Baby and babywearing in the cold
If you carry your baby in a sling and want to head out into the cold, take a look at some ideas in the video below:
Generally, it’s better to put the sling directly on you and put your coat on AFTERWARDS, over the top.
- This way you’ll have direct contact with your baby
- It’ll be easier to get correct positioning (you’ll feel the position of the legs, the deep seat, etc. better)
- You’ll have easy access for breastfeeding.
- You’ll be able to take off your coat when you go indoors, without waking your baby.
Your baby should wear whatever you’re wearing. If you’re in a short-sleeved top, your baby shouldn’t be wearing a vest and a long-sleeved onesie and socks and a hat as well… Your baby has the warmth from your body and feels just like you do!
A dad carries his newborn in a mei tai. He wears his coat over the top and uses the baby’s winter snowsuit to cover them.
A mum with a newborn in a KiBi comfortably buttons a wide cardigan over the baby.
If your coat is tight, you can do this (shown in the video with a Kinder Hop carrier).
We also have special covers for the cold that fit every kind of sling, although you don’t need to buy anything.
So, in general, it’s best to dress outside of the sling.
Snowsuits usually don’t let the baby bend their legs freely and force them into an unnatural position. Not to mention your baby will overheat without you realizing it. When your baby is on you, they have the warmth from your body!
You could, however, put the coat on your baby underneath as well — it’s entirely your choice.
See more ideas here (where you’ll also see babies in snowsuits):
