By Graham FisherBabywearing in hot weather can feel daunting, but with the right precautions it is possible to keep both you and your baby comfortable and safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asks caregivers to take steps to protect kids from heat on hot days and to keep them cool and hydrated. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also offer specific guidance on sun protection and carrier safety that becomes even more important on warm days.
Dressing Your Baby for the Heat
What your baby wears inside the carrier matters just as much as the carrier itself. The CDC advises dressing infants in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help their bodies stay cool. The AAP adds that cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants and long-sleeved shirts, can also protect skin from the sun. A tight weave is better than a loose weave, and you can check by holding the fabric up to see how much light shines through; less light means better protection. Some clothing is labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which the AAP mentions as another option.
A hat with an all-around 3-inch brim shields the face, ears, and back of the neck, according to the AAP. Sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection are also recommended, and youth-sized versions are available for children. For babies younger than 6 months, the AAP says to keep them out of direct sunlight and use shade from a tree, umbrella, or stroller canopy. If protective clothing and shade are not available, sunscreen can be used on small areas of the body, such as the face. For babies older than 6 months, sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas, but be careful around the eyes. The AAP suggests reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
Choosing a Carrier for Hot Days
While no single carrier type is universally cooler, the AAP’s general carrier safety tips can help you evaluate options. The organization says to look for sturdy material and make sure the leg holes are small enough that your baby cannot slip through. If you choose a backpack-style carrier, the AAP notes that a sunshade is a good idea to shield your baby from the sun. A padded aluminum frame can also prevent injury if the baby bumps against it. For more on different carrier styles, see our baby carrier types article and the ring sling guide.
Some sling carriers can curl a baby’s body into a C-shape, which the AAP warns greatly increases the risk of breathing problems. In any weather, make sure the neck is straight and the chin is not pressed into the chest. The CPSC has identified suffocation hazards when an infant’s face is pressed against the adult’s body or the sling’s fabric, blocking the nose and mouth. Both agencies stress that you should always be able to see your baby’s face and that the face should be at or above the rim of the sling or wrap. Our soft structured carrier fit guide covers positioning for other carrier types.
Safety Precautions That Matter Even More in the Heat
Heat adds an extra layer of risk to the baseline safety rules for babywearing. The CDC states that you should never leave infants or children in a parked car, even with windows cracked open, because temperatures inside can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. This warning applies whether or not you are using a carrier; a baby should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
Inside the carrier, the AAP advises checking on your baby frequently to make sure their mouth and nose are not blocked by fabric or your body and that airflow is not restricted. The CPSC echoes this, urging parents to be vigilant about frequently checking the baby in a sling. The CPSC also notes that infants younger than 4 months, premature babies, low-birthweight babies, and those with colds or respiratory problems need extra care with slings, and parents should consult their pediatrician. If your baby has asthma, the CDC recommends creating a heat action plan with their doctor.
When you need to pick something up while wearing your baby, the AAP says to bend at the knees, not the waist, to avoid tipping the baby out of the carrier and to protect your back. Continue using restraining straps even if your baby becomes restless, and check the carrier periodically for rips and tears in seams and fasteners. For more on general baby safety, visit our baby safety page.
Risks and Precautions at a Glance
| Risk | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Overheating | Dress baby in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing (CDC). Keep them cool and hydrated; avoid really cold or sugary drinks (CDC). Never leave baby in a parked car (CDC). |
| Sunburn | Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight; use shade, protective clothing, and hats (AAP). For babies under 6 months, apply sunscreen to small areas like the face if shade and clothing are not available; for older babies, apply to all exposed areas and reapply every 2 hours (AAP). |
| Suffocation in a sling | Ensure baby’s face is visible and at or above the rim of the sling; avoid chin-to-chest position (CPSC, AAP). Check baby frequently (AAP, CPSC). After nursing, reposition baby so face is clear of fabric and your body (CPSC). |
| Falls from the carrier | Make sure leg holes are small enough and material is sturdy (AAP). Use restraining straps and bend at the knees when picking something up (AAP). Check carrier for rips and tears (AAP). |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use sunscreen on a baby under 6 months while babywearing?
The AAP says that for babies younger than 6 months, sunscreen can be used on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available. The primary recommendation is to keep young babies out of direct sunlight entirely.
How often should I check on my baby in a carrier on a hot day?
Both the AAP and the CPSC advise checking on your baby frequently. There is no set time interval, but the CPSC notes that suffocation can occur within minutes, so regular visual checks to confirm the face is visible and the airway is clear are essential.
Is it safe to use a sling in hot weather?
Yes, as long as you follow the safety guidelines from the CPSC and AAP. Make sure the baby’s face is at or above the rim of the sling, the chin is not pressed to the chest, and the nose and mouth are clear of fabric and your body. The CPSC warns that infants under 4 months, premature babies, and those with breathing issues are at higher risk, so extra caution and a conversation with your pediatrician are recommended.
For more guidance on choosing a carrier that fits your needs, see our baby carriers category page.
Sources
- CDC: Infants and Children and Heat
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Sun Safety
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Baby Carriers, Backpacks, Front Packs and Slings
- CPSC: Educating New Parents on Safe Babywearing
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our baby gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
