If you’ve ever dreamed of having a portable space heater to keep warm during the chill of winter, there’s good news: babywearing can serve as a fantastic alternative. By securing your little one snugly to your body in your favorite wrap, sling, or baby carrier, the bleak weather outside becomes far more inviting.
However, will your baby be adequately warm? Should they don a snowsuit or a coat while in the carrier? Is it safe to zip them into your coat? Continue reading for essential tips on babywearing when temperatures drop.
What should baby wear?
When selecting winter outfits for babywearing, prioritize layers that provide insulation without excessive bulk, such as fleece-lined footed pajamas.
A solid guideline is to dress the baby in one additional layer than yourself, taking into account that the wrap or carrier acts as one. Rather than a cumbersome coat or snowsuit, concentrate on covering baby’s extremities. Consider using warm socks and booties for their toes and a snug hat for their head. Newborns often keep their hands tucked in the carrier, but if your child prefers having them free for waving and clapping, opt for mittens (or another pair of socks) to keep their hands warm.
Footed pajamas or rompers can be an excellent one-piece choice for the carrier (eliminating concerns over shirts riding up and exposing their little tummies to the cold), but ensure they are generously sized to allow for tiny toes to move freely.
What should you wear for babywearing in the winter?
Layering your clothing is the most effective way to keep both you and the baby comfortable. A long-sleeved shirt or light sweater serves as a perfect base layer beneath the carrier. After securing the baby, consider putting on an open-front sweater, an unbuttoned flannel shirt, or a coatigan as your next layer. An oversized coat that can zip around the carrier is also a practical option (think about using a men’s jacket, or a coat that’s one size larger than your usual fit).
It’s crucial to ensure that your baby’s face and head remain uncovered and that their airway stays clear. Aiming to zip your coat about halfway is typically a safe strategy.
Additionally, when you layer your sweater or coat over the carrier, it allows you to remove clothing as needed without having to take out the baby—especially helpful if you’re popping into a coffee shop or grocery store. After all, once the baby drifts into a peaceful contact nap, no parent wants to risk waking them!
Will they be warm enough?
A frequent question parents ask is, “How do I ensure my baby stays warm while babywearing during winter?” Proper layering is the trick to preventing both overheating and getting too cold.
Thanks to the combined warmth from your body and theirs, along with the extra layers, your little bundle of joy may actually be more at risk of overheating rather than being underdressed. Keep an eye out for flushed cheeks and feel free to remove layers if necessary.
This applies both outside and especially inside if you find yourself transitioning to a heated environment. Don’t hesitate to take off the hat if you both feel warm.
Why babywear, anyway?
Beyond the extensive list of benefits of babywearing, using a carrier in winter facilitates easy monitoring of your baby’s comfort outdoors, as they are snug next to you (as opposed to in a stroller). You’ll have a close view of how they are feeling and can gauge whether it’s time to continue enjoying the outdoors or head back inside.
Keeping the baby close can also help discourage well-meaning but germ-spreading neighbors and strangers from approaching for unwanted kisses, pinching cheeks, and such, which is particularly relevant during cold and flu season.
Moreover, if you’re navigating snowy paths or crowded holiday markets, you’ll appreciate being a compact unit rather than struggling with a bulky stroller amidst the throngs or trying to maneuver around snow blocks.
What else should I keep in mind?
Always ensure the baby is close enough for you to kiss (if worn on your front). Maintain visible and unobstructed airways, and ensure their chin isn’t pressed into their chest to avoid breathing complications.
Don’t forget to bring mittens or gloves for yourself to keep your hands warm without the need to hide them in your pockets. Your hands should remain free to help maintain balance while navigating slippery terrain or dealing with unexpected bumps on the sidewalk.
If you’re tying a wrap and are concerned about its ends getting wet in a snowy parking lot, consider securing it at home before heading out, so all you need to do is place the baby in once you arrive at your location. There’s also a smart hack available to keep the ends elevated while you’re on the go.
A note on babywearing in winter
No matter the time of year, fresh air and activity outside can benefit both you and your baby, helping to alleviate cabin fever and the winter blues. Whether it’s a stroll to the mailbox for some vitamin D or a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy holiday decorations, bundle up and stay warm as you experience your first winter together.
Image Source: morrowlight / Shutterstock
