Holding on to Your Little Wriggler in a Water-Ready Baby Carrier
Are you ready to go on vacation or just want to splash around in the neighborhood pool, but need a water-ready infant carrier? Water carriers are becoming more common as parents discover the feelings of safety and comfort that their babies experience when fully supported in the water.
If your vacation takes you to the beach, you might not be so concerned about taking baby into the water, but might need a carrier that will give your baby some UV protection and that can shrug off the water and sand without needing to be machine-washed. Whatever carrier you choose, know that swimming and splashing are activities many babies greatly enjoy and that help build their strength, stamina, and coordination. These carriers can help you and your baby join in the summer fun with the rest of the family.
High-Performance Swim Gear
The Body Glove Baby Carrier is an infant water carrier that you and your baby will love. Made from insulating and stretchy Neoprene just like a wetsuit, it’s been safety-certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) so you know you can count on it to keep your baby safe, whether you use it as a front pack or a side sling. The criss-cross back straps are comfortable for most parents and getting the baby into and out of the carrier is made simpler with quick-release buckles. Neoprene’s insulation properties help keep your baby warm when the water is cool and cool when the air is warm, so this is a very useful fabric in the summertime. (2009 update: this product is no longer available.)
The OnBoard Baby NeoClene Baby Carrier can go anywhere you and your baby can go. It’s a simple front carrier made from a special material that looks like suede but performs like neoprene. It dries out quickly when wet and will insulate baby slightly from the cool water. The shoulder and waist straps are made from nylon webbing to ensure comfort and safety, and climbing-grade hardware is used for durability.
UV Protection For Hot Days on the Beach
No sling is a substitute for sunscreen, but some carriers can help protect your little one from the sun, which is especially helpful for babies too young for sunscreen. The Solarveil fabric blocks 70-80% of both UV-A and UV-B sun rays even when wet and is made into slings, pouches, and padded slings. The Moby Wrap UV protects your baby from harmful UV rays through the Rayosan process developed by the Sunsafe of Australia. This process increases the SPF to about 15 without changing the appearance or breathability of the fabric.
Lightweight slings for casual swimming
If you love slings and want to try one for splashing around in the pool while keeping your hands free to help other children or just to keep your balance, you might want to look into a mesh sling or pouch. Made from stretchy nylon mesh, many sling makers carry them and they come in lots of colors. Solarveil products are also great for swimming and because they are a non-stretchy fabric, they might feel more secure when carrying heavier babies and toddlers.
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