Babywearing In Winter - Our top tips

Babywearing In Winter - Our top tips

Getting out on those crisp winter days can be a real delight for both Parent and baby. Watching the leaves fall, hearing the crunch of snow beneath your feet. It’s a very special experience to wrap up close to our baby or toddler and go for a walk in the fresh air.

But If you want to babywear in winter as the weather gets colder it can be hard to know how to dress your baby or toddler while in the carrier or sling so they are not too hot or cold.

Read our top tips for what to dress your baby (and yourself in!) whilst using slings and carriers in cold weather…

No Snowsuits - beware of the risks of overheating

Don’t forget baby and you are both sharing body heat. Its like carrying a little hot water bottle. So bear this in mind when dressing yourself and baby.

Snowsuits are basically like a duvet, so add to that your body heat and a layer of carrier (class the carrier as a layer of clothing) and baby can overheat. You may feel that your baby would be too cold without it, but younger babies are unable to regulate their temperature the way us adults can, so just be aware that the majority of their body is against you and holding heat.

If they are tiny, they can sink down into a snowsuit, which is then a suffocation risk. So please be mindful of open airways at all times for your baby. Large snowsuits can envelope babies face and be a risk to their breathing.

Additionally, snowsuits can affect the position of the baby - especially in a narrow-based carrier - meaning they are in a star fish position rather than a more comfortable M position. This can restrict their joints and movement and be uncomfortable.

Layers - remember the carrier is an extra layer too

Consider thinner layers instead of big bulky thick ones. These can then be added or removed as needed. Especially if moving in an out of outdoor areas into warmer ones. Why do they make shops so bloody hot in the winter!

The carrier is always classed as a layer, so bear this in mind whenever babywearing. If you are using a stretchy sling or woven wrap then this can be up to 3 layers depending on how you are wearing your wrap.

The suit Nikki has here with Ellie was a thin waterproof onesie. Then a thin jumper underneath. You can then take extra t-shirt or jumper in bag if needed. Other great options are jersey style all-in-ones or a onesie that covers their toes too. Thin fleece ones are often a breathable fabric and allow baby to have better movement and comfort.

Head, Hands & Feet - protect extremities

Hands… Generally baby's hands should be tucked up in the carrier (so they can suck hand and not feel like they are in a straight jacket!) Older kids need gloves.

Head… Pop a wooly hat on you and baby (make sure you can see your babies face just by glancing down). If you are back carrying this can be tricky as those pesky hats always fall off. Good options are ones with chin straps to help stay on like these Fleece-lined hat - Powder pink - Kids | H&M GB (hm.com)

Feet… You can get little slipper sock boots which are great over leggings, tights and socks. (These are a good example… Fox Moccasin Slipper Socks | JoJo Maman Bebe or put a couple of larger socks on that come up to baby’s knees. Tights are also a good option. For girls & boys!

You can purchase a carrier cover to keep it and your little one dry like these Babywearing: Fleece-lined Covers for Carrying Babies – BundleBean. Another easy option is to wrap a long scarf around baby's legs to keep them warm.

Also check out our video on how to use a raincoat for baby whilst babywearing here.: Award Winning Mum & Baby Class | Babywearing (@dancelikeamother) • Instagram photos and videos

You - prepare for the weather and environment

There are babywearing coats available with an extra panel for you to zip in while babywearing, but also pregnancy coats work fantastic for this too! You can pick them up second hand if you weren’t pregnant in the winter. These are great panels for both pregnancy & babywearing that fit all coats Zip Us In – Expand Your Jacket During Pregnancy And Baby Wearing

However if it’s cold but dry, you might consider layering up with several thinner layers, hat and gloves and not worrying too much a big winter coat. I like to wear an oversized cardigan in winter, as I get too warm whilst out walking with the carrier on.

Safety

As ever, when wearing your baby, make sure their airway is open and the face is clear from fabric. You should be able to see their face by just glancing down. Ensure a well-supported position in a well fitted carrier.

Check out our babywearing page with tips & tutorials for wearing your baby safely.

Also feel free to get in touch if you would like any support, advice or to book a 121 consultation. Contact us

Happy & safe babywearing this winter,

Nikki xx