Advice

What is The Best Fabric for Babywearing?

Published

6 months ago

September 3, 2024

Contributing Together

Parenting / 3 September, 2024 / Christina Walter

Breathability is a buzzword this year, with sustainable mesh fabrics and natural fibres like linen taking centre stage for new baby product launches. When it comes to the best fabric for babywearing, you might be wondering if mesh is only suitable for warmer weather. Or perhaps mesh could be the right option for the whole year? Today, we’ll help you figure out what’s best for your family.

What is the best fabric for babywearing?

Which fabric is best for a baby carrier? The short answer is – it depends! The main things to consider are what type of carrier you’re looking for and how you’ll use it most.

The main reason to choose a mesh fabric for your baby carrier is that it’s breathable. This means that it allows air to circulate around you and baby, keeping you both cool and dry. This is obviously hugely beneficial in warm weather but that’s not the only time increased airflow comes in handy. Mesh is likely to be a smart choice all year round as babywearing can be a sweaty affair whatever the temperature.

For example, in winter, when you add the extra layers of clothing you wear on colder days, fluctuating temperatures as you move in and out of buildings, plus the weight of a growing baby, you can really work up a sweat. And no matter what the time of year, if you are planning any longer walks/hikes in your carrier or are someone who ‘runs hot’, then you’ll appreciate the extra airflow. There’s a reason Ergobaby’s mesh carriers are their best-sellers!

Newborn carriers

Specially designed newborn carriers are perfect for hands-free bonding with your littlest love. They are soft and gentle on baby’s skin and help you keep baby close and safe through the golden bonding time of the fourth trimester. Newborn babies also can’t effectively regulate their own temperature but being close to your body helps them to do this.

The Ergobaby Embrace is available in both mesh and knit fabrics. If you’re looking for maximum airflow, the mesh fabric combines Aerated Pin-Dot Knit with Soft Air Mesh on the shoulders and back panels for maximum breathability and comfort. The soft wicking fabric pulls sweat away from you and baby and dries quickly, keeping you both comfy, cool, and dry.

A wrap is another popular choice for the early days with baby. You can tie it once and leave it on all day, popping baby in and out as you need. The Ergobaby Aura Wrap is available in two sustainable choices: Knit and Mesh. Tencel™ Lyocell fibres in the knit fabric are produced from sustainably sourced wool and it’s biodegradable. The all-over mesh option is moisture-wicking to pull sweat away from you and baby. 100% of the polyester used is recycled. Each mesh wrap is made up of 36 plastic water bottles!

Soft-structured carriers

If you’re planning on buying just one carrier that will last you for years, then base your fabric choice on your lifestyle and what you plan to use your carrier for. Are you an adventurer hiking mountains or planning to work out while babywearing? Are you a sun seeker who spends time in tropical climates? Or will you mostly use a baby carrier to give you two hands-free around the house?

Mesh for Maximum Breathability

Some carriers offer targeted mesh panels. For some, like the Ergobaby Omni Breeze, the mesh covers almost all the carrier. The Omni Breeze is made with Lightweight SoftFlex™ Mesh and even has foam cutouts in the waistbelt and lumbar support for breathability where you need it most. Its soft-feel technology provides maximum airflow to keep you and baby cool and dry all day.

Linen: A Natural Middle-Ground

A great ‘middle-ground’ between mesh and cotton or knit fabrics is naturally breathable linen. A linen baby carrier, like the Ergobaby Omni Dream Natural Linen is worth considering if you prefer natural fibres or aren’t sure whether mesh or cotton is the best fit for you. Linen is naturally temperature-regulating and is hypoallergenic and gentle on baby’s sensitive skin.

For Active Lifestyles

For those with an especially active lifestyle or looking for a lightweight, stretchy, supportive, and breathable carrier, then check out the first-of-its-kind Ergobaby Aerloom. Its innovative FormaKnit^TMfabric is a stretchy knit produced with post-consumer, recycled polyester yarns (certified by Global Recycled Standard). It features seamlessly integrated mesh panels for built-in airflow where it’s most effective.

Hip Seats for Older Babies and Toddlers

For quick ups and downs with older babies and toddlers, a hip seat allows extra space between your bodies to keep you both cooler automatically. Choose one, like the Ergobaby Alta, which converts between a more traditional baby carrier and hip seat for ultimate functionality, and one made from breathable mesh for guaranteed breathability.

The Smart Choice: Breathable Fabrics

If in doubt then a breathable fabric is never a bad choice. Carrying around a growing little one can make you warm no matter the weather or location, and you share body heat while carrying, so having good airflow around you both is always smart.

Which fabric should you choose for a baby bouncer?

While some bouncers last baby from newborn through to toddlerhood, most of their use happens in the early months of baby’s life. And as smaller babies can’t regulate their temperature as effectively as older ones, you want to be sure that their bouncer helps prevent heat accumulation while keeping them cosy and safe.

With the Ergobaby Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer you can choose from two fabric choices. Cotton has a special two-zone fabric offering, combining soft knit fabric and breathable mesh, while the Mesh option is an all-over mesh for maximum breathability. Both options are soft, supportive and comfortable for baby from the first day. And the best part? The covers are removable (and machine washable), so you can switch between covers to suit the situation or season.

Can strollers offer breathability, too?

It’s not just bouncers and baby carriers where you should keep an eye out for mesh. A stroller should last you many years, and it will likely come with you on a whole range of adventures, so choosing one that can adapt to the weather or climate is vital.

The Ergobaby Metro+’s near-flat recline and adjustable footrest are a dream team for newborns or any kid up to 22kg or 4 years in need of a nap. Once the seat is reclined, the Ergobaby Metro+ has a hidden mesh panel that can be opened or closed to tailor the airflow to the baby. It’s ideal for naps on the go in warmer climates. It also comes with a weather cover to protect baby from the elements in less clement weather.

Which is the best choice for you?

There are lots of products and fabric choices out there. Whether you prioritise airflow with a breathable mesh fabric or the soft cosiness of cotton or knit depends on your lifestyle and the time of year your baby is born. When it comes to keeping baby’s temperature regulated and keeping you both cool and dry, mesh is always the right choice.

Contributing Together

What is The Best Fabric for Babywearing?

Advice

What is The Best Fabric for Babywearing?

What is the best fabric for babywearing?

Newborn carriers