Have you found your perfect carrier, only to have the season change and realize that you need a cooler option? Or do you live in a place that’s almost always warm and aren’t sure which carrier is for you? You’ve come to the right place! We have put together our favorite hot weather carriers to help you find the best baby carrier for summer for you.
Best Carrier for Hot Weather
The Best Baby Carrier for Summer
Before we dive in, let’s talk a little bit about babywearing in hot weather.
For one, recognize that no matter which you choose as a baby carrier for hot weather, you and your baby will still feel warm since your bodies are so close.
The idea is to work with your circumstance to find the best baby carrier for hot weather for you, your baby, and perhaps even your partner.
If you love a certain type, like ring slings, you might like to get another ring sling with thinner fabric since you know ring slings work for you.
Or, you might use this as an opportunity to try a different type, like a water wrap, especially if you are going on a tropical vacation.
Consider also your budget and how long you will need a good baby carrier for hot weather.
Remember that for babywearing in the water, only use a front inward-facing carry so you can insure your baby isn’t swallowing water.
So, without further ado, here are the best baby carriers for hot weather.
1. Gemini Performance Baby Carrier by Beco
The Gemini is definitely at the top of the list for the best infant carrier for hot weather.
While a bit pricey, this carrier is made with a 3D mesh panel and added ventilation for a breezy experience.
Features:
- Foldable padded built-in headrest
- Padded shoulder straps and waistband
- Wide smartphone pocket
- 4 carry positions
- Suitable for babies 7-35 lbs (no infant insert needed)
- 3D mesh panel with extra ventilation
- Machine washable
How to wear Beco Gemini Cool with a Newborn
Pros:
- Forward facing carry
- Fits newborn without infant insert
- Comfortable
- Good for year-round as well
- Adjustable (you could share this with your partner)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some articles have said it is not great for long carries
- Only comes in one color (the standard Gemini has multiple patterns available)
- Tri-lock buckles may be difficult to disconnect with one hand
If this carrier is in your budget, it’s a great choice for a cool baby carrier – especially if you prefer the convenience of soft structured carriers.
- ★ The NEW AND IMPROVED Beco Gemini has redesigned shoulder straps that feature a new safety catch! Cross the straps or wear them straight like a backpack.
- ★ Happy BABY, Happy PARENTS - Beco brings you only the very best in baby carrying quality! This remarkable Soft Structured Baby Carrier is not only versatile with four different carry options, but amazingly comfortable for both you and your little one. That paired with unmatched durability is why we’re the premier choice in ergonomic baby carriers!
- ★ FOR YOUNG AND “OLD” - When you buy Beco, you’re buying for years to come! Our innovative little carrier is designed to support your child from newborn to toddler (7-35 lbs / 3.2 - 16 kg) without worry. You don’t grow out of Beco, because we make sure that we grow with you.
- ★ IT’S YOUR PREROGATIVE - From front facing out and facing in, to hip, to back carry, you’ll be comfortable, and so will your child! Not every baby likes to be carried the same way all the time, and let’s face it, you don’t like it either! With Beco, you’ll get a wide range of comfortable carry option to use whenever you see fit, without the back pain.
2. Beachfront Baby Wrap
If you prefer wraps, you may find that the Beachfront baby wrap is the best baby wrap for hot weather.
Designed with summer in mind, you can even wear this wrap in the water without it getting too heavy.
One of it’s best features is the mesh fabric – it only stretches in one direction to prevent sagging.
Features:
- Performance athletic mesh
- Suitable for babies 8-30 lbs
- Two-shoulder weight distribution
How to use the Beachfront Baby Wrap
Pros:
- Super lightweight and breathable
- Dries quickly
- Fabric only stretches 2 ways
- Two-shoulder carry distributes weight more evenly
- Great for swimming
- Different sizes and colors available
- Less expensive
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable with older babies since the fabric is very thin
- Not as versatile as other carriers
This type is the best baby wrap carrier for summer if you plan to be in the water often. Some moms even use them in the shower to soothe a fussy baby who enjoys being in the water.
- This is the most simple form of babywearing- there are no buckles, snaps or neoprene- just a long piece of comfortable cloth with tapered ends.
- A wrap-style carrier places baby in the optimal position- high on the wearer’s chest and close enough to kiss. This is extremely important in any baby carrier but especially in any water environment.
- Beachfront Baby Wraps conform to ASTM F2907-15. This means that our wraps have undergone mandatory testing to ensure they meet the necessary safety requirements as outlined by experts in the fields of children’s product safety and babywearing safety.
3. Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier
The Nalakai ring sling has a blend of bamboo and linen that provide a strong fabric that is light weight and smooth, in the ring sling style if you are looking for the best sling for hot weather.
Features:
- Airy, breathable, blend of bamboo and linen fabric
- One size fits all
- Aluminum rings
- Suitable from newborn-toddler
How to use Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Pros:
- Different carrying options (when you aren’t in the water)
- Has a tail for nursing cover, sun hood, etc.
- Dries quickly
- Great for swimming
- One size fits all
- Different color options
- Good for year-round use
- Less expensive
Cons:
- One shoulder carry may be uncomfortable for some
- Heavier/older babies may require knotting the tail around the rings, so you wouldn’t have the tail available for a sun hood or nursing cover
We like this carrier because it has a lot of versatility while still specialized for water excursions as a baby sling for hot weather.
You could easily use this as your main carrier (if you like ring slings). However, the fabric is more slippery than other ring sling’s fabric, so you may need to tie the tail into a knot around the rings for extra support for heavier/older babies.
