The Best Baby Carriers for Hot Weather & Summer

When I was a new mom, I didn’t really know anything much about baby carriers. I wasn’t even aware that there are best baby carriers for hot weather even exists.

I just assumed all baby carriers will feel the same way, as you have a tiny human on your chest. Of course it will feel a bit warm!

But I digress.

I decided to create this article for new parents like me who live in a tropical climate (like me!) and wants the best baby carriers for summer.

I’ve done a thorough research and took some notes and actual advice from various parenting groups, babywearing consultants, and other parenting experts when it comes to choosing these baby carriers.

Let’s then a quick look at an overview of the features of the best baby carriers for summer.

I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

In a hurry? Here’s Our Top Recommendations 

If you’re looking for the best baby carrier for summer, you can’t go wrong with these two:

Best Baby Carriers for Hot Weather: Feature Comparison Table

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the features of the best summer baby carriers.

BrandAge + Carrying PositionsCarrying PositionsMaterialEasy to Use
Happy BabyNewborn to Toddlers (7-40 lbs)Front Inward Facing, Back100% linen and linen blend fabrics with safe non-toxic dyesYes
Lillebaby Serenity AirflowNewborn to Toddlers (7-45 lbs)Front Inward Facing, Front Outward Facing, Back, HipTorso panel is made entirely of 3D Birdseye meshYes
Sakura Bloom ScoutNewborn to Toddlers (7-45 lbs)Front Inward Facing, BackYour choice of 100% silk fiber, linen, cotton shearling or bamboo materialModerately easy to slightly difficult
Ergobaby Omni BreezeNewborn to Toddlers (7-45 lbs)Front Inward Facing, Front Outward Facing, Back, HipDesigned with SoftFlex MeshYes
Baby K’tan ActiveNewborn to Toddlers (8-35 lbs)Front Inward Facing, Front Outward Facing, Hip, Kangaroo, ExploreMade of moisture-wicking 100% polyester sports performance meshYes
Solly Baby WrapNewborn up to 25 lbs.Front Inward FacingWater-absorbent Lenzing fiberModerately easy to difficult

Below is a more detailed info on the best baby carrier for summer.

Best Baby Carriers for Summer and Tropical Climates

Happy Baby

  • For Age: Newborn to Toddlers (7-40 lbs)
  • Carrying Positions: Front (inward facing), Back

This brand so far, has been a consistent, popular recommendation in various parenting groups online for the best baby carrier for hot weather.

Made in the US with imported fabric, Happy Baby carriers are certified hip-friendly and are safe – complying with CPSIA and ASTM standards.

It’s a very sleek and minimal Japanese-inspired carrier, that’s lighter than most baby carriers in the market.

It’s inner material is made of 100% Belgian linen, while the outer material is made of 100% cotton corduroy.

So it’s pretty great to keep you cool and comfortable in heat and humidity. 

What’s also great about this carrier is, not only does it fit adults of all sizes, pregnant moms can also wear this comfortably as it has no waistband!

It’s perfect for pregnant women who are still taking care of another baby or toddler. 

It’s easy to bring with you anywhere, as you can easily fold and keep it in your shoulder bag or diaper backpack.

It also has a little pocket (that carries a sun cover) for some of your small valuables.

If you’re not sure how to wear or adjust their baby carriers, you can just email and schedule a free consultation with one of Happy Baby’s baby-wearing educators.

They’re not readily available in popular online sites like Amazon or brick and mortar stores like Walmart or Target. They also have limited stocks and they’re not cheap! 

But parents are saying they’re so worth the money.

Pros

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Made with 100% linen and linen blend fabrics with safe non-toxic dyes
  • Easy to fold and pack in a diaper bag
  • No need for infant insert
  • Fit-for-all
  • Can wear during pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding-friendly
  • Easy to use
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Has only 2 carrying positions
  • Available only at limited local retailers
  • Not easy to buy online

Lillebaby Serenity Airflow

  • For Age: Newborn to Toddlers (7-45 lbs)
  • Carrying Positions: Front Inward Facing, Front Outward Facing, Back, Hip

A lot of parents prefer a soft structured carrier, for its feeling of safety and security as it has buckles and harnesses you can easily tighten and adjust.

And the Lillebaby Serenity Airflow is one of those highly recommended soft structured baby carriers for summer.

Lillebaby’s baby carriers are acknowledged as hip-healthy and carry the JPMA Certification Seal – meeting the highest standards for safety, performance, and functionality.

You can also carry a newborn in it without an infant insert, by adjusting the carrier to its narrowest seat setting.

