Summer Sling Safety

Let's talk about things in terms of your ABC checks...

A=Airways:

Don't be tempted to have a looser carrier to make things less hot! ☀️ 🔥

We need baby held close to our bodies , high up, with a correctly tightened sling to stop them slumping (chin on chest reduces oxygen flow, and low down - breasts can unfortunately smother). A tight slimb will also reduce fall hazards.

⛱️ Need shade?

Don't cover baby's face with hood or a muslin - this means you can't see/ monitor them easily. Fabric over the airways may also smother, plus cotton fibres in the heat can swell, and actually make baby hotter - babies can't regulate their heat when they are particularly small.

Instead use a wide-brimmed hat (if you're wearkng one too it can add more shade) these hats shade the neck and head - like this you can still see baby's face fully. You could dampen a muslin and tuck into the sides of the carrier, though much preferably I'd suggest using a proper UV cover such as a bundlebean that is designed to pop around your carrier.

You could use a parasol too when out and about. Or be conscious to take breaks and only carry at certain times of the day when the sun isn't at its highest.

B = Body Positioning:

(As with all carrying) having baby nice, high and in-view means we can check to see how warm they are easily.

With back carrying you could use a sling mirror or your phone camera to check if baby looks flushed.

To keep cooler you could try a hip or back carry depending on your sling type and developmental stage (+6m with a buckle).

C=Comfort:

Your carrier acts as (at least) a layer of clothing.

Dress yourself and baby in lighter colours and layers. As an example for baby - thin trousers, long sleeved tee & socks, if really hot you could have baby in far less but be wary of exposed skin to sunrays. Burning can have serious consequences.

If baby is old enough (+6 months) use protective sunscreen. A parasol could add extra shade for you both too.

🥵 Carry a waterspritzer or mini fan to stay extra cool.

💧 Make sure to stay hydrated, carrying is thirsty work, for both you and baby (offer water if appropriate/ more feeds as needed).

👶 Sling type

If your regular carrier is fairly bulky you could investigate in a summer alternative (mesh front, lightweight, to keep the material covering baby to a minimum) Mini Monkey, Kahubaby, Connecta, Muslin Ring Sling or Mesh option!

🎒 Carrying extra? Make use of carrier pockets, bumbag (cross bodybag), or an extra pair of hands to help transport items less sweatily!

Let me know if these tips have helped you 😊

Emma

X