Image: MomJunction Design Team
A baby carrier is an essential baby gear that lets you tuck your little one comfortably in place while you take them out for a walk. However, in summers, sweaty palms might make it slippery to hold and carry the baby carrier. The best baby carrier for summer provides versatility and security, which offer a safe grip while carrying. In addition, they are better than strollers as you can take them to parks and other non-paved areas. Carriers will also allow the babies to remain close to their parents.
Let us look at some of the best baby carriers that would be apt for the hot summer months. Read on to discover different baby carrier styles.
Top Picks
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Tips For Baby-Carrying In Hot And Humid Weather
Here are a few points you should consider when using a baby carrier in summer.
- Look for soft, padded designs that are non-abrasive and do not chafe against and are safe for the baby’s skin.
- Keep the baby’s airways clear when they are in the carrier. Keep his/her face positioned such that it does not press against your body or dig over his/her chest.
- Dress yourself and the baby in airy, summer-friendly clothing that keeps the baby comfortable in heat and humidity.
- Do not over-tighten the carrier. Keep the fit close and secure but loose enough to slide a hand into the carrier, allowing better ventilation during hot weather.
11 Best Baby Carriers For Summers
1. Best Convertible: Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier
Strap on your baby in a snugly fit with the highly versatile Infantino four-in-one child carrier. According to the tester’s experience, the ergonomic design allows for an adjustable seat scoop where the baby can sit securely with knees saddled into a comfortable ‘M’ position. It comes with a versatile design for the toddler to face inside or outside and the option for back-carry for older babies. It has padded head support for comfortable recline and adjustable belts and straps to boost comfort with its custom-fit design. Go ahead and check out this YouTuber’s video to learn about the reviewer’s experience and more details about the product.
Pros
- Convertible design
- High adjustability
- Hands-free convenience
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Some babies may find it tight around the legs
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 51,338 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
2. Best Flexible: Boba Baby Wrap Carrier
A soft-structured carrier with a sash and wrap design, the Boba baby wrap carrier is a super lightweight option that opts out of heavily padded carriers for a comfortable experience. It ties easily and fits conveniently, making it a trusted choice for many parents. Being one of the best carriers for summer, this stretchy wrap is made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex to move with your body for a breathable, contour-hugging fit for both the child and the parent. To get a better understanding of this product, you can check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Stretchy and flexible
- Hassle-free tie
- Smooth-cling fit
- Breathable material
Cons
- Doesn’t provide a lot of structural support
"Thanks to this wrap, I can keep my infant close and stay hands-free to do all the outdoor chores easily. It's adaptable, and even my husband can easily wear it. The fabric is great but could be more breathable. On the whole, I'm pleased with it!"
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 21,375 good reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Breathable: LillebabyThe Complete Airflow 360° Six Position Baby Carrier
The Lillebaby all seasons baby carrier is a highly functional baby carrier for summers. It boasts of six carrying positions such as fetal, infant-inward, face-out ,back-carry, hip-carry, and toddler-inward. The fit is most suited for the baby’s ultimate comfort and safety as it helps provide hip support. It sports a pair of generously padded shoulder straps, an intuitive belt design, and a 3D mesh lining to aid ventilation. The back panel grows with your baby, and the front zips down to reveal a more breathable mesh for hotter temperatures. Check out the review of this tried-and-tested infant insert for more information.
Pros
- Ergonomic build
- Backpack-style strap boosts comfort
- Breathable cool air mesh fabric for proper air circulation
- Pockets for storage
- Versatility
Cons
- Can be a little scratchy for the baby
"Though a tad large, this wrap fits both me and my husband and allows us to carry our tot in different positions with ease. It's breathable but still feels slightly warm during the scorching summer. Nevertheless, it's still our favorite for its exceptional support."
4. Best Sturdy: You+Me 4-in-1 Baby Carrier
The You+Me baby carrier features a breathable design and four-in-one carrying positions for your growing baby. It suits the baby and the parents with a fit that is tailored for different body types. The dad-and-mom-approved carrier features an internal harness that makes shifting the carrier to your partner easy with the baby secured right in. This carrier comes with a bib that is useful for drooling babies.
