.  Good luck.  :) 

[lbkw]

I could try LLL. They have meetings nearby. There are no convenient stores with a variety of baby wearing options. I am not too far from NYC where I always see in the store locators. I am just kind of lazy. I like to try to figure things out myself and order online. Clearly not the most effective way.

[DecemberSun]

LLL might be helpful, as well as checking the Finding Your Tribe section here, and asking if a mama would be willing to help.  :)  I just know that babywearing has a learning curve, and it's so easy to get frustrated because it hurts or is uncomfortable, and it's so helpful knowing what you're doing wrong/right.  I started babywearing with a Maya when my son was 5 months old and I had to keep moving or he'd want out.  He never liked being swaddled either, so I think it was a personality thing, lol.  I started with my DD when she was born and she'd just chill forever in there.  Made it so much easier to get things done that time around!  She learned so much just by hanging out, front facing, watching me cook or do whatever.  I'd hate for a mama or baby to miss out on that if it was a simple fix like a strap placement or something, yk?  I know for Maya Wraps you can find a DVD online showing the different carries and placements, maybe you could youtube search your specific carrier for ideas/info?

ETA: <-----  That's my DD with my DH (on the right), and her little best friend and her Daddy, being worn in pouches at the lake.  It was SO helpful when DH started babywearing, so I could get a break sometimes from my booby-obsessed babies.  :D   

[WendyJo410]

I wore DS all through the summer (he was 5-8 months) and it gets pretty hot here. I typically use a Stochenweige wrap for 99% of the time, but when it got really hot, I bought a Bali Baby Breeze from Diana at www.wrapyourbaby.com  - she's fantastic and runs sales constantly if you're on her email list or like her facebook page. It's not really soft, but it's really thin, airy and sturdy. :) We didn't start using the ERGO until DS was 8-9 months, and even then, it's typically just DH that wears him in that. I prefer the front wrap cross carry for the first few months - it's easy to nurse in, easy for them to sleep and just move a part of the shoulder strap over half of their face once they knock out.

Here's the link to the summer wraps: http://wrapyourbaby.com/balibabybreeze.html

Reagan - I like the idea of coordinating colors... I just don't think I'm that motivated. I had DH get me a new Storchy for Christmas (or at least I hope) - those things are so beautiful all on their own that they go with everything! :)

[tibeca]

I am 5'0" with H breasts. I successfully babywear. :)

I love my sleeping baby productions ring slings. I have both a linen (For hot weather) and a modal (for cooler weather). Her prices are great and her materials are beautiful. I also own 3 mei tais I made, a stretchy wrap I also made. I like the linen ring sling for most summer things. BUT, if we'll be out for a while (like a zoo trip), then I use my cotton stretchy wrap.

I prefer my mei tais for larger babies/toddlers.

-Tibeca

(amaya 3, Kamlyn 1, Due July 31)

[lbkw]

Originally Posted by tibeca 

I am 5'0" with H breasts. I successfully babywear. :)

I love my sleeping baby productions ring slings. I have both a linen (For hot weather) and a modal (for cooler weather). Her prices are great and her materials are beautiful. I also own 3 mei tais I made, a stretchy wrap I also made. I like the linen ring sling for most summer things. BUT, if we'll be out for a while (like a zoo trip), then I use my cotton stretchy wrap.

I prefer my mei tais for larger babies/toddlers.

-Tibeca

(amaya 3, Kamlyn 1, Due July 31)

Someone did recommend the SBP slings to me when I was looking for DD. I was a little overwhelmed by the choices. I will definitely look into her products again. Thanks!

 

[triple07]

Originally Posted by WendyJo410 

I wore DS all through the summer (he was 5-8 months) and it gets pretty hot here. I typically use a Stochenweige wrap for 99% of the time, but when it got really hot, I bought a Bali Baby Breeze from Diana at www.wrapyourbaby.com  - she's fantastic and runs sales constantly if you're on her email list or like her facebook page. It's not really soft, but it's really thin, airy and sturdy. :) We didn't start using the ERGO until DS was 8-9 months, and even then, it's typically just DH that wears him in that. I prefer the front wrap cross carry for the first few months - it's easy to nurse in, easy for them to sleep and just move a part of the shoulder strap over half of their face once they knock out.

Here's the link to the summer wraps: http://wrapyourbaby.com/balibabybreeze.html

Reagan - I like the idea of coordinating colors... I just don't think I'm that motivated. I had DH get me a new Storchy for Christmas (or at least I hope) - those things are so beautiful all on their own that they go with everything! :)

I have been wanting a BBB since I was pregnant with DS2. I was absolutely obsessed with their Aphrodite wrap. I am thinking I will try to find one gently used for this babe.