Advice

Experts Answer 5 Key Questions

Published

2 months ago

October 11, 2024

Contributing Together

Parenting / 7 October, 2024 / Christina Walter

Working out how to dress baby to keep them at the right temperature is a question parents ask themselves plenty of times throughout the year, and babywearing in winter is no exception! We caught up with the babywearing experts at Ergobaby to get their top tips and hacks for using your baby carrier throughout the winter months.

What’s the number one thing to know about winter babywearing?

The most important and often the most confusing thing to figure out when using your baby carrier in the colder months, is how to dress yourself and baby appropriately. While it might sound counterintuitive, overdressing baby is far more common than underdressing them as although the temperature outside might be cold, babywearing generates a lot of warmth, particularly under layers of winter clothes. Too many layers, or layers that are too thick, not only cause overheating but can also prevent safe positioning in the carrier, both of which can be dangerous for your little one.

This means that the number one winter babywearing tip is… dress baby in light layers! They give you the flexibility you need to keep baby warm (but not too warm) and safely positioned. And above all avoid items like bulky snowsuits and fleecy pram suits.

Why can’t I use a snowsuit?

While there aren’t many things cuter than a baby all bundled up in a snowsuit or fleecy pram suit, it’s important that your little one doesn’t wear one when they are in a baby carrier or wrap. Why? They are brilliant at keeping your baby really warm but so does babywearing! Think of it like this when you’re planning your baby’s outfit – your carrier counts as a layer of clothing and so do you (as you share body heat with baby), and if you wear a coat or weather cover around you both this another layer! If you then include baby’s regular clothes and a snow or pram suit, that’s a LOT of layers on baby.

The other reason to avoid them is that they can affect the fit of your carrier. If they are bulky or just by material pulling on baby’s legs or bunching up around them, anything that can prevent baby from being correctly positioned should be avoided.

So, what should I dress myself and my little one in?

Baby’s usual indoor clothes are a great starting point, then add a hat, gloves and thick socks or booties should work in most weathers if you’re heading outside. Keep an eye on baby’s temperature by checking their neck, and remove layers if needs be, especially when going inside.

As for your wardrobe, apply the same rules. Your normal clothes then a large coat that can go around both you and baby is a great option. Always wear your carrier under your coat so you can help baby regulate their temperature, monitor them more closely, and prevent it from getting in the way of a safe and comfortable fit. Ergobaby also makes specially-designed Weather Covers for use with all Ergobaby baby carriers, and other popular baby carrier brands, that easily attach to your carrier for inwards or outwards facing. Both the Rain and Wind and All-Weather covers feature a water-resistant, lightweight outer shell and the All-Weather cover also incorporates a cosy fleece lining. Both are adjustable, pack down when not in use, and even have a padded pocket to keep your hands warm too! Or you can buy specially designed babywearing coats which wrap around you and baby.

Another smart choice is boots or shoes with good traction to prevent you from slipping or falling while babywearing on wet or icy ground. The only things to avoid wearing are anything bulky that can affect the fit of your carrier and a scarf. The material could shift and cover baby’s face or tangle around them which could be unsafe.

Do you need a special carrier for winter babywearing?

The short answer is no. Whatever carrier you have should be suitable for use in winter. Even if it’s made of mesh! While you might think mesh carriers are just for summer, a carrier made from breathable materials, like the Ergobaby Omni Breeze or Ergobaby Aerloom, can be equally great for the winter months. They allow air to flow around you and you and baby which is especially useful when you and baby are all bundled up. Any carrier made of natural fibres like cotton or linen, like the Ergobaby Omni Dream will keep you and baby snug whilst also wicking moisture away from you and baby to stop you feeling sweaty while adventuring together. For a newborn born in the winter months consider an Ergobaby Embrace in soft and super cosy knit fabric for all those cosy cuddles at home.

What about older children?

As your child gets older you have a little more flexibility. They will be able to regulate their own temperature better and be able to tell you if they feel too warm or too hot. A great hack for older babies/toddlers etc. is to zip their coat onto yours to fit them around both of you. A hip seat is also a good option for older babies/toddlers.

Winter babywearing – keep your cool!

While winter may be notoriously cold and wet here in the UK, don’t let the weather stop you from continuing to adventure with your little love! Just remember that it is easier and safer to start with a couple of light layers and then add more if you need them than to risk overdressing baby. Their extremities are often the areas that get the coldest so invest in a good set of mittens, boots or socks, and a hat, plus spares to replace the ones that inevitably fall off along the way. Babywearing gives you and baby the chance to explore the world together, whatever the weather, and we hope you really enjoy it!