There’s a chill in the air. The leaves are swirling. Many trees already have bare branches. Snow is in the forecast. Bring on the hot beverages and warm socks! What about babywearing? How do I wear my baby/toddler/child in the cold??? Below are some general recommendations as well as some personal tips from your dear wearers in the state of Minnesota!
Cold Weather Wearing Tip from Amanda:
- Use the gear/clothing you have! Slip a child size coat over carrier straps or over your toddler’s arms and wear over the outside of the carrier to reduce uncomfortable bulk and fuss. Layer adult size wool socks to cover baby’s legs and feet in a carrier/wrap.
Cold Weather Wearing Tip from Anna:
- If you have a soft-structured carrier that allows the shoulder straps to unbuckle from the sides of the panel, you can thread the shoulder straps through the arm holes of a vest or jacket so there is an extra layer over the child.
Cold Weather Wearing Tip from Emily:
- We LOVE our babywearing carrier hoodie (Bebamour Universal Hoodie All Season Carrier Cover For Baby Carrier)! It worked when she was little and still works now at over three feet tall! We all run hot so a fleece jacket for both of us and then this carrier cover is the winner all winter
Cold Weather Wearing Tip from Jamie:
- Winter babywearing doesn’t have to require special gear. An over-sized coat may be just as effective as a babywearing coat or sweater when closed around baby in a front carry/carrier. A blanket tucked around a carrier may be just as effective as a baby carrier cover, of course making sure that the blanket(s) don’t interfere with baby’s breathing. I often left a glove or mitten off my hand as my indicator to know when it was too cold for my baby: if my hand was uncomfortable in the cold, then it was time to take baby in. It’s not a perfect rule, but it kept me aware that baby couldn’t necessarily tell me s/he was too cold.
Cold Weather Wearing Tips from Kirsten:
- (1st photo) This coat is 3 times bigger than I normally wear. I cut a slit in the back and lined it with fleece.
- (2nd photo) This is an oversized men’s work coat that I was able to keep both of us warm in. Since it is longer I don’t have to worry as much about feet hanging out or drafts coming up.
Cold Weather Wearing Tips from Leigh:
- Sometimes we get everyone dressed separately then put baby in the carrier. This works well when you will be outside for a while and when baby will be up and down.
- This snowsuit is on the big side and has turn over hand and foot cuffs to keep babies hands and feet tucked in and warm.
Cold Weather Wearing Tip from Lian:
- Doesn’t work for super cold days, but when you just need a few layers, a babywearing sweatshirt works (even on 99 percentile 3.5 year olds).
Cold Weather Wearing Tips from Stephanie:
- If wrapping over a coat, be aware of bulk and slippery coats – passes can be trickier to keep in place.
- Because of extra layers, if you’re using a woven wrap or ring sling over a coat you may find the need for additional length. If using a soft-structured carrier or meh dai, straps may need to be loosened.
- When babies/toddlers are worn, their pants ride up. Pants a size up or leg warmers help to avoid bare skin in the chilly wind.
- Wary of the carrier getting wet or dirty in snow or mud? Carries that can be pre-tied at home under or over a coat, are a great option or carriers that don’t have long ends (i.e. soft structured buckle carriers and ring slings).
We hope these tips carry you into colder weather with all the warm fuzzy feelings! Share your tips and photos with us in our closed Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/bwitwincities/) and tag us on Instagram @bwitc!
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If you have any questions about babywearing, we encourage you to contact us and/or come learn in person at one of our meetings! Check out our Instagram @Babywearing.Twin.Cities and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BabywearingTwinCities/).
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