A new mom’s guide to babywearing in the winter

If you’ve ever wished you could carry a portable space heater around with you to stay warm during the coldest months, good news, mama: Babywearing is a very close approximation. Simply affix your adorable heat source to your body via your favorite wrap, sling or baby carrier, and the frightful forecast will seem instantly more delightful.

But will baby be warm enough? Should they wear a snowsuit or coat inside the carrier? Is it safe to zip them inside your coat? Keep reading for everything you need to know about babywearing in cold weather.

What should baby wear?

A good rule of thumb: Dress baby in one more layer than you—and the wrap or carrier counts as a layer. Instead of contending with a bulky coat or snowsuit, focus on baby’s extremities. Think socks and booties to keep their pudgy feet warm and a cozy hat for their head. New babes will often have their hands tucked into the carrier, but if your little one likes to have their hands free for clapping and waving, consider mittens (or another pair of socks) for their hands. 

Footed pajamas or rompers can be a comfortable one-piece option for the carrier (no need to worry about shirts riding up and exposing those perfectly round tummies to the chill), but make sure they’re generous in length, leaving plenty of room for tiny toes to wiggle.

What should you wear for babywearing in the winter?

Dressing in layers is the easiest way to ensure both you and baby stay comfortable. A long-sleeved shirt or lightweight sweater makes for the ideal base layer to wear under the carrier. Once you’ve strapped on baby, consider adding an open-front sweater, unbuttoned flannel shirt or coatigan for your next layer. Wearing an oversized coat that you can zip around the carrier can also be a smart option. (Try a men’s jacket, or a coat one size up from what you typically wear.) 

Just be mindful that baby’s face and head are never covered and that air passages remain visible. Zipping up about halfway is usually a safe bet.

Bonus: When you add your sweater or coat over the carrier rather than under, it makes it possible for you to remove layers without needing to remove baby—which is key should you decide to pop into a coffee shop or the grocery store. After all, once baby has settled into a blissful contact nap, no parent wants to disturb them!

Will they be warm enough?

Between your body heat and theirs, plus all the extra layers, your little hot pocket is actually more prone to overheating than being underdressed. So, watch for flushed cheeks and don’t hesitate to remove layers as needed.

This goes for outdoors and especially indoors should you make that aforementioned move to a climate-controlled space. Go ahead and take that hat off, depending on how warm you both feel.

Why babywear, anyway?

In addition to the long list of babywearing benefits, wearing baby in the winter can make it easier to monitor their comfort outdoors because they’re snuggled up next to you (versus on their own in a stroller). You’ll have a front row seat to how they’re feeling and know whether you’re okay to stay outside or if it’s time to head back in.

Keeping baby close may also help deter well-meaning (but germ-spreading!) neighbors and strangers from going in for unwelcome kisses, pinching cheeks, and otherwise getting just a little too close—especially during cold and flu season.

Plus, if you’re trudging through snow or making your way through a bustling holiday market, you’ll be glad to be operating as a single unit, rather than navigating a bulky stroller through crowds or around snow drifts.

What else should I keep in mind?

Remember that baby should always be close enough to kiss (if you’re wearing them on the front). Keep airways visible and unobstructed at all times, and take care that their chin stays off their chest to avoid restricting their breathing.

Be sure to pack mittens or gloves for yourself, so your hands can stay warm without needing to stuff them in your pockets. You’ll want them free to catch yourself (and baby) should you slip while navigating icy terrain or hit an unexpected bump in the sidewalk.

If you’re using a wrap and worried about getting the ends wet as you tie it on in a snowy parking lot, consider tying it on at home before you leave, so all you have to do is slip baby in when you arrive at your destination. There’s also a genius hack you can try to keep the ends up off the ground while you’re out and about.

A note on babywearing in winter

No matter the season, getting outside for a bit of activity and fresh air benefits both you and baby, helping to ward off cabin fever and the winter blues. Whether it’s a walk to the mailbox for a quick dose of vitamin D or a jaunt around the neighborhood to admire holiday lights, bundle up and stay cozy as you weather your first winter together.