The Best Baby Carriers for Hot Weather (I’ve Tried Them All!)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from babywearing in Thailand, Costa Rica, and a peak summertime trip to Namibia (don’t ask), it’s this: not all baby carriers are created equal—especially in the heat.
When you’re both covered in sunscreen, snacks, and at least a little bit of regret over skipping the stroller, the last thing you want is a carrier that turns you into a human sauna. So after testing a handful of carriers everywhere from Southeast Asia to sunny California, here are the best baby carriers for hot weather—including the one I reached for nonstop during a literal heat wave the summer my son was born.
What to Look For in a Baby Carrier for Hot Weather
Before I dive into the recs, here’s what I’ve found makes a carrier hot-weather-friendly:
- Breathable mesh or natural fabrics (because polyester is not your friend in 90°F weather)
- Minimal bulk and padding
- UV protection, if you’re lucky
- Easy to get on/off while wrangling a sweaty baby or toddler
- Quick-dry if you’re, say, running through a Costa Rican waterfall or just sweating through your T-shirt (same thing, really)
🥇 Best Overall: Ergobaby Omni Breeze
Why I love it: the Ergobaby Omni Breeze has all the structure of a soft-structured carrier, but made with SoftFlex™ mesh that feels airy even in direct sun. It’s comfortable for long walks and works from newborn to toddlerhood without an insert. Unlike most baby carriers, it has a carry pocket big enough for a phone, and some versions even have a rain/sun hood.
Read my full Ergobaby carrier review here and Aerloom review here.
Bonus points for:
✔︎ Lumbar support for your back (bless)
✔︎ Pockets for your phone or snacks
✔︎ Works in all carry positions, including front outward-facing
Downsides: Not the softest carrier we’ve tried.
Best for: Travel days, sightseeing walks, or anytime you’ll be babywearing for hours.
🧊 Best for Toddlers: Tushbaby Hip Carrier
Why I love it: Once your baby hits toddler status and suddenly wants to be up-down-up-down every 2.5 seconds, the Tushbaby saves your back and your sanity. It’s a waist-worn hip seat that supports your kiddo’s weight without strapping them in, and without drenching both of you in layers of fabric.
It took me some time to love it, but almost all of my fellow toddler mom friends rave about it. Read my full Tushbaby review.
Bonus points for:
✔︎ No straps or buckles around baby = cooler for both of you
✔︎ Built-in storage for wipes, snacks, your phone
✔︎ Easy on and off without straps or buckles
Downsides: It’s not hands-free—more of a quick carry assist than a full-on carrier. It’s also pretty bulky.
Best for: Travel days, errands, or kids who only want to be carried “for just a minute” (i.e., forever).
🌿 Best for Newborns: Solly Baby Wrap
Why I love it: My son was born in the middle of a July heat wave, and this was the only way I could wear him without melting. The sustainably sourced modal fabric is buttery soft, breathable, and light enough that I’d often wear it with just a nursing bra—or nothing at all—underneath. It also gave us that skin-to-skin closeness while still feeling secure and supported. Read my full Solly Baby review.
Bonus points for:
✔︎ Seriously soft
✔︎ Compact and easy to stuff in a diaper bag
✔︎ Stylish, with tons of gorgeous colors and prints
Downsides: No longer works once your baby gets heavier and has a learning curve to figure out how to use it.
Best for: Newborns and those early weeks when all they want is to be on your chest 24/7 (and you’re figuring out how to do anything hands-free).
💨 Best for Super Hot & Humid Weather: Beco Gemini Cool Mesh
Why I love it: If you want an all-in-one carrier that doesn’t feel like a backpacking harness, this one’s a great alternative to the Ergo. It has breathable mesh, a crossable back strap option, and no infant insert required. Read our full Beco Gemini review.
Bonus points for:
✔︎ Lightweight and breathable
✔︎ Great neck support for littles
✔︎ Machine washable
Downsides: Bulkier than wrap options.
Best for: Humid destinations where you need airflow above all else.
🥾 Best for Hiking: Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
Why I love it: If you’re planning to hike with your little one, this is the gold standard. The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is a full-on backpack-style hiking carrier that makes long outdoor adventures actually enjoyable—for both of you. It has an adjustable suspension system (hello, comfort), a super supportive hip belt, a built-in sunshade, and a reasonably large gear pocket for snacks, diapers, and the 14 other things toddlers need “just in case.”
It’s one of several hiking backpack carriers we’ve tested but it’s our fave. We’ve taken it to Norway, Italy, Lake Tahoe, and more.
Bonus points for:
✔︎ Super padded and supportive for you and your kiddo
✔︎ Built-in sunshade and foot stirrups for extra comfort
✔︎ Breathable mesh back for airflow (thank you!)
✔︎ Fits taller kids up to 48 lbs
Downsides: It’s big—this isn’t for quick errands or airport days. Also, pricey (but worth it if you’ll actually use it).
Best for: Mountain hikes, national park adventures, and when your toddler flat-out refuses to walk but still wants to “see everything.”
So, What Do I Actually Use?
These days I alternate between the Deuter Kid Carrier and our toddler-sized Artipoppe, either in their linen or cotton. It’s not the first carrier I recommend simply due to the price tag, which just went up meaningfully due to tariffs. The Ergobaby is a great alternative, as are the other carriers mentioned in the post.