Pros
- Tailored for a snug fit
- Supportive headrest
- Sturdy build quality
- Sufficient weight holding capacity
- Value for money
Cons
- May not be very stable for heavier babies
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 7,710 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier Best Convertible | LillebabyThe Complete Airflow 360° Six Position Baby Carrier Best Breathable | You+Me 4-in-1 Baby Carrier Best Sturdy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Other | BPA Free, Phthalate Free, Latex Free, Lead Free | - |
| Color | Grey | Silver | Grey |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 2.25 pounds | 1.3 pounds |
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 10.2 x 4.3 inches | 10.24 x 1 x 7.09 inches | 0.1 x 6.97 x 16.93 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 51,338 | 2,682 | 7,710 |
| Price | $32.98 | $124.99 | $29.95 |
5. Best Lightweight: Konny Ultra-Lightweight Baby Carrier
Cuddle up in a soft wrap with the Konny baby carrier, which is ideal for use during hot and sticky days. It has a baby-friendly cooling fabric with moisture-wicking and UV-block cool air mesh to provide the best for your baby. This expert-approved cooling baby carrier sling does not feature excess fabric and has a quick-wear design that slips on easily like a T-shirt. It is engineered for even weight distribution that helps alleviate any discomfort.
Pros
- Superior UV-block mesh fabric
- Intelligent cling-on design
- Ultra-lightweight
- Easy-to-wear infant insert
- Meets safety benchmarks
Cons
- May suit only newborn babies
"I'm happy with this wrap's quality. It's breathable, plus it dries quickly. I also approve of its easy-to-wear design; I can keep my hands free to manage my older toddler."
6. Best Ergonomic: Sweetbee My Honey Wrap
The elastic and resilient fabric of the Sweetbee baby wrap provides stable support to your child without the hassle of belts and buckles. Made of 100% natural fiber, this expert-approved carrier model is a breathable, lightweight solution that fits most parents and provides the baby with stretchy yet gripping support. It comes with elastic bands to shorten the fabric length for a cleaner look.
Pros
- Meets CPSC and ASTM standards
- Made of natural fabric
- Adjustable length
- Ergonomic fit
- Stretchy material
Cons
- Fabric may become stretchy over time
"I found this wrap pretty soft and lightweight. It's easily wearable. However, the material stretches over time, so I have to be careful while wrapping it. The material is breathable and comfortable, so my baby sleeps peacefully."
Quick tip7. Best Durable: Ergobaby Cool Air 360° Carrier
The Ergobaby Cool Air 360° carrier features a durable cool air mesh and a provision to hold the baby in multiple positions. The infant insert offers the parent and the baby a reliable fit across all positions. It features a UPF 50+ tuck-away hood to nurse the baby and protect them from the sun. The waistbelt alleviates discomfort and stress from the back, and the shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly.
Pros
- Good durability
- Lightweight
- Backpack-style strap
- Good support
- Practical design
Cons
- Might be slightly abrasive against the baby’s skin
8. Best Comfortable: Vlokup Baby Ring Sling
The Vlokup baby ring sling is a great pick for young babies. This tried-and-tested wrap is ideal for holding your babies up close to your chest and lending them a sense of safety and warmth with proximity. It features a lightweight and breathable sling mesh to make the baby and the parent comfortable during summers. The design is ergonomic, keeping the baby comfortable for extended durations.
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee
- Breathable cool air mesh baby carrier
- Aluminum ring to hold the fabric
- Comes in 15 beautiful colors
Cons
- May stretch out with use
"This sling carrier has become my favorite for beach days. Its quick-drying fabric keeps me and my baby cool and dry. However, it needs to be secured tightly since the fabric is slightly slippery. It has served me well so far."
9. Best UPF 50+ Fabric: Boppy Comfy Fit Hybrid Baby Carrier
The Boppy Comfort Fit Hybrid baby carrier integrates the stability of a carrier with the comfort of a sling wrap. The hybrid design allows you to click and tie the system into place for easy comfort. It can be trusted by moms and dads as the soft waist belt and padded shoulder straps provide adequate support. The UPF 50+ fabric has a yoga-inspired stretchy fit and takes the guesswork out of putting on carriers with its integrated design, making it one of the best carriers with comfort features.
Pros
- Smart hybrid design
- Integrated support
- Zippered pocket
- Soft against the skin
Cons
- May suit only younger babies
"This fabric is very stretchable, offering ample support. I don't feel any discomfort carrying my baby during long walks, which has helped my postpartum recovery. Hence, its overall convenience gets a thumbs up from me."
10. Best Eco-Friendly: Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling Carrier
The Hip Baby ring sling carrier is a handloom cotton wrap made for the ultimate comfort. The fabric is breathable and permits the baby to maneuver with unrestricted movement, making it an excellent carrier for summer. It boasts a texture of rich colors and sturdy metal rings. This travel-friendly and mom-tested carrier clings snugly and distributes the weight of the baby evenly to relieve pressure from the caregiver’s back. It is hand-woven and features non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes, making it safe for the baby’s skin.
Pros
- High-quality cotton fabric
- Eco-friendly material
- Soft fabric
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Not as supportive as structured carriers
"This carrier has been apt for my baby as it keeps him comfortable and allows me to nurse him outdoors. Its fabric quality is also decent, and the colors look lively. The only slight issue was the rings not being removable."
