Summer in Australia can be hot. Dry heat. Humidity. Extreme heat and heatwaves. This huge country has almost all climates, from temperate in the south, through to tropical in the north. East and west have their variations and cities like Melbourne can cycle through all seasons in one day! Babywearing needs in each of these conditions will vary, as we endeavour to keep adults and infants comfortable and safe.
It is important to remember babies cannot regulate their body temperature in the way adults can. Overheating is a risk we must minimise at all times. On days of extreme heat, the best place for your baby or toddler is indoors in the coolest conditions you can provide. Limiting time outdoors to the cooler parts of the day and avoiding both direct sun and reflected sunlight is important.
When babywearing outdoors, remember exposed parts of your baby’s body are at risk of sunburn. Long sleeves and long pants, made of cool fabrics, plus a hat which protects the face and neck, offer the best protection, with sunscreen used where skin is exposed. Adults should be aware of skin unexpectedly exposed by clothing shifted in the process of using a carrier. An umbrella can be useful to shield both from direct sun or the adult can wear a wide-brimmed hat which might cast shade over the baby. But be aware of reflected sun bouncing off sand, concrete and other surfaces.
The type of baby carrier you choose can make a big difference. Synthetic fabrics, padding and multiple layers can increase the warmth experienced by parent and child. Natural fibres like cotton and linen can be coolest, with woven fabrics allowing more air flow than knitted ones. Ring slings are generally the coolest design, as they have only one “pass” of fabric. Designs made from cotton mesh can maximise air flow. A spray bottle can be used to lightly dampen the fabric while in use, allowing some evaporative cooling. The “tail” of a ring sling can be used to shield the baby during brief periods of exposure to sun or wind but never cover the baby’s head in such a way that you cannot see their face clearly. Woven wraps can be tied with techniques which are cooler and have less passes over the baby than stretchy wraps.
Carriers constructed of man-made fibres sometimes feature a mesh panel. Although this is claimed to be cooler, any benefit can be lost by the overall design which can trap body heat beneath synthetic fabrics and padding. Marketing claims need to be considered against the climate that products were originally designed for: European or American designs don’t always suit Australian summers. Air flow from the side can help cool adults and children. Look for cotton or other natural fibres in structured carriers.
If babywearing needs to be used as a form of transport or settling in extreme heat, consideration of both infant and adult clothing can keep things more comfortable. Again, natural fibres are most cooling. Light layers can protect exposed skin without adding extra body heat. Adults are at risk of feeling overheated if a baby is sleeping in a carrier and preventing them from removing layers. A good approach is a light cotton singlet or tank as a base for parent and baby, which will absorb sweat and keep sticky skin apart. Over this, the adult can add a loose long-sleeved open shirt after putting the baby in the carrier; this will protect their arms and shoulders from the sun and can be easily removed without disturbing the baby. A very light muslin wrap can be used over the carrier to shield the infant arms and legs from the sun, with a hat protecting their head. Never cover the baby in such a way that you cannot clearly see their face.
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outside world with your baby. Events, markets and festivals are much easier to navigate with your baby in a carrier; prams are not always easy to use in these environments. With a little planning, you can enjoy safe and comfortable time outdoors.
Seven Tips To Keep Your Cool
- Loose long sleeves protect arms while keeping cool
- Bringing your own shade is often easiest. An umbrella shelters both adults and babies
- Tuck exposed arms back under the fabric when you move into full sun
- Watch out for tiny legs which can quickly become sunburnt.
Long cotton socks will offer protection
- Keeping cool in the shade lowers sun exposure risk, but watch out for reflective surfaces like sand or concrete
- Watch out for ears and the back of the neck, often exposed to the sun without you realising. Choose wide-brimmed hats for best cover
- Head out before or after the sun is at its most extreme
Yvette O’Dowd is not your typical grandmother! This mother of three and ‘Granny’ of three has been a breastfeeding counsellor since 1992. In 2014, Yvette established the Southern Natural Parenting Network, incorporating South Eastern Babywearing Group. With 11,000 members world-wide, the group supports parents interested in breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, baby-led weaning and modern cloth nappies and other aspects of gentle, natural parenting.
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