It has a soft, ventilated, breathable mesh that provides maximum airflow. 

Parents and caregivers of all sizes love using it for hiking, amusement park adventures, long walks, and doing some household chores.

Most parents also said that the Serenity Airflow is definitely an upgrade compared to other Lillebaby models.

They’re saying the mesh is softer and doesn’t feel rough on the baby’s skin and the strap is thinner so it feels less bulky.

It also has 3 adjustable seating positions (instead of 2) and it has 5 pockets – 4 at the front and one in the lumbar support.

Some moms mentioned not needing a diaper bag when going out for quick trips or walks. You can store diapers, wipes, snacks, keys, your phone in the available pockets and even put a water bottle in the lumbar pocket!

It’s also breastfeeding-friendly and has a removable hood.

It’s not a perfect carrier though, as it can still get hot, especially the shoulder straps, according to some moms. 

Which I think is normal, given that it’s still a soft structured carrier and these models are usually bulkier than a one-linen fabric carrier or slings or mei tais.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Torso panel is made entirely of 3D Birdseye mesh
  • No need for infant insert
  • With 3 adjustable seating positions
  • Can seat 6 month old at the back position
  • Has 5 pockets
  • Breastfeeding-friendly
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • A bit bulky
  • Not advisable to machine wash frequently

Sakura Bloom Scout

  • For Age: Newborn to Toddlers (7-45 lbs)
  • Carrying Positions: Front (inward facing), Back

This was another highly mentioned and recommended baby carrier for hot weather or tropical climate – the Sakura Bloom Scout baby carriers

Another beautiful, US-made carrier, Sakura Blooms are also certified hip healthy and don’t need an infant insert.

It has also undergone stringent lab testing to comply with current US government, ASTM, and CPSIA safety standards.

Their soft textured baby carriers are suitable for all seasons. Its silk and linen-made baby carriers are perfect during hot weather or summer.

Parents have even used this for nature walks, hiking adventures and even doing chores, and taking care of their other little ones!

It’s one-size-fits-all that doesn’t have a waist strap – meaning pregnant women can comfortably wear them!

It can easily be folded and packed in your diaper bag. 

It also has a removable sleep/sun hood, useful when you need some shade for your baby when they’re sleeping.

Its also breast-feeding friendly!

Sakura Bloom carriers are not available at the largest eCommerce sites or the most popular brick and mortar stores though.

If you want to test it out, you have to visit one of their retail partners.

There is also some learning curve to it as it has some rings and fabric to tighten and adjust. It takes some time to get used to it.

But a lot of parents have said they have never looked back, as they find this one of the most comfortable, lightweight baby carriers they’ve ever used.

Pros

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Your choice of 100% silk fiber, linen, cotton shearling or bamboo material
  • Easy to fold and pack in a diaper bag
  • No need for infant insert
  • Fit-for-all
  • Can wear during pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding-friendly
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Has only 2 carrying positions
  • Available only at limited local retailers
  • Not easy to buy online
  • Expensive
  • Has a bit of steeper learning curve
  • Not machine washable

Ergobaby Omni Breeze

  • For Age: Newborn to Toddlers (7-45 lbs)
  • Carrying Positions: Front Inward Facing, Front Outward Facing, Back, Hip

I’ve only used 2 baby carriers and one of them is Ergobaby. So I had to check what they offer when it comes to the best baby carrier for hot weather. And they didn’t disappoint.

Their Omni Breeze, a hip-friendly, JPMA Certified baby carrier is Ergobaby’s most breathable baby carrier.

According to some parents, it’s surprisingly light and airy for a soft structured carrier. Which is usually hot, heavy, and bulky.

I kinda wished I knew about this when I was a new mom living here in the red dot!

It’s designed with a SoftFlex Mesh – a unique mesh material that offers maximum airflow to keep you and your baby cool and dry.

Parents love using this for hiking, long walks, running errands and doing household chores.

It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and seating position, to make it more comfortable for you and your little one.

It also has the usually cushioned shoulder straps and padded lumbar support, to alleviate shoulder and back pains.

The Omni Breeze has also an easy to use sliders, that makes it effortless to switch baby’s position, from facing in to facing out.

It’s also breast-feeding friendly and comes with a baby hood for sun protection, side pockets and a storage pouch.

Some parents mentioned it’s quite tricky to adjust the straps and follow the instructions in the manual. 

