Summer and Babywearing

Raise your hand if you're babywearing in the summer.  A lot of you are probably reading this and thinking "Are you crazy lady?! I'm already sweltering in my own clothes, never mind an extra few layers of fabric and a baby!"  With the heat wave expected this week, I think today's post will give you some ideas for summer babywearing.

Well, let me fill you in on a little secret......ready?.....GAUZE WRAPS!

See, I told you I wasn't crazy!  Okay, so today's wrap is a babyette gauze wrap (she has an etsy store and the selection is amazing!) I purchased mine from Natural Urban Mamas.  I am a wrap person.  I have loved wraps from day one and it is my go to carrier for everything! I love stretchies, wovens, and now gauzes!  Anyways, on with today's wrap.  We took a venture to the zoo with some friends this morning, and I figured "hey, I have a new wrap to break in, lets take it with since it's stupidly hot lately".  We stayed cool the entire time! I started with a back carry, since that is baby R's favorite place to hang out. Three layers(modified ruck) and still nice and cool, she even had a nap in there.  Time to eat, and we switched to a hip carry (thank you Arie for teaching me how to conquer this awesome carry!) so I could nurse her and walk.  Next up, lunch time for older kids, and a nap for baby R-switched to a front kangaroo carry.

Mmmm...and well we're looking at this picture, don't you just LOVE this print?! It's pastel stripes and totally up my alley!!
So, final thoughts on this wrap are: very cool and breezy even in this heat, very supportive, and easy to use once you've mastered the basics of wrapping.

I know not everyone's a wrapper, so look for a ring sling (which everyone needs in their stash anyways!) in a mesh or lightweight material.  A mei tai also may offer less fabric covering babe.

Some basic summer babywearing safety:
-Baby should have a good summer hat
-Try to stay in the shade for babes (especially those under 6 months)
- Remember you're sharing body heat, so dress baby in one layer less (onesie or diaper is just fine) We've gone many a days with babe naked in the wrap,
-Hydration! This goes for babe too.  Nursing more often or, if old enough, offering a cold water bottle is a good way to keep babe hydrated.
- Babes over 6 months can use a good sunscreen (we love California Baby and Think Baby).  Remember that their legs are usually out of the wrap and need protection too.

There are so many great summer events to take in, and I personally love my daily dose of sunshine.  So go forward babywearing moms and find that great summer carrier!!