Babywearing In The Summer: Avoiding Heat Rash and Rub Marks

Hana & Matylda

Guest Blog By Hana, co-founder of Matylda Baby

Last summer, I became a new mum during a brutal heatwave — and my baby refused to be put down. She wanted to be on me 24/7, which meant I was sweating through sleepless nights, meals one-handed, and endless tears (hers and mine). Babywearing saved us — once I ditched the confusing wrap and discovered a sling, life got easier. 

But summer slings come with their own struggles: sticky skin, heat rash, and surprise rub marks. I tried airing her out, dressing her lightly, and hunting down the best nappy rash cream — which ended up being the one we whipped up with my best friend, but more on that another time!

So I reached out to Emma, our amazing Hastings sling consultant, and asked if I could share what I’ve learned — what actually worked, from one sweaty mum to another.

Why Babywearing Can Irritate Baby’s Skin in Summer

Babies run hotter than we do. When they’re tucked into a wrap or carrier with too many layers— against your chest, perhaps in a warmer fabric, with more limited breathability — things can heat up fast. Add a bit of drool under the chin, or a nappy that’s overdue for a change, and it’s easy to see why summer babywearing often leads to skin flare-ups.

Their little sweat glands aren’t fully developed yet, which means moisture tends to hang around. The usual suspects?

• Red, prickly bumps in folds of skin

• Rub marks where straps sit or legs poke out

• Dribble rash around the mouth and chest

• Chafing at the edges of nappies or onesies

But let me reassure you — these are all super common, totally treatable, and with a few simple tricks, often preventable too.

The Most Common Baby Skin Irritations in Hot Weather

1. Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)

This usually shows up as small red bumps or tiny blisters, often in creases — behind the knees, under the arms, neck rolls — anywhere warm and enclosed. The cause? Trapped sweat under the skin.

2. Rub Marks / Chafing

These are more linear — red patches or slightly raw-looking areas where skin has rubbed against a seam or damp strap. Especially common behind knees or under thighs in certain carriers.

3. Dribble Rash

In the sling, your baby’s head is often resting against your chest or fabric. If they’re teething or drooling, that moisture builds up under the chin and on the chest. In summer, it doesn’t evaporate as quickly — and the skin reacts.

4. Nappy Rash

In warm weather, a rash can flare up fast — sometimes just 45 minutes in a damp nappy is enough. And of course, that always seems to be the moment your baby nods off unexpectedly, right before you were about to change them. The combination of heat, moisture, and friction is a recipe for red, sore skin. For us, what helped most was switching to breathable nappies, using a tallow-based barrier cream (which mimics the skin’s natural protective sebum), and aiming to change nappies more frequently — even if it meant setting a timer to remind myself.

What Helped Us (and Might Help You Too) Also check out emma's safety post here

1. Dress for the weather

Skip the layers. On hot days, I’d pop her in a short-sleeve romper made from linen, muslin or organic cotton. If we were at home, sometimes just a nappy (or nappy free time!). Natural fibres breathe better, dry faster, and reduce heat retention. If skin is exposed in the carrier using a UV Cover to keep us cooler too!

2. Pick the right sling

Emma is a genius when it comes to matching mamas with the right sling. Different slings suit different situations — so even if you’ve got a trusty ‘everyday’ one, don’t be shy about borrowing something lighter for summer. Her sling library is a brilliant resource, and renting a more breathable option for a few hot weeks can make all the difference. Your baby’s bottom will thank you!

3. Use a muslin as a buffer

When we are both just pouring with sweat, as a last resort I tuck a damp muslin behind her knees to absorb the sweat, for under the chin sticking with a barrier cream, as additional fabric round the face can be risky.

4. Air it out

If you’re home take breaks between carries. Let baby wriggle nappy-free in the fresh air with a towel underneath. Even 10 minutes here and there can make a big difference to irritated skin. I like to pop my little one on a muslin with a few toys first thing in the morning while I’m getting changed — it gives her a chance to air out after a long night, and I get (almost) uninterrupted time to put on clothes. Win-win!

5. Check for damp spots

Feel behind baby’s neck, in their creases, behind the knees — not just their hands or feet. If it feels clammy, time for a break and some airflow.

6. Avoid overly thick creams

When I first started using nappy creams, I went straight for the most popular brand — thick, greyish-white… you know the one! It was a good reminder that just because something is everywhere doesn’t mean it’s the best. I’m not a huge fan of the so-called ‘lighter’ water-based creams either. Water needs preservatives to stay stable, so even your favourite “natural” cream might contain a whole list of ingredients that are unnecessary at best — and irritating at worst.

Instead of searching for the best nappy cream, I recommend looking for tallow-based balms or ointments — like our BUM+BODY balm — ideally with soothing botanicals like calendula, rosehip, or chamomile. Apply a whisper-thin layer and reapply with every nappy change.

7. Change outfits, not just nappies

Being stuck in sweaty clothes is uncomfortable — whether you’re a little one or a fully grown human. And leaving babies in damp, sticky clothing can lead to chills or colds — the last thing you need. Sometimes, the nappy area was totally fine — it was the soggy romper causing the trouble. If your baby’s been in the sling for a while, a quick outfit change can work wonders.

When to Get Help

Most heat-related rashes clear quickly with air, rest, and gentle care. But if you notice any of the following, it’s time to check in with your GP or health visitor:

• Yellow crusting or weeping

• Fever alongside the rash

• Baby seems in pain or unusually unsettled

• Rash spreads rapidly or doesn’t improve in 2–3 days

Don’t wait. Your peace of mind matters too, mama.

Final Thoughts (from One Mum to Another)

Babywearing in summer isn’t always easy.

There were days I questioned everything — the sling, the weather, my outfit, my choices. But the truth is, it brought me closer to my daughter — not just physically, but emotionally. It gave me freedom, and gave her calm. Yes, there were rub marks. Yes, there were sweaty, sticky days. But with a bit of prep, we found a rhythm that worked — and so can you.

I’m don't claim to be an expert. But if you’re bouncing a baby in a wrap, or planning your next sunny sling walk, know this: you’re already doing more than most. Your baby is lucky to have you.

You’ve got this. And if you ever need anything from me, I’m just over at Matylda Baby — making balms for babies like mine. And yours. 💛