There is also a bit of a learning curve but for those who have gotten past that, they find Omni Breeze perfect for everyday baby carrying in hot weather.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Designed with SoftFlex Mesh
  • No need for infant insert
  • Has 2 side pockets and storage pouch
  • Breastfeeding-friendly

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Has a bit of learning curve

Baby K’tan Active

  • For Age: Newborn to Toddlers (8-35 lbs)
  • Carrying Positions: Front Inward Facing, Front Outward Facing, Hip, Kangaroo, Explore

If you’d prefer a wrap-style infant sling without the wrapping, check out Baby K’TansActive. 

It’s a certified hip-healthy carrier with a patented double-loop design that lets you readily wear your baby without having to deal with wrappings, buckles, snaps, or rings!

The Baby K’Tan is made of antimicrobial, 100% polyester sports performance mesh that has moisture-wicking properties.

Which provides temperature control, keeping you and your baby cool and dry.

Its material also blocks over 90% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

It comes with a matching sash that converts into a handy carry bag, to easily pack and carry the Baby K’tan with you.

Parents like how breathable and lightweight the Baby K’Tan Active is for quick errands and short carring.

However, they’ve also noted that it has a bit of a stretch to it which can eventually make your baby hang lower than you’d like.

Some parents also noted that it tends to sag a bit more when carrying an older, heavier baby.

One mom don’t even recommend this for walking around in Disney!

It also comes with individual sizes so you can’t share it with anyone and you can’t properly use the baby carrier if you get the wrong size.

But it is super easy to use, comfortable and pretty much light and airy for a hot and humid climate.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Lightweight and Breathable
  • Made of moisture-wicking 100% polyester sports performance mesh
  • No need for infant insert
  • Breastfeeding-friendly
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Too stretchy, tends to sag
  • Can’t use for too long
  • Individualized size – can’t share with another adult
  • Not adjustable – can’t wear if you order the wrong size

Solly Baby Wrap

best baby carrier for preemies_7
pic from Solly Baby website
  • For Age: Newborn to Toddlers (8-25 lbs)
  • Carrying Positions: Front Inward Facing

Solly Baby wraps are certified hip-friendly, allowing you to carry your baby in a safe and proper position. You can even use this to carry premature babies, under the advice of a healthcare professional.

The main advantage of this wrap is that it’s made from lightweight, water-absorbent Lenzing fiber, which is softer than cotton.

This makes for a more comfortable wear, so you and your baby won’t feel hot or sweaty, even during the summer. Or even if you live in a tropical climate!

Some parents who are a mix of petite or plus-size say they’ve worn this for hours comfortably, without any issues.

Plus-size wearers can benefit from this more, as it has a fabric length of approximately 5.5 yards. Long enough to accommodate bulky, large dads.

It only has 1 carrying position though – forward-facing in. But for some parents, that’s already enough for them, as they’re not comfortable wearing their baby in any position.

It also has some very cute and adorable prints and patterns. Plus it’s easy to carry everywhere! Just fold the wrap and store it in the pouch and you’re good to go!

Pros

  • Made of water-absorbent Lenzing fiber
  • Lightweight and Breathable
  • Fit-for-all
  • Breast-feeding friendly
  • Easy to fold and pack in a diaper bag
  • Cute prints and designs

Cons

  • Limited weight limit of 25 lbs
  • Not cheap
  • Steeper learning curve

Best Baby Carriers for Tropical Climates: Buying Guide

Consider first your priorities and what features should you look out in the best baby carriers for hot weather:

Safe and Sturdy

A baby carrier that can support a newborn without an infant insert is ideal to have. 

Something that can also last until toddlerhood is also preferable to have. A durable, sturdy yet comfortable baby carrier that can hold a heavy toddler (or even preschooler!), would give you more bang for your buck

Material

Now, this is what truly matters when looking for the best baby carrier for the hot weather – the material.

You’d want something lightweight, breathable, and cooling for both you and your baby. Especially for your little one.

A baby carrier that’s made of cotton/bamboo/silk or linen is ideal to have. These fibers are soft and breathable. 

Most baby-wearing experts and parents would recommend a linen-made baby carrier though. 

Linen has thermal regulating qualities with its natural heat and moisture-wicking properties. It keeps you warm during the winter too! 

It can keep your baby cool during the hot weather by pulling heat and moisture away from the body, at a much faster rate.

It also has antibacterial qualities and is stronger than cotton.

Some parents would prefer to buy a single-layer linen fabric.

But others would choose to get an SSC (soft-structured carriers), even if it’s bulkier. Because of the feeling of extra security, what with all its safety buckles and harnesses.

