Splash, Snuggle, Repeat: Addressing Water Wearing with Your Clients
May 20, 2025
When the weather heats up and babies cling close, water wearing can be a game changer. But for many caregivers, it’s unfamiliar territory. They may be unsure what kind of carrier to use, how deep is too deep, or how to juggle water play with older siblings and a baby in tow.
As a babywearing consultant, this is where you shine.
You’re not just offering gear tips—you’re helping parents feel confident, calm, and connected during one of the most physically demanding seasons of the parenting year. And in most cases, it’s not happening on vacation or at a big sandy beach. It’s happening in the real world—in showers, backyards, splash pads, and public pools.
"When baby number two came along, the ring sling didn’t just help with showers—it opened up our whole world. Summer with two kids under three meant constant movement, and thanks to that sling, we could go from the house to the park sprinklers without missing a beat. I’d scoop up the baby in that sling and play with my older child, all three of us giggling."
Let’s take a look at how to guide your clients through it.
In the Shower
The shower is often where caregivers first try water wearing—not because it’s trendy, but because they really need it. It’s a lifeline when a baby won’t be put down, and the caregiver needs to feel human again.
"There will be times when you'll need to get in the shower with your little one and having a carrier to keep them secure and prevent falls will be so very helpful. The newborn stage can be very intense and being able to give yourself and your baby a refreshing shower can boost your mood, calm a fussy baby and give you both a quick clean. Showers can also really help if your infant/toddler is feeling poorly and you're wanting to bring down a fever or relieve some congestion."
Here’s how to help families make this work safely and with ease:
- Mind the temperature. Some showers are prone to quick, dramatic temperature changes (especially when someone flushes a toilet or starts a washing machine). Recommend they keep their back to the water to buffer sudden shifts.
- Prep for baby’s movement. As babies grow, they may use their hands or feet to push off the shower wall—something that can throw off balance if a caregiver isn’t prepared. This is true whether baby is in arms or in a carrier.
- Water-safe carriers = more freedom. Mesh wraps or athletic-style carriers allow caregivers to stay hands-free, supported, and steady.
Backyard Sprinklers, Kiddie Pools, and Real Life Summer Play
The backyard is the true MVP of water wearing. It’s where siblings run wild, the baby is along for the ride, and the grass somehow stays muddy for 36 hours. A water carrier can help caregivers stay in the moment while keeping baby close and secure.
Paola Florez of Beachfront Baby captures the spirit of water wearing beautifully:
“Using a water-friendly carrier can make all the difference in actually getting out with your baby in the summertime! Taking older siblings to a splash pad becomes a breeze and a way for the entire family to cool off... We want the carrier to facilitate parents joining in on the fun, rather than the reason they hold back.”
Share these safety-forward suggestions:
- Slippery spots pop up fast. Pavement, wet grass, and little feet dashing by can easily cause slips. Encourage mindfulness over hustle.
- Start with gentle water conditioning. If baby hasn’t experienced water before, let them explore slowly—maybe just with their feet in a kiddie pool. Being worn can help ease anxiety, but it’s okay if they need a little time.
- Siblings need a heads-up. Older kids may instinctively jump into their caregiver’s arms—help parents set expectations and boundaries before the play begins.
Beaches, Splash Pads, and Public Spaces
For families heading out to beaches, wave pools, or splash parks, the water carrier becomes a tool not just for connection—but for freedom and confidence in busy, overstimulating environments—even for older babies and toddlers.
"Once my kids were old enough to hold their own in the water, I still kept [a water carrier] handy just in case—because invariably someone would get tired, or need comforting, or need some 'time in' with a parent. My daughter is now 3, and if a time ever comes when we don't bring the water carrier, I still always regret it."
Here’s what to pass on:
- Understand the rhythm of waves. If there are artificial waves or shifting tides, encourage caregivers to observe the pattern first—many waves build in strength before settling.
- Stay shallow. At the beach, a great rule is not deeper than the bottom of your butt. In other situations, waist height is the max—and always remember, the water level will often hit baby higher than it hits the caregiver.
- Watch your footing. Wet concrete, sandbars, and high-traffic splash pads can be deceivingly slick.
- Rinse off afterward. Salt, sunscreen, and chlorine can irritate baby’s skin and break down carrier fabric over time. A quick rinse makes a difference.
Meagan Pa, founder of Amphiba Baby says:
“Whether it's at the pool, beach, or even just in the backyard with a hose, babywearing in water offers a beautiful opportunity to bond, cool off, and enjoy play without the stress of juggling slippery arms and wiggly babies. I want parents to know they don’t have to sit on the sidelines—water wearing helps them jump back into the moment with their babies securely close.”
Connection, Not Just Convenience
"Looking back on our summer pool days, I am profoundly grateful for how babywearing with a water sling improved our family experiences. It not only made outings easier but also deepened the bond between my baby and me during cherished moments together."
Water wearing is more than a parenting hack. It’s a way to deepen connection during one of the most intense seasons of the year. When you guide families with empathy and practicality, you help them feel present, capable, and joyful—even while soaked in sunscreen and holding a juice pouch in one hand.
💬 As Paola reminds us:
“We think about how parents will actually use our carriers. Getting kids out and playing in the heat of summer can be a challenge—but when you add water, suddenly it’s fun. The carrier should support that—not stand in the way.”
Supporting Connection, Not Just Convenience
Ultimately, water wearing is not just a summer hack—it’s an extension of the babywearing relationship, a way to help parents feel capable, connected, and included in family fun. When we help caregivers feel confident using a water-safe carrier, we’re not just offering them another tool. We’re giving them back the freedom to play, move, and be present—without needing to choose between connection and participation.
