Beach Days & Babywearing: Summer TLC For Your Carrier

“The best things in life are meant to be savoured, like summer days with my baby.” - unknown

Summer is a wonderful time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and make memories with your baby. Whether you're babywearing at the beach, the splash pad, or your local trails, your carrier is likely working just as hard as you are. But all that sun, sand, sweat, sunscreen, chlorine, and salt water can take a toll on your carrier if you're not careful.

Here’s how to care for your baby carrier in the summer months so it stays safe, clean, and comfortable all season long.

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1. Protect Your Carrier from Sunscreen Stains

Sunscreen is a summer must-have, but it can leave stubborn, greasy marks on your carrier — especially if it contains mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Tips:

• Apply sunscreen first, and let it fully absorb into your skin before putting on your carrier.

• Wear a top with sleeves to keep the carrier clean.

• Use a cloth bib or drool pad where your baby’s face or your shoulders touch the fabric — these are easier to toss in the wash.

• If your carrier does get sunscreen on it, spot clean with diluted dish soap (which cuts grease better than gentle detergents). Gently blot — don’t scrub — to avoid damaging the fabric.

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2. Shake Off That Sand

Beach days are magical... until you bring the beach home with you.

Tips:

• Shake out your carrier thoroughly after each use.

• A vacuum with a small nozzle attachment can help lift out stubborn sand from webbing or seams.

• Avoid washing a sandy carrier right away — grains of sand can get trapped in the weave during a wash and cause abrasion over time.

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3. Rinse After Chlorine or Salt Water Exposure

A dip in the ocean or pool is fun, but chlorine and salt can degrade fabric and metal hardware if not removed promptly. This is why using a water friendly carrier is so important because they are designed with this purpose in mind. If you do get your carrier wet at the beach or pool though it's important to clean it quickly.

Tips:

• After wearing your carrier near salt water or chlorine, rinse it with cool, fresh water as soon as possible — even if you don’t plan to do a full wash right away.

• Hang to dry out of direct sunlight, as UV exposure can fade colors and weaken fibers over time.

• For carriers with metal rings or buckles, gently pat dry the hardware to prevent rust or corrosion.

• Avoid issues by using a water carrier when wading in the pool or ocean. For a list of Water Friendly Carriers, read my blog post here.

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4. Skip the Spray—Choose Safer Bug Protection

Mosquito repellents, even natural ones, can stain or degrade the fabric of your carrier over time. Instead of spraying directly onto your body or carrier, opt for safer alternatives like bug repellent patches. These can be placed on clothing or nearby surfaces to help keep mosquitos away without the mess.They're great even for the tiniest of littles.

Lightweight long sleeves and pants offer breathable coverage and added protection, and for serious outdoor adventures, consider a bug jacket—a mesh layer that keeps bugs at bay without needing any sprays at all.

Your carrier (and your skin!) will thank you.

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5. When (and How) to Wash Your Carrier

You don’t need to wash your carrier after every use — in fact, overwashing can shorten its lifespan. But when it’s really due for a refresh:

General Wash Tips:

• Check the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent (no optical brighteners or fabric softeners).

• Wash on a cold, gentle cycle, preferably in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect straps and hardware.

• Use a cup of white vinegar as a natural deodorizer and softener in the wash.

• Air dry only — no dryers! Excess heat can shrink or damage carrier components.

• A steam iron or using the steam setting on your regular iron can help relax your natural fiber carrier to recover it's softness and flopiness after a wash. If you don't have an iron you can mist your carrier and put it in the dryer with no heat, add some dryer balls or tennis balls, even some towels will do the trick to help soften up a stiff carrier.

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6. Summer Carrier Pro Tips

• Use lightweight carriers: like linen ring slings, Meh Dai, traditional carriers like Chitenge, even mesh panel SSCs can feel lightweight, or water specific carriers, for breathable comfort.

• Keep a backup — it’s nice to have a second carrier clean and ready while one is drying.

• Rotate usage to reduce wear on a single carrier, especially if you’re wearing daily.

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Summer adventures with your baby can be joyful and carefree — and with a little TLC, your carrier can stay in great shape to support you through them all. Treat it like the hardworking parenting tool it is, and it will continue to serve you well beyond the summer sun.

Got questions about summer babywearing or choosing a warm-weather-friendly carrier? I’d love to help! Drop a comment or reach out for a personalized consultation.