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Top Baby Carriers for Summer: Your Ultimate Guide to Babywearing in Hot Weather
Are you dreading the summer heat but can’t avoid carrying your baby? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Here are the best baby carriers for a cool and comfortable babywearing experience in summer. These options are available in Japan, making them perfect for parents seeking a breezy solution to summer babywearing.
For general babywearing tips for summer, see the How to Babywear in Summer post!
Here are my Top 5 baby carrier options for summer
1. Ringslings: The Summer Essential
Ringslings are a must-have for shorter distances during hot weather. Their single-layer design allows you to choose light and breathable fabrics like linen, hemp, and silk. You can even opt for thin 100% cotton slings that work wonderfully in the heat.
My favorite is the Hoppediz Ultra Light Ringsling. It has a fabric weight of around 135g/sqm which is extremely thin for fabric. Still, it is very strong and can also carry a weight of 20kg while being very soft and airy too.
Not available in Japan is the Bud and Blossom 100% linen sling which is also very thin and extremely soft. Linen and hemp are sometimes not as soft and you have to „break them in“. This is not necessary for the plum and blossom.
Again available in Japan is the Hokkyoku Shirokumado ringsling made of Shijira-weave. This weaving technique is original to Japan and very thin. It feels completely different to a ringsling made of cross twill or Jaquard weave and goes a bit more into canvas weave direction. This means it feels not as soft and fluffy but gives more of a cool feeling like silk.
(Not all their slings are Shijira weave!)
Easy Sling Minimonkey Minisling: Stay Cool in the Water
When the summer sun gets scorching, the Easy Sling Minimonkey Minisling comes to the rescue. Made entirely of mesh, this sling is exceptionally lightweight and folds away compactly. It may not offer the same natural fabric comfort as ringslings, but it comes with a special advantage – you can use it in water! Whether you’re playing in a pool, splashing in the ocean, or sharing a shower with your baby, this water-friendly sling ensures a refreshing babywearing experience. Just remember to rinse it well after use.
Read why I don’t recommend more Mesh carriers in this blog!
2. Onbuhimo: Airy and Back-Carry Delight
Onbuhimos, with their waistbelt-free design, provide a breath of fresh air during summer babywearing. Designed primarily for back carrying, they offer excellent ventilation and are ideal for older babies. While most onbuhimos are not adjustable and suitable for when your baby can sit up unassisted, some makers offer adjustable options for earlier use. Whether you prefer a western-style onbuhimo like the
Lennylamb Onbuhimo is as western onbuhimo that is closed with a buckle on the chest and pretty much works like a rucksack. The width of the seat is adjustable.
Hokkyoku Shirokumado sells Japanese style onbuhimo, which are worn differently. Baby comes higher on the back but arms are always out and the seat can’t be adjusted. The shoulderstraps are for tying. Japanese onbuhimo are used from when the neck is stable but often lack support from knee to knee which is preferable for healthy hip development.
Hoppediz has a carrier where you can remove the waistbelt and use it like an onbuhimo. The width of the seat can be adjusted. However, while Hoppediz designed the carrier in a way that this wearing option is possible, they didn’t officially test it under the American safety standards (the carrier with waistbelt is tested!). Thus, it obliges everyone to decide for themselves to use the carrier in this way or not.
3. Airy Halfbuckle Carriers: Comfortable and Pelvic Floor-Friendly
Back carrying is often preferred in the summer for increased comfort, and airy halfbuckle carriers make it a breeze. Many halfbuckles can be used from birth on the back with proper instruction from a babywearing professional, while many fullbuckle carriers, especially the rucksack types common in Japan, have in their instructions that back carry is only possible from six months or even one year
One halfbuckle carrier available in Japan is the Hoppediz Hop-Tye Advance which uses very thin and breathable fabric.
Another halfbuckle wich can be used early on the back is the DidyKlick by Didymos. Didymos also offers a thin fabric, called „Blue Blossom“.
Hop-Tye Advance and DidyKlick look quite similar but the waistbelt is different and should be tried on to find the more comfortable option. Also, the Hop-Tye overall is simpler.
4. Fullbuckle: The Outsider in Summer
When it comes to summer, finding fullbuckle carriers specially designed for the season may be a bit challenging. Many caregivers encounter the issue of feeling sweaty under the waistbelt and shoulder straps, which can be quite uncomfortable. Although mesh carriers are an option, they come with their own set of disadvantages. However, the Minimonkey is an exception as it allows for usage in water, making it a suitable choice for summer adventures.
For those seeking alternatives, the Lennylamb LennyLight is a standout option. Its exceptional softness, lightweight design, and compact storage capabilities make it an ideal choice for warmer days.
Another fantastic choice is the Hoppediz Primeo, crafted from Hoppediz’s thin fabric, offering an ultra-lightweight experience. Instead of padded straps, the Primeo features thin fabric layers that comfortably cover the shoulders.
One noteworthy carrier that might require some effort to order from Japan is the Buzzidil Buzzibreeze. Made of a single layer of fabric with a special weaving technique, it almost resembles mesh, providing excellent breathability while maintaining the comfort of cotton fabric.
5. Babywraps: The Versatile Allrounder
For the ultimate summer babywearing experience, babywraps offer unparalleled versatility. Choose from various weaving methods, fabric weights, and materials.
Didymos has all the varieties you want to have! I love Blue Blossom because it’s very thin. But lightweight Prima designs are also a summer favorite.
Hoppediz has ultralight babywraps for summer. The gsm is only 135g/sqm but which is almost unbeaten. Just like the ringslings made of this fabric, it is strong and able to hold even a heavy baby.
100% linen wraps are available from Lennylamb. The fabric is on the thicker side but the material is wonderful for summer.
Special Case: African Babywrap
Embrace the African tradition of babywearing with its unique and airy torso carry style. Although not exclusively made for babywearing, these traditional African cloths serve multiple purposes. They come in various lengths and styles, and the torso carry in a short wrap offers an easy, fast, and breezy way to carry your baby during the summer.
While I am not African, I can support teaching this carrying style if wished and if you don’t have someone from Africa or with African roots around.
When I got my African wrap I was taught in different courses by people from Africa how to do it.
If you do not have other options to get a wrap, I recommend writing Annika from Maames Wraps. Together with her partners she is selling handmade in Ghana wraps and is about to do her final move to Ghana!
Whichever carrier you choose, remember to prioritize your baby’s comfort and safety. Enjoy the summer with your little one in a baby carrier specially designed to beat the heat. Let me know which carrier you find most intriguing or share your summer babywearing experiences in the comments below!
If you want all the details about babywearing in summer, winter, and in-between, have a look at my online course Babywearing in the Seasons!
And here a list of the brands I mentioned and the links to where to get them:
Hoppediz Ultralight Ringsling (currently out of stock, will be refilled soon!)
Hokkyoku Shirokumado Kyutto Me!
Minimonkey Minisling (other colors available, just search on Amazon for Minimonkey Minisling)
Hoppediz Buckle (custom order from Germany)
I have also done an introduction video for YouTube. See it here:
