Babywearing is one of the easiest ways to get out of the house in winter. Your baby is close, you have your hands free and your body heat keeps them cozy. The tricky part is getting the layers right, because two bodies under one coat warm up faster than you'd expect.
What should baby wear in the carrier?
Dress your baby in the layers they'd wear indoors, plus warm extras for the parts that stick out. Your body heat and the coat over you both do the rest. A snowsuit is too bulky for a carrier and can make it hard to get a good, snug fit.
- A soft base layer, and a footed one-piece or leggings with socks
- A warm hat that covers the ears
- Booties or warm socks, since legs and feet stick out of the carrier
A footed fleece romper is handy here, because there are no socks to lose. The Critter fleece romper has covered feet and a zip that runs down one leg.
How to cover you both
Option 1: A babywearing jacket
A babywearing jacket has an extra front panel that zips in to cover baby in the carrier, then zips out so you can wear it as a regular jacket. The Hearth babywearing jacket is plush-lined in the body and hood, in a cotton, cashmere and acrylic blend, with a zip-in front panel for baby. It comes in women's sizes M to 3XL and runs small, so order about two sizes up. Use your carrier as its maker directs. The carrier isn't included.
Option 2: A cover over the carrier
Babywearing covers go over the carrier and your coat. They're a good choice if more than one adult does the carrying.
Option 3: A bigger coat
A roomy coat you already own can zip up over a small baby. Make sure it closes without squashing them, and leave the top open around their face.
The safety checks: T.I.C.K.S.
These checks apply all year, but coats and hats make them easier to miss in winter.
- Tight: the carrier holds baby snugly against you.
- In view at all times: you can see baby's face by glancing down. No fabric over their face.
- Close enough to kiss: their head is high enough to kiss.
- Keep chin off chest: there's space under their chin.
- Supported back: their back is supported in a natural position.
Watch for overheating
This is the most common winter mistake. Feel the back of your baby's neck. It should feel warm, not sweaty or hot. Once you get indoors, open your coat or take it off straight away, since stores and cars warm up quickly.
A few more tips
- Put baby in the carrier indoors, then put on the coat, so you're not fumbling in the cold.
- Watch your footing on ice. Wear shoes with good grip and keep a hand free if you can.
- Babywearing isn't a replacement for a car seat. Take baby out and buckle them in for every car trip.
Questions parents ask
Can my baby wear a snowsuit in a carrier?
It's best not to. Bulky suits make it hard to get a snug, safe fit. Use indoor layers plus a hat and booties, and cover you both with a coat.
How cold is too cold for babywearing?
Keep trips short in very cold or windy weather, and check baby's cheeks, hands and neck often.
Do I need a babywearing jacket?
Not always, but it's the simplest option if you babywear often through the winter.
For stroller walks, see how to keep a baby warm in the stroller, or shop the Clothing collection.
