Cold Weather Babywearing
Winter is here, and it's a great time to snuggle up with your babe and keep them close with babywearing. One of the most common questions we get this time of year is: How do I keep myself and my baby warm while using a carrier? Below are a few tips and tricks to help keep you and your little one warm even as the temperature drops.
TL;DR: You can still babywear in the cold weather by following these tips and tricks! Dress in light layers and utilize accessories, consider a babywearing coat if it's cold enough where you live, and add in some extra checks while wearing for everyone's safety and comfort.
Layers for You
Layering is an easy way to keep warm. Put on a long-sleeved shirt or thin sweater before putting on your baby carrier to keep your arms covered and avoid bulk. If you're still not as warm as you like, throw a jacket or windbreaker on over the top to keep those chilly winds away. If needed, add a hat and gloves, and you're set for those cold weather babywearing adventures.
Layers for Your Little
When putting your babe into a carrier, we want to avoid bulky clothes that change fit and comfort, like snowsuits. Remember you and baby are sharing body heat that adds warmth on top of any layers you or them are wearing. A great rule of thumb is to dress baby in one more layer than you, and to count the carrier as an extra layer as well. Leggings or pants in a sturdy material like thick cotton, fleece, or wool with long socks and cozy shoes are a great way to keep baby's lower half warm. A tight fitting shirt with a sweater or sweatshirt over can help keep baby's upper body feeling comfy. Put on a cute hat to keep their heads warm and the wind away, and your babe will stay cozy and happy. Make sure you size up if you decide to put your kid in footie pajamas or similar clothing. You want to keep from putting any pressure on their little toes, and pajamas that are too tight can keep you from getting that proper positioning and comfortable fit in your sling.
Do I Need a Special Coat?
Need is a strong word, but lots of cold weather babywearers like to invest in babywearing coats. These are coats made specifically to accommodate a carrier. They're created to be large enough to cover yourself and your child completely, with an extra panel that can be removable. Often, these coats come with a space for the baby's head to pop through and can even include a hood just for them. Depending on how cold it gets where you live and how often you are outside, this might be a great option to really keep the warmth in!
Extra Checks ✅
While you're out, make sure you do some extra checks on baby to make sure their temperature is well regulated. Check that their torso feels warm, and keep a look out for any blue lips. If baby starts feeling too cold, it's time to take a break and add another layer or two before you head out again. Alternatively, if baby starts to sweat or feels too warm, shed a layer or two until baby feels more comfortable.
Whether it's snowing where you live or you're just dealing with some icy winds, keeping warm while cold weather babywearing doesn't have to be complicated. Layers with a coat thrown on top are an easy and quick way to stay to avoid getting cold. We love that our ring slings are a fast way to get babe up when running errands and spending time outdoors. We hope these tips helped give you some ideas on staying warm this winter.
Cold Weather Babywearing FAQ
Can I still wear baby when it's cold out?
Absolutely! You can babywear safely year round in all types of weather.
How should we dress to babywear in the cold?
Layers are your friend! Dress yourself and baby in light layers that can be taken off if you start getting toasty. Avoid bulky clothes, like snowsuits and jackets inside the carrier. You can add hats and other accessories or even jackets after you set baby up in the carrier.
Do I need a babywearing coat?
You don't need one! You might be able to stay warm enough with light layers, accessories, and even with your own regular jackets. But if you wear often enough in the cold AND it's cold enough where you live, it might be a good investment.
Do I need to do anything special while babywearing in the cold weather?
Not really! You may want to do some extra checks on baby and yourself when it's cold out. Make sure you both are not too cold or too hot. If you're too cold, add a layer or take a break inside. If you're too hot, remove a layer or take a babywearing break.
Summary
You can still babywear in the cold weather by following some tips and tricks.
Dress baby in light layers and try to avoided footed sleepers and bulky clothes like snowsuits. Use hats to keep that little head warm! And remember - the carrier counts as a layer.
Dress yourself in layers too! Avoid bulky fabrics for you as well. Add in accessories or a jacket on top of your carrier if you're doing a front carry.
If it's cold enough where you live and you babywear outside often enough, consider investing in a babywearing coat. These coats are specifically designed to fit a caregiver and a baby in a carrier.
When babywearing while bundled, add in some extra checks for everyone's safety and comfort. If you or baby feels hot or uncomfortable, remove a layer or take a babywearing break.
