The Sling Lady

So many people have been asking about the new ERGO Sport that it’s a no-brainer to post about it.   I was excited to get the new Sport in because one of my main complaints about the standard ERGO is that both me and DD can get sweaty on hot summer days here in Napa.  The thick canvas is super supportive (which I also love) but definitely not the most breathable fabric out there!

Enter the ERGO Sport.  It’s part polyester (vs. the 100% cotton of the standard and organic ERGOs), which gives it slight wicking properties.  Definitely more breathable!  What I love is that they have also put a vent in the carrier body – no question that air will be able to get through.  If you look carefully at the picture on the left, you can see a little of the baby’s shirt peeking out from the vent.   In getting the vent, you give up the zippered pocket, which I love.  So it’s a tradeoff, for sure.  You can always get a black front pouch, which has about the same amount of room as the pocket, and is more accessible in the back carry (since you can wear it on your front).

Another notable feature is the the hood on the Sport is detachable.  This makes sense when you more active, as the hood on the standard ERGO never stays in the little pouch and is usually dangling down, which my husband sometimes find irritating, especially when doing a front carry.   There is a little pouch (with snaps) on the body of the carrier for storing the hood when you’re not using it.

When I heard the Sport had wicking fabric, I expected it to be somewhat rougher or plasticky compared to the fabric of the standard ERGO, but in fact, it is super soft.  Even softer than the Organic, although only time will tell whether that lasts!

So why is the Sport cheaper than the standard and organic?  ERGO says it’s cheaper to make, and, holding both carriers in my hand, I believe it.  The Sport is much lighter and somehow feels less substantial than the standard.  Also, the standard has seat darting which the Sport does not.  This makes the seat of the Sport look a little less tidy than the standard, although Maddy claims she is equally comfortable in both.

Bottom line: the Sport is a cool addition to the ERGO line.  It makes a great second carrier and even comes with it’s own carrying pouch, which is handy.

I’ve created a comparison table for the Standard/Organic and Sport ERGO here.  Hope it helps!

Dear SlingLady:  We’ve had a heat wave and DS (8 months) and I are sweating to death in our fleece pouch!  Do you have any recommendations for a carrier that would be comfy for us in the sweaty, humid weather in DC?  

-Amber

Dear Amber:  Unfortunately, no one has yet invented a baby carrier with an air conditioner feature, but when they do, we’ll be the first ones to sign up. Until then, the bottom line is that wearing your baby is in hot weather is goin to be, well, hot! Ain’t no two ways about it.

That being said, I do have some tips for babywearing in the heat, sun and water.

Stay in the shade! This may seem obvious, but if you’re anything like we are, you may be stubbornly trying to go about your business without any regard for the weather. Summer is a good time to slow down, take it easy as much as you can, and stay in the shade whenever possible.

• Dress your baby lightly. Loose linen fabrics that cover the skin but are breathable and cool may help. If you will be inside/in the shade, you may want to consider just putting your baby in a diaper.
• Consider a carrier with UV protection built in, like the Moby Wrap with UV Protection in Sand or Turquoise or the Gypsy Mama Water Wrap.
• Consider coverage when choosing baby carriers for the warm weather. Ring slings can be used to provide additional coverage.
• Consider the fabric of the baby carrier you choose. Fabrics made specifically for warm weather, like mesh, are breathable and cool. 100% cotton is breathable and therefore also a good choice.
• Consider a back carry over a front carry, when possible. I’m not sure of the reason, exactly, but back carries always feel less hot.
• Check out our selection of Water Carriers for great options for the pool or beach!

Our favorite carriers for hot summer weather are:

• The Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Mesh Pouch (breathable, dries quickly, very light)
• The Gypsy Mama Water Wrap (dries quickly, has UV protection, great looking)
• ERGO baby carrier (less fabric to trap the heat in)
• Ellaroo Ring Slings (breathable, and you can use the tail for coverage
• Hotslings pouches (breathable, very minimal material)
• Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Breeze wraps – while wraps are hotter than other carriers due to the amount of fabric, the Bali Baby Breeze wraps are made from very thin gauze – super breathable and light!

What do you do to stay cool while wearing your baby? I’d love to know!