Baby it’s cold outside!
We have some helpful hints for making babywearing easier and safer for you during the colder weather!
Never cover baby’s face! Baby should always be visible. Use hats, hoods and ear warmers to keep baby’s head protected and warm. If concerned about baby’s face, use a baby friendly ointment as a topical barrier to the wind and cold.
Layers, layers, layers! Layers are your best friend and you will be thankful you did as it provides options! Both for you and baby! Whether wearing your baby inside or outside your coat, baby is on your body and you both will benefit from the closeness of each other’s body heat and the carrier providing additional warmth. Layers also provide versatility in case one of you becomes too hot or too cold especially when moving from indoors to outdoors and back again. Monitor baby for signs of overheating or becoming too cold and adjust layers as needed.
Make a decision before you leave the house whether to wear baby inside your coat or on the outside and dress accordingly for that option. If baby is being worn inside your coat, remember that the baby will be warmed by your body heat, the layer of the carrier and the coat you are wearing so dress baby for the season but avoiding the bulky snowsuits and winter coats to avoid overhearing. If wearing baby on the outside of your coat, the carrier will still act as an extra layer of fabric so keep that in mind but also ensure you are adequately dressing baby in winter layers since your coat will not be acting as a barrier and more attention should be paid to baby’s extremities.
Cover exposed areas! Baby should have minimal skin exposed. Cover baby with accessories and gear where baby may not be adequately covered for the cold i.e. Hats, Mittens, Socks, Booties, Legwarmers, Babywearing carrier covers.
Expect adjustments with your carrier! Winter wearing with multiple layers of clothing and/or bulky jackets will take some time to get used to. If wrapping, you may need a bit of extra length. If using a buckle carrier, you may need to lengthen the straps and waist. Adjust and tighten your carrier to conform to the winter gear and ensure the carrier is always safely secured and tight.
Practice safety! Always practice babywearing safety whether you are wearing in warm or cold weather! T.I.C.K.S and Kissable & Visible!