11. Best Stretchable: Cutie Carry Summer Breeze Baby Wrap Carrier
Cutie Carry’s ergonomic baby wrap carrier for travel is designed with the parent and baby’s comfort in mind. It evenly distributes the weight across the wearer’s body, making it ideal for carrying a baby for longer periods. The blend of cotton and spandex makes the carrier breathable and smother-proof for added comfort. Manufactured by a trusted brand, this stretchable one-size-fits-all baby wrap can considerably expand to accommodate a growing baby.
Pros
- Allows hands-free babywearing
- Weight holding capacity up to 30lb
- Machine-washable
- Available in two different colors
Cons
- Might be slightly heavy
- Might not be suitable for the summer
"This wrap is stretchable yet supportive; it doesn't sag when I carry my baby. I also love how breathable and cozy it is. Plus, it retains its quality even after multiple washes. All in all, it's a good buy for me."
How To Choose The Right Baby Carrier For Summers?
Consider the following points when shopping for a baby carrier for summer.
- Fabric: Choose baby carriers with summer-friendly fabrics such as breathable cotton that promote ventilation and do not cause irritation to the baby and the parent.
- Design: Choose lightweight designs over bulky builds for keeping the baby from feeling hot. Soft, structured designs provide the best experience during summers.
- Fit: A good carrier fit would allow the baby to rest in a secured position while leaving enough room for ventilation. Also, consider the range of sizes the product offers.
, author of Peaceful Discipline, Master Trainer of conscious parenting, and founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, says, “Having lived in one of the hottest states in the U.S. and with a baby born in the summer, I know firsthand how important it is to be able to wear your baby without melting underneath them or making your baby too warm. Although I haven’t tested all of these, I can tell you how important it is to try a few, ideally with your baby, and choose what feels most comfortable to you both.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do infant carriers come with sun protectors for the child’s head?
Yes, some sun protection infant carriers come with a retractable hood to shield the baby from harsh sunlight.
2. Will a baby suffocate in carriers?
No, carriers have an ergonomic fit that secures the baby without cutting off their air supply. Make sure you choose a safety-tested carrier and do not over-fasten the belts, and the child doesn’t tuck his/her chin over their chest.
3. How do I keep my baby from overheating in a carrier?
Make sure you opt for lightweight, safe, and effective carriers with breathable fabrics and always dress your child and yourself in light outfits for the summer months. Do not over-tighten the carrier to allow better ventilation.
4. Can I use a baby carrier in the summer?
Yes, you can use a baby carrier made with lightweight and breathable layers in the summer. Ring slings are ideal during summer as they have a single layer to hold the baby and allow you to carry it on your side, thus keeping the baby away from your body heat.
5. How long can I carry a baby in a carrier?
There is no specified time limit for carrying a baby in a carrier. Nevertheless, limiting the usage to one or two hours is essential. Extended use may cause overheating, difficulty in breathing, suffocation, or positional asphyxiation, especially in babies younger than four months who have poor neck support and need continuous monitoring (1).
6. Can I go through airport security with a baby carrier?
Yes, you can go through airport security with a baby carrier. You are not required to remove the baby from the carrier when walking through the metal detector, but you may need to undergo an additional screening procedure (2).
The Bottom Line
Baby carriers for summers are thoughtfully designed so that the carrier doesn’t slip or give you a poor grip because of your sweaty palms and humid conditions. Moreover, these carriers should feature breathable and light fabric and be adequately padded and lightweight to prevent straining your back. Our top recommendation is the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier, which is highly ergonomic and convertible for your and your baby’s comfort. Also, the Lillebaby Complete Airflow 360° Six Position Baby Carrier is most admired for its cool air mesh fabric and functional utility. The Boba Baby Wrap Carrier is worth mentioning due to its flexibility and snug fit. With various features and designs, choose a carrier with adjustable straps and length for a secure fit and meets the safety requirements.
Infographic: Things To Consider When Seating A Baby In A Carrier
Baby carriers allow parents to go outdoors or do everyday chores while keeping the baby close. They also enable the parents to bond with their babies and keep them away from germ-filled surfaces such as floors, shopping carts, and counters. Read the infographic below to learn how to seat a baby in these carriers.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Baby carriers slings and backpacks: safety guide
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/safety/equipment-furniture/baby-carrier-sling-safety - Traveling with Children
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/traveling-children
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is an experienced writer specializing in baby products. Her knowledge about baby products motivates her to present the most well-researched and high-quality products for her readers. In this post, she has curated an articulate list of the best baby carriers for the summer season after going through multiple reviews. The list also mentions all the information alongside each product to help you understand and choose the right product.
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