Cooling down at the pool

Babywearing at the pool or beach is not something that’s on the top of everyone’s list of priorities, but it certainly makes an enjoyable day out even more so when you have small children. Whether you have a dedicated pool carrier or just want to splash about, here are a couple of tips that might make life a little easier in the wet.

Why wear your baby in or around the water? The answer is simple- babies are slippery when wet! Wearing your child near or around the water can also help keep an active (and fast) toddler safe by having them close to you. By keeping your hands free, you can also keep an older child’s head above water, when necessary! Needless to say, fully submerging yourself while a child is attached to you is not advisable. Always be aware of where your child’s head is in relation to the water. For this reason, many people choose not to wear their children in a back carry when in a pool, however, if you are only hip deep this is probably not an issue.

What will you wear your child in? Some people have a dedicated water carrier, like a solarveil ring sling or mei tai. I have a solarveil ring sling. Solarveil is a great fabric for a water carrier since it combines UV protection with a weave that doesn’t hold excess water. Solarveil mei tais are also available from some vendors. Other alternatives not made from solarveil but also offering UV protection include the water wraps. However, not everyone has the budget or inclination to buy a dedicated water carrier. An alternative is to buy some bottom-weight gauze and use this either as a short wrap or add a pair of sling rings and use it as a no sew ring sling (instructions here). Gauze will offer some UV protection and, although it will hold some water, it won’t hold large amounts. Since it’s fairly cheap to buy, you won’t be concerned if chlorine or salt leaches the colour out of your fabric, as you would be if you were using a more expensive baby carrier! Throw it in your bag once you’re done, give it a wash and use it all summer. It won’t be the most supportive carrier or the prettiest, but in the water this isn’t necessarily a problem. Even with the protection a baby sling can provide for your child against the sun, don’t forget to slip, slop and slap!

Once you’ve been in the water, you’ll have a wet baby and a wet carrier to boot- should you bring a spare along to use once everyone’s dry? If you don’t have far to walk, then learning a torso carry with a beach towel will dispense with that additional piece of luggage. This carry is surprisingly easy to do- the hardest part in my experience is putting your child on your back. If you’re a back-carry expert, then it won’t be a problem.

How do you carry your kids in the pool or at the beach? Do you use a dedicated water carrier, a cheap DIY version or do you just hold your child(ren) in arms? Leave us a comment with your tips and tricks!