Alright, alright-- so those of us in Southern California are probably not experts at things winter-related. We have about the shortest and least harsh winters in the country, and our comfort levels tend to have us gearing up for a blizzard any time the temperature drops below 60 degrees. Nonetheless, the cold(ish) months are upon us, and we crave ways to keep ourselves and our babies warm during our babywearing adventures.
Options for warmth abound-- from specially-made babywearing coats, DIY options for coat extensions, carrier covers and blankets, to a few simple tips and tricks for keeping cozy while wearing. Here are a few resources to keep in mind as you prepare for a day out in the brisk So-Cal winter:
Safety:
Safety is ALWAYS of paramount importance when babywearing. When layering up for cold weather, it is especially important to make sure we’re not blocking baby’s airway. Baby’s face should be in view at all times (think open, circulating air near the face), no matter how cold it is. Hoods, scarves, and shawls can help cut the wind factor, but again-- Baby’s face should be in view at all times. Also, if big, puffy jackets are being worn, take care to snug up the carriers well. Should fabric do any shifting while you’re wearing, we don’t want to have a large gap created when a puffy jacket slips out of the way. You might try feeling around the carrier every few minutes to ensure that baby is fitting snugly in the carrier and that everything is where it was when you put on the carrier.
Another consideration: Even though we love to swaddle up newborns and squishes to keep them warm and cozy, Baby should be sitting in a properly fitted carrier without the swaddle. Newborn inserts for small babies can add some great warmth, as can warm clothes or fleece rompers that keep limbs separate and movable. Beyond that, warmth should be added by choosing a warm carrier or adding layers over the carrier.
What to Wear:Layers, Layers, Layers! That is, for both you and baby. Being able to adapt to shifts in temperature is always ideal, and this goes for babywearing. In fact, for your baby, a simple layer of pajamas or a regular outfit with long socks might just do the trick. Remember: your baby is going to be snug up against your body, drawing warmth from your body temperature. Too many layers in between you and baby may hinder this process, and give too much bulk under the carrier.
Choosing a carry/carrier:
Thick carries or carriers with multiple passes. You know how much it sucks to wear a stretchy wrap with your newborn in the 100+ degree heat? The opposite is true here. Break out the Moby! Small babies will be super cozy in these multi-pass carriers. Same goes for woven wraps: Front Wrap Cross Carry and any woven wrap carry that has multiple layers and closes as many gaps as possible around your baby will be snuggly options. Also, if you have one or are in the market for a new woven wrap, wraps with wool, cashmere, and hemp are known for being warmer wrap options. You also might find that winter is a good time to wear your thicker-paneled buckle carriers or mei tais.
Simple accessories for Baby:
Options for warmth abound-- from specially-made babywearing coats, DIY options for coat extensions, carrier covers and blankets, to a few simple tips and tricks for keeping cozy while wearing. Here are a few resources to keep in mind as you prepare for a day out in the brisk So-Cal winter:
Safety:
Safety is ALWAYS of paramount importance when babywearing. When layering up for cold weather, it is especially important to make sure we’re not blocking baby’s airway. Baby’s face should be in view at all times (think open, circulating air near the face), no matter how cold it is. Hoods, scarves, and shawls can help cut the wind factor, but again-- Baby’s face should be in view at all times. Also, if big, puffy jackets are being worn, take care to snug up the carriers well. Should fabric do any shifting while you’re wearing, we don’t want to have a large gap created when a puffy jacket slips out of the way. You might try feeling around the carrier every few minutes to ensure that baby is fitting snugly in the carrier and that everything is where it was when you put on the carrier.
Another consideration: Even though we love to swaddle up newborns and squishes to keep them warm and cozy, Baby should be sitting in a properly fitted carrier without the swaddle. Newborn inserts for small babies can add some great warmth, as can warm clothes or fleece rompers that keep limbs separate and movable. Beyond that, warmth should be added by choosing a warm carrier or adding layers over the carrier.
What to Wear:Layers, Layers, Layers! That is, for both you and baby. Being able to adapt to shifts in temperature is always ideal, and this goes for babywearing. In fact, for your baby, a simple layer of pajamas or a regular outfit with long socks might just do the trick. Remember: your baby is going to be snug up against your body, drawing warmth from your body temperature. Too many layers in between you and baby may hinder this process, and give too much bulk under the carrier.
