Babywearing in Cold Weather

When the weather gets cold, many parents shy away from babywearing. These simple cold weather babywearing tips will keep you and baby warm (but not too warm), because bonding with your baby is always in season.

Babywearing is an incredible thing. Whether using a wrap, a soft-structured carrier, a sling, or other style of baby wrap, you can travel easily with your little one. Especially with other children in tow.

Babywearing also offers both parents a great opportunity to bond with and comfort their child. Plus, it can provide a hands-free way to get some tasks accomplished. Altogether, babywearing can make a big difference for any parent.

Babywearing in Cold Weather Tips for Parents

Even so, when the weather gets cold and, dare we say, the snow starts to fly, many parents abandon their babywearing ways in order to beat the chill.

But babywearing doesn’t have to be reserved for the warmer months. You can keep both you and baby warm (but not too warm) through the colder seasons with these easy-to-execute babywearing cold weather tips.

Dress Your Baby in Layers

Layering your baby’s clothes, rather than bundling them in thick, fluffy outfits and jackets, is the easiest way to keep them warm while babywearing in cold weather. Thin layers will allow you to strip off a piece of clothing if you or your baby get too hot.

Look for fabrics like breathable cottons, super lightweight wools, or light fleece zips ups or pull overs. When dressing your baby, remember this rule: add one extra layer than you might need yourself.

Start with an organic cotton onesie or undershirt. Layer a lightweight long sleeve shirt, possibly with fold over cuffs, over the onesie or undershirt. 

Add extra warmth with a pair of cute leggings layered under a pair of pants. You can also dress your baby in a bunting as a final layer for their body, but stick to lightweight options and try to avoid super plush styles. Finally, a cozy knit or fleece hat will keep heat from escaping from their little body.

When babywearing in cold weather with a toddler, you may also want to add a pair of mittens, as many older kid clothing styles don’t come with fold over cuffs.

In most cases, your carrier or wrap will take the place of a winter jacket or snow suit. So it’s smart to always travel with a warm blanket for car rides.

Be mindful about keeping your baby warm, but not so warm that they become overheated.

It can be particularly difficult for infants to regulate their own temperatures. So be sure to touch their hands and head periodically. If your child seems very hot or is sweating, it’s time to lose a layer or two.

Dress Yourself in Layers

Most of the advice above goes double for you. Leggings and an undershirt make a great base. Then you can add layers as needed.

Your and your baby’s body heat will combine. If you’re hot-natured, you might keep your top layers light and focus more on your legs, feet, and head.

A warm hat and thick socks and shoes will help keep you warm. Avoid a scarf, as it can create too much bulk where you need to be able to see your baby’s face for safety reasons.

Choose the Best Carrier

While it’s totally possible to use a soft-structured buckle carrier in winter, a wrap style will offer extra versatility for both you and your child.

Baby wraps are generally made out of a range of stretchy materials, so you’ll be able to secure your baby without the need to adjust straps or widths over multiple layers of clothing.

The wrap itself will add an extra layer of warmth. A stretchy, warm cotton fabric may be a good choice for younger babies and a thicker, woven wool can keep toddlers warm and snug. Depending on the amount of excess material you get while wrapping, you may even find that you have an extra layer of additional insulation for yourself.

Consider a Babywearing Cover

There are extenders available that will turn your regular coat into a babywearing coat. But, you may want to invest in a babywearing cold weather cover like this.

There are also jackets, coats, vests, and capes specifically designed for the winter babywearing parent. Some styles are designed for front use only while others may work for a front-and-back-worn carrier. Be sure that whatever you choose, it adapts to your specific carrier or wrap.

Or, if you’re comfortable with a pair of scissors, you can try your hand at a DIY poncho. Even simpler? Grab a fleece jacket a couple of sizes too large so that it can zip over you and your baby.

You could also consider purchasing, or dusting off, your maternity jacket as it should have enough space in the belly area to accommodate your baby.

Safety Tips for Babywearing in Cold Weather

Make sure you’re wearing your child properly, so that you have a clear view of your baby’s face. Keep their nose and mouth clear (not blocked by any layers) at all times. And always follow the TICKS rule of babywearing safety.

Try to maintain good posture when Babywearing and look for shoes with a good tread to make walking on slippery conditions less of a risk.

New to the world of Babywearing? Brush up on the basics and find the best style for you and your baby with these tips for babywearing any time of year.