
Babywearing seems to be tricky whenever we have more severe weather, such as hot summers or really grotty winters. I have had 3 winter babies who I have worn so here are my 5 top tips for winter babywearing... (some may seem super obvious, bear with me)
- Babywearing cover: My all time most favourite thing was the MAM babywearing cover. https://slumber-roo.co.uk/product/148/mam-multi-babywearing-cover-footmuff//babywearing-accessories It was water proof and windproof. Not too bulky but still lovely and warm. It is a like a half sleeping bag which tucks under baby's feet (which is elasticated so it doesn't slip off) and then has ties which go through the straps of buckles or ties onto the shoulder passes of a wrap. It can be worn in a front or back carry and is really simple to use. I liked it because I could wear what I wanted to wear and then add the sling over the top while still keeping baby warm, so I didn't need to use a babywearing coat. The downside is that if you want to wear a big coat things can get bulky!
- Babywearing coat/fleece/mac. There are some amazing choices of babywearing coats. https://slumber-roo.co.uk/type/7/babywearing-adult-clothes They work brilliantly for when you want something to cover both of you. You can both stay warm and dry and cosy while still being able to use a wrap or buckles underneath your coat. They have a hole for mum and a hole for baby. There is a knack to getting these on especially if you are back carrying. (try throwing it over baby and getting baby's head through first and then you second). They can be pricey but if you are planning long term babywearing these are a fantastic investment. Here are a couple of my favourites:
- Staying dry is more tricky than staying warm. I used a giant umberella to cover both of us if it was practical to be holding one, but it wasn't always possible if I had the other kiddos or if I was walking the dog. I got a brilliant hat for Samuel from next which was water proof and had fleecy inside with a popper under the chin to keep it on. (It's impossible to get a hat back on a child who is being carried on your back!!) My mum swore by matching sou'wester hats!
- Layers not baby snow suits. When babywearing it's important to remember that the sling is at least one extra layer over baby (and more if you are using a wrap and a multiple pass carry). It's a good idea to dress baby in different layers. There isn't any need to use a great big thick snow suit, for a few different reasons. Firstly, baby can over heat in them and young babies are not able to let you know they are too hot. Secondly, suits like this in combination with a sling can put pressure on baby's feet and ankles by causing too much tension around their feet. Third, you are not going to be able to get the wrap or carrier fitting well around a big bulky snow suit and you want the sling to be on well and tight to make sure it is comfortable and safe. You will also be hot water bottles to one another. (An aspect of babywearing I really appreciated as I'm a cold person). Your body heat will help keep baby lovely and warm.
- Little feet and legs need protecting in the winter. I love a pair of baby legs for that bit of leg that is sometimes exposed where trousers ride up a touch and a pair of something like moccons are brilliant for keeping feet warm in a sling and they stay on too!
I hope some of these tips help. Failing that, stay inside and buy a lovely babywearing style blanket to snuggle up to.
The website I've linked to offer us a discount code if you would like to purchase from them, just get in touch for the code!
Hope to see you at a sling meet soon, Chiara xx