If you’d opt for an SSC, choose one with a mesh panel. So at least, it will still have some cooling and breathable qualities for your baby.

Comfort

Another thing to consider is how comfortable the baby carrier is. 

Is it a fit-for-all or is it more accommodating for petite wearers or plus-size parents? 

Does it have a seat adjustment, head support, or leg padding for the baby?

Carrying Positions

Some parents would prefer to carry their kids on their back, especially when hiking or doing chores.

Others prefer a baby carrier where they can carry their kid in a front-facing out position. So their kids can see and explore everything with them.

While others don’t mind having only 2 carrying positions. 

I’m one of those people, I only used one position the entire time I was using a baby carrier and that was just the front-facing in position

So think of how you’re going to use the baby carrier and what position you’d think you and your baby would be comfortable with.

Easy to Use and Clean

One that’s easy to use and clean is an advantage to have. 

An easy-to-wipe and/or machine-washable baby carrier that’s easy to put on, adjust and take off on your own, is ideal to have.

It’s also best to get something that can easily be adjusted to fit multiple users. So you can just share with your spouse or other caregivers.

Extra Features

It doesn’t hurt if the baby carrier comes with extra features such as lots of pockets, sun hood, is breastfeeding-friendly, etc.

Or if you can easily fold and pack it in your diaper bag! That would be super to have.

FAQ for Best Baby Carriers for Hot & Humid Weather

Are baby carriers safe in hot weather?

Yes, they are, as long as you follow safety standards and practices in carrying your baby, particularly a newborn.

Baby carriers are used all around the world, even in hot and humid countries. So overall, it’s safe to use a baby carrier in hot weather.

How do you carry a baby in summer?

You carry them as instructed by the manufacturer but with less clothing. 

That means, your baby should only wear 1 layer of clothing that’s preferably made of breathable and lightweight fabric – a onesie or sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt perhaps. 

And instead of wearing shorts or pants, you can also strip down your baby in their diaper, if that’s more comfortable for them.

Will babies suffocate in carriers?

No, they won’t IF you properly follow the carrying instructions while making sure that they do not cover their faces, especially newborns.

Can babies overheat in carriers?

Yes, they can, especially newborns, as they can’t regulate their body temperature yet. 
So dress your kids lightly, stay in the shade and avoid the sun as much as possible.

Alternative to the Best Baby Carrier for Hot Weather

Here’s a couple of items you can use alternatively, when you want a little breather from carrying your baby:

Babywearing in Summer: Helpful Tips

  • Buy from legit sellers

There are so many counterfeit carriers all over so it’s better to buy them from the brand’s website themselves or a trusted seller.

So if you’re buying say from Amazon, check the seller. Research them by name, read the reviews, particularly their return policy.

  • Borrow or buy second hand

If you want to test a baby carrier, you can just borrow from a friend or relative. Or rent. Or get a used one! 

There are tons of Facebook groups, buy/sell/trade online groups, and websites that sell slightly used premium baby carriers, where you can haggle the price.

  • Bundle up when it’s cold

These baby carriers for hot weather don’t necessarily mean you can only use them during summer or when it’s hot and humid. 

You can also use them during winter or in any season for that matter. It’s just a matter of changing your little ones’ clothes and bundling them up when needed.

  • Wear cooling clothes

Dri-fit, cotton, it doesn’t matter, as long as the fabric is cooling and breathable. 

Let your kids wear a onesie or only a one-layer shirt or if they’re comfortable, they can just go on their diapers!

  • Use a fan and an umbrella

If you can’t avoid the heat, always use an umbrella. 

You can also carry around a traditional folding fan or a handheld fan which you can use to cool off you and your little one quickly.

  • Use a stroller

There are lightweight strollers that are easy to pack and carry. 

Use it when you need a little bit of breather, in between carrying your child.

Takeaway on the Best Baby Carriers for Hot Weather

Honestly, there’s no magical baby carrier that can keep you and your baby cool and breezy the whole time in the hot and humid weather. 

Especially when you have to do errands, chores, work – you and your baby will still get sweaty occasionally!

So try to manage your expectations. The best a baby carrier can do is to let that heat escape, through its light and breathable material. 

So drink lots of water, stay out of the sun as much as possible and dress less if you don’t want to get too warm in your baby carrier.

Get one that’s first and foremost, comfortable. Prioritize that feature as that’s the most important one in a baby carriers for summer.

And if money isn’t really an issue, get a premium baby carrier – like the Happy Baby or Ergobaby Omni Breeze. They are worth it as the best baby carriers for hot weather.