What to put baby in while babywearing in the winter? We don’t want them too cold but also important is not to over heat them...
I’ve put together my top 10 things for winter babywearing. But before those, the general rule is each layer of the carrier or sling = a layer of clothing. So account for the sling when getting baby dressed to go out. Your body heat will help keep baby warm. And focus on the bits of baby which are out of the carrier. So head, feet, legs and arms (if baby likes to be arms out).
(A note on my selection...I’ve tried to include products which are organic/WAHM/ethically sourced)
1. Babywearing Cover
Perfect if you don’t want to buy a whole new babywearing coat. These covers go over the sling (buckle/wrap etc) around underneath babies feet and tie on to the strap of whatever sling you’re using. I love the bundle bean. They have so many cute designs and there are lightweight as well as waterproof options. Love this teal penguin design!
Bundle bean - £39.99
https://www.bundlebean.com/product/bundlebean-babywearing-cover-teal-penguins/
2. Babywearing Coat
It took me a long time to decide which babywearing coat would work for me. I knew I needed one for back carrying too but I was worried i wouldn’t manage to throw the coat over both of us and find the hole for Anna’s head, so I went for this option. It’s a bit big and bulky in the arms but it works a charm. Love to be natural offer free fast delivery too!
Mam coat £89
https://lovetobenatural.co.uk/mam-tunic-babywearing-coat-fleece.html
3. Stay on booties
These are wonderful! They are elasticated around the foot and then a cuff over the ankle which has a popper = they can’t fall/get kicked off! Hurrah. No cold toes here!
I got Anna’s last year from this WAHM
£18 approx
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/486292915/babywearing-stay-on-booties-custom-baby
4. Cuffed leggings
Thick jersey cotton leggings are my favourite for babywearing. Not tight and restrictive at all but thick enough to be a good layer in the autumn. I have also found that this style of trousers lasts for ages! Because you can fold the bottom and the top of them they grow with baby! Anna has a pair which have lasted from about 3 months - 13 months +...so although they are a bit ££ they are so worth it! I like having the cuff too so that I can pull them right down over her ankles and feet.
https://www.babipur.co.uk/organic-kids-clothes/organic-kids-leggings-trousers-and-bottoms/maxomorra-lion-jungle-rib-pants.html
5. Snuggly leggings
Blade and rose £10
Love these so much. Thick, snuggly and the most wonderful designs. Ideal for wearing under skirts/dresses/baggy thin trousers. These will keep little legs nice and warm.
https://www.bladeandrose.co.uk/shop/oheo-owl-leggings/
6. Good hat
I find with babywearing, especially back carrying, Anna needs a hat which will stay on. So I’m loving this pixie hood. It will keep her neck warm too! And what cute fabric!
https://www.facebook.com/swingandrockbabyclothes/photos/a.843836785651566.1073741831.841090842592827/1473362972698941/?type=3
7. All in one suit (NOT SNOW SUIT)
A snow suit is a no go (see below for more details) but an all in one thin(ish) suit would work brilliantly. Not bulky at all but an extra thin all over layer. I love this festive design too! Babipur are also one of my favourite stockists. They have an awesome Facebook hangout where discount codes are shared and they offer amazing customer service which very speedily delivery and all their products are ethically sourced. Super!
https://www.babipur.co.uk/organic-baby-clothes/baby-coats-jackets-snowsuits/frugi-baby-snuggle-suit-scandi-skies.html
8. Wool wrap
A wrap with a bit of wool in it is a wonderful thing. They give the wrap a real snuggly-ness but because wool is a natural fibre it is breatheable = perfect for staying warm but not sweaty! I love a firespiral too! Such wonderful wraps. (Ask is about their fledgling scheme!)
https://www.firespiralslings.co.uk/all-wraps/woven-wraps/orion-aqua-starmap.html
9. Mittens for bigger babies/toddlers
Anna likes to be in the sling with her arms out now most of the time. So a pair of mittens with elasticated wrists are perfect for keeping her hands warm! Check these LGR mittens out - in the sale NOW.
https://littlegreenradicals.co.uk/shop/midnight-jungle-mitts/
10. A snuggly cardigan.
I love cardigan season! A nice warm cardigan, ideally with a hood, is my favourite way to keep Anna’s arms and the top of her back warm. My sister in law has made us a few and they are wonderful. Find a relative who can knit!
Ooh...an extra one for you!
Sturdy boots
When it’s wet and slippery - a good pair of boots are a must - for you! I’m so indecisive when it comes to boots but I’m toying with the idea of a pair if DM’s or Cat boots (they do nice ladies boots too) or rocket dogs...
****NO SNOWSUIT ****
Here’s the thing, snow suits are a no go in the sling. It’s the same as in a car seat. You can’t tighten the sling properly when a baby is in a bulky snow suit. This risks them slumping down inside the suit/sling = bad for airways. They can also overheat in a snow suit and over heating babies can become sleepy/unwell babies. So I recommend thin layers instead.
Happy babywearing!0