Choosing a carry/carrier:
Thick carries or carriers with multiple passes. You know how much it sucks to wear a stretchy wrap with your newborn in the 100+ degree heat? The opposite is true here. Break out the Moby! Small babies will be super cozy in these multi-pass carriers. Same goes for woven wraps: Front Wrap Cross Carry and any woven wrap carry that has multiple layers and closes as many gaps as possible around your baby will be snuggly options. Also, if you have one or are in the market for a new woven wrap, wraps with wool, cashmere, and hemp are known for being warmer wrap options. You also might find that winter is a good time to wear your thicker-paneled buckle carriers or mei tais.
Simple accessories for Baby:
- Long Socks or baby leggings - These can help bridge the gap between baby’s shoes and the bottom of her pants. Ever notice how your kiddo’s pants shrink three inches shorter when you’re wearing? Long socks to the rescue! You can also use footie pajamas (gasp! Yes, I said it: you CAN babywear with footie pajamas)-- but it’s better to go a size up to make sure that there is plenty of room in the foot part so little toes don’t get squished.
- Hat - Sometimes carrier hoods do the trick. Sometimes they don’t. Some carriers don’t have a hood. A good hat will help a ton. Whether a simple knit or fleece hat or a cozy balaklava, this will make a big difference.
What’s a balaclava? A close-fitting garment covering the whole head and neck
except for parts of the face, typically made of wool.
except for parts of the face, typically made of wool.
Wearing a jacket under your carrier:
Try to stick to a fabric with a bit of “grip” on it. This will help prevent your jacket from shifting or riding up, and will help baby’s seat stay in place if you’re wrapping. Nothing sounds more frustrating to me than trying to make a seat on top of a nylon jacket-- imagine the slippage! All when making a good wrap seat can prove a challenge in and of itself at times.
Wearing a jacket over your carrier:
If you have a kiddo that likes lots of frequent ups and downs (I’m thinking of my ever-indecisive toddler), it may be helpful to use a poppable carrier-- like Front Cross Carry or Short Cross Carry, a Ring Sling, or a Mei Tai that can be pre-tied and made tighter with the kiddo in. This way, you don’t have to take off and put on your jacket every time
My favorite go-to jackets are cotton zip-up hooded sweat jackets. I can wear mine under a carrier, and I even own a few generously-sized ones that can fit all the way around my baby and zip up around both of us. That being said, many wearers swear by having a dedicated babywearing jacket. These can be found at many babywearing websites, and there are a ton of options on Etsy (as with most awesome things).
Jackets:
Babywearing Jackets are specifically made coats that can accommodate both wearer and baby. Many have a zip-out panel that can fit a pregnant belly or a baby, and some can be adapted for both front- and back-carrying. Here are a few options:
Try to stick to a fabric with a bit of “grip” on it. This will help prevent your jacket from shifting or riding up, and will help baby’s seat stay in place if you’re wrapping. Nothing sounds more frustrating to me than trying to make a seat on top of a nylon jacket-- imagine the slippage! All when making a good wrap seat can prove a challenge in and of itself at times.
Wearing a jacket over your carrier:
If you have a kiddo that likes lots of frequent ups and downs (I’m thinking of my ever-indecisive toddler), it may be helpful to use a poppable carrier-- like Front Cross Carry or Short Cross Carry, a Ring Sling, or a Mei Tai that can be pre-tied and made tighter with the kiddo in. This way, you don’t have to take off and put on your jacket every time
My favorite go-to jackets are cotton zip-up hooded sweat jackets. I can wear mine under a carrier, and I even own a few generously-sized ones that can fit all the way around my baby and zip up around both of us. That being said, many wearers swear by having a dedicated babywearing jacket. These can be found at many babywearing websites, and there are a ton of options on Etsy (as with most awesome things).
Jackets:
Babywearing Jackets are specifically made coats that can accommodate both wearer and baby. Many have a zip-out panel that can fit a pregnant belly or a baby, and some can be adapted for both front- and back-carrying. Here are a few options:
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Carrier Covers and Jacket Extensions:
Carrier covers hook right onto your baby carrer to provide an outerwear option over both baby and carrier. These are seriously helpful if you don’t have a jacket large enough to wrap around you and baby, if you’re wearing your own jacket under the carrier, or if your budget doesn’t allow for a babywearing jacket. The other plus-side is that these can be easily found, even through brick-and-mortar stores (both big box and small biz).
Carrier covers hook right onto your baby carrer to provide an outerwear option over both baby and carrier. These are seriously helpful if you don’t have a jacket large enough to wrap around you and baby, if you’re wearing your own jacket under the carrier, or if your budget doesn’t allow for a babywearing jacket. The other plus-side is that these can be easily found, even through brick-and-mortar stores (both big box and small biz).
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DIY Options: