When temperatures drop, there's no cozier way to venture outside than with your little one held close. But babywearing in cold weather often brings up questions about how to keep baby safe and warm while using your carrier. Whether you have a brand new baby you're wanting to wear in your Solly Wrap during the winter, or a little one who's outgrown the wrap and wants to stay close during cold walks in The Soft Carrier, we're sharing our best tips for babywearing in the winter.
Cold Weather Babywearing Tips
Tip 01: Layer Up
A good rule of thumb when babywearing in cold weather is to dress baby in one more layer than you’re wearing. Start simple with something like long sleeves and pants. Then add layers to their extremities—socks, booties, a hat, etc. Remember: Your carrier counts as a layer!
As for you, consider starting with a thin base layer made from cotton or wool such as a long-sleeve shirt or sweater. Once baby is in, you can add another layer around both of you. Think: an open cardigan, jacket, or coat. You can even wear a maternity or men’s jacket to zip around both of you—just stop zipping a little more than halfway up.
RELATED: Best Babywearing Outwear For Cold Weather
Tip 02: Layer Down
When baby is next to you, they’ll get a lot of warmth from your body heat, and vice versa. It can actually be easier for baby to overheat than to get too cold, so keep an eye out for signs of baby being too warm (such as flushed cheeks) and remove layers if necessary.
Tip 03: Choose the right carrier
When babywearing in cold weather, a sleek, streamlined carrier is extremely helpful for layering over and under. Remember, when layering for cold weather, you want thin, warm layers. Both the Solly Wrap and The Soft Carrier are great options—sleek, yet supportive and made from breathable, natural fibers that keep you and baby comfortable no matter the weather.
If baby is still in the wrap stage, our double-knit wraps are a great options for cold weather seasons. Made with two layers of our luxe TENCEL™ Modal fabric in the most classic houndstooth print, it's the coziest wrap experience for cooler months.
Tip 04: Avoid Obstruction
As always, be sure that baby’s face and airways are visible and completely unobstructed—never covered by a jacket, scarf, or blanket. Keep baby high and tight, close enough to kiss, and in an upright position facing you with baby’s chin off their chest. Here's a helpful checklist to walk through each time you wear baby.
Tip 05: Watch Baby's Toes
If baby is wearing footed pajamas, make sure they have some wiggle room in the feet, so their toes don't get squished. It may help to tug on the footed part just a bit after you get them in the wrap to ensure they're right where they need to be.
Tip 06: Keep Your Carrier Clean + Dry
If you don’t want your carrier to drag in a wet parking lot or snow, you can tie or buckle it on at home before venturing out. Or, try one of these options for tying on-the-go.
Q + A
Can I babywear in cold weather?
Absolutely! In fact, babywearing makes being out in cold weather all the cozier for both you and baby. It just requires the right clothing underneath (thin, warm, breathable), safe outwear (nothing that obstructs baby, please!), and a willing attitude!
What's the best outwear for winter babywearing?
The key to finding good outwear while babywearing is to find something that keeps baby's airways free from obstruction. You can purchase a coat or jacket made specifically for babywearing, or use one of your existing jackets without zipping it all the way. Here's a great list of options to choose from.
How should I dress my baby for babywearing in the winter?
Layers are key! A good rule of thumb is to dress baby in one more layer than you're wearing (and remember, your carrier counts as a layer!). Use thin, warm, and breathable clothing. If baby is wearing footie pajamas, ensure that there is room in the feet and their toes are not being squished. As for you, avoid anything that could obstruct baby's airways including scarves, blankets, or non-babywearing jackets zipped up all the way.
Have more questions about babywearing? Reach out anytime—we're always here to ensure you feel safe and supported every step of the way.