- Creates a nourishing heartfelt bond: carrying your baby close to your chest will feel like being wrapped in a loving embrace, which helps your little love gain a sense of trust & belonging. It is the most natural, womb-like position & creates an intimate bond between you both. Even a colicky baby will be soothed quickly to sleep as you carry them in their soft baby sling.
- Eco-friendly, super soft bamboo & linen that's kind to baby's skin: warm sand beige is our most popular color. The fabric is a gorgeous, neutral beige with very soft pink undertones. It is more beige than pink. We think it pairs perfectly with our signature copper-colored, unwelded rings. Our custom blend of bamboo and linen fabric provides an ultra-strong, lush woven fabric that is lightweight & silky smooth to gently shelter your baby as he or she drifts to sleep.
- Safest carry position for correct hip development: many baby wrap carriers interfere with healthy hip positioning as the baby is held incorrectly or facing outward & this can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Nalakai ring slings harness your baby naturally in the m position so that hips can develop properly while keeping you and your baby comfortable. The front carry position massages your baby’s belly, improving digestion & preventing reflux & colic
- Regulates temperature better than a wrap: not all young babies can control their temperature well & can easily overheat in a wrap. Our ring sling baby carrier will keep you & your precious baby comfortable yet cool & won’t wrinkle your clothes as much either! The tail fabric can double as a nursing cover, so you can breastfeed your baby privately while on the go.
- 5% of profits to families in need: you can help! With each purchase, we donate on your behalf to Cepia, a charity supporting low-income families in Costa Rica. Designed by a mom of 2, our mission is to help families around the world. All ring slings are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
4. Baby K’Tan Active Baby Carrier
The Baby K’Tan Active Baby Carrier is essentially a wrap carrier without the wrapping.
Baby K’Tan has different types with different fabrics. This one in particular is made with performance athletic fabric to keep you cool in hot weather.
Features:
- 100% polyester moisture-wicking fabric
- 90% UVA and UVB protection
- Comes with carrying bag
- Suitable for babies 8-35 lbs
- Machine washable
How to wear Baby K’Tan Active
Pros:
- Wrap style without any wrapping involved
- Moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly
- UVA/UVB protection
- Compact
- Different sizes and colors available
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Only one carry position
- May be tricky to choose correct size (their website has a size calculator)
- Not sharable between partners of different sizes
This wrap is incredibly simple to use and has no extra fabric to deal with. It’s cool and keeps baby in a safe position for going in the water. However, it may not be comfortable for longer carries since all the weight is distributed across your shoulders.
- ACTIVE BABYWEARING: Carry your newborn, preemie or infant when on the go! Our design is simple, comfortable and practical for active parents. Sizes may vary from regular sizes, check size chart.
- THE NO-WRAP WRAP: The Baby K'tan baby wrap is quick and easy to wear - no rings, belts, buckles or excess fabric to cause frustration. Just slip the infant carrier sling over your head like a t-shirt.
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Made from a breathable hi-tech performance fabric, the baby carrier wicks away moisture and sweat to keep both parent and infant cool and comfortable in warm weather.
- SUMMER FUN: The infant holder blocks over 90% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, making the baby sling ideal for keeping sensitive newborn and preemie skin safe in the summer.
- MULTI-POSITIONAL: Our infant carrier wrap supports the best hip-healthy positions for your baby from sling wrap for newborns & preemies to an upright seated carrier for infants up to 35lbs.
5. LILLEbaby Six-Position 360 Airflow
The LILLEbaby carrier is similar to the Beco Gemini in that it is a soft structured carrier with multiple carry positions and a 3D mesh panel.
The difference is that the LILLEbaby has a bit more padding all over, especially for the lumbar area.
It’s also designed to hold your baby until they reach 45 pounds as opposed to 35 pounds, so you may find that this is the best baby carrier for your family if you are already looking to invest in a high quality soft structured carrier.
Features:
- Suitable for babies 7-45 lbs (no infant insert necessary)
- Generous padding, including lumbar support
- 3D mesh panel
- 2 zipper pockets
- 6 carry positions
- Machine washable
Pros:
- More carrying positions
- Great ventilation
- Suitable for heavier babies (until 45 lbs)
- Wider seat
- No infant insert necessary for newborns
- Lumbar support pad for longer carries
- 15 colors options
- Adjustable (you could share this with your partner)
- Good for all-year use
Cons:
- More expensive
- Not ideal for use in the water
- Bulky to travel with
For those who live in a warm climate, this is a great investment as it’s one of the best baby carriers for summer but is also versatile for all year use.
It offers a bit more padding and a wider seat than the Beco Gemini, which makes it more ergonomic for longer carries and heavier babies. It’s also very adjustable so you could share it with your partner and adjust it to your baby as they grow.
- Six Positions: The LÍLLÉbaby Complete baby carrier features 6 ergonomic carry styles for 360-degree babywearing including front, backpack and hip styles.
- Superior Airflow: Ultra soft, 3-D mesh fabrics offer cool comfort and breathability.
- Newborn to Toddler: Transformational carrier seat can be folded small for newborns and infants and expanded to a wider setting as your child grows.
- Hip Healthy: Child is supported from knee-to-knee, the best ergonomic position for their hips.
- Certified: The Complete carrier is certified as a Hip-Healthy product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Conclusion
We hope this list was helpful in your search for the best baby carrier for summer! Please feel free to leave a comment with any questions you may have. If you are still confused on the different types of carriers or just want more information on babywearing, check out our Babywearing Ultimate Guide.
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