Babywearing is a wonderful way for parents to get more active in all seasons.  It feels so empowering to be able to get out in all weather, and even more so in the cooler months of the year.

Babywearing in winter has some special benefits and considerations.

Benefits

  • Keep parent and baby warmer
  • Hands free for managing other children,  walking the dog etc.
  • Get fresh air and exercise without your stroller
  • Constant motion allows some babies to nap on the go
  • Lots of fun
  • Feels good to conquer challenging weather
  • Can explore “off road” areas more easily

Safety Considerations

  • If you are exercising/ moving more vigourously than a light walk, babies should ideally be over 4 months with some neck control
  • “Visible and kissable” should be your motto when positioning your baby in the carrier. You want to wear baby high enough that it is ergonomic for your back and so you can monitor baby’s breathing. Never zip their face into your jacket
  • Falling on the ice is more risky when wearing baby, so if the ground is icy, consider ice clips for your shoes.
  • In my experience, temperatures down to about -22 C are still enjoyable and safe if you can find a nice route out of the wind and are dressed for it. In Winnipeg the cut-off for outdoor recess is about -27 C.
  • It’s important to keep babies extremities warm. Consider doing a short test walk and checking their hands and feet directly afterwards to asses your layers..

What should I wear?

The best advice for winter exercise and Babywearing is to dress in layers.

  • Layer 1: wool or synthetic underclothes to wick moisture (avoid cotton).
  • Layer 2: thin fleece or wool.
  • Layer 3: wind/waterproof layer.
  • Feet: warm winter boots comfortable for walking or hiking boots with warm wool or synthetic socks.
  • Head and face: warm hat covering ears + thin “BUFF” or fleece neck warmer

How should I dress my baby?

Dress baby in layers as well. If you are sharing a coat, be careful not to overdress baby. Your coat counts as one of their layers. The baby carrier can be considered a layer depending on the design.

  • Layer 1: wool or synthetic (or cotton since baby is not as likely to sweat as you)
  • Layer 2: 1-2 fleece or wool layers depending on temperature.
  • Layer 3: windproof layer or snowsuit or baby carrier cover
  • Feet: warm wool or synthetic socks underneath other layers
  • Head and face: toque covering ears, warm mitts and warm booties. Child or adult BUFF or thin fleece neck-warmer can be used around the face and up to the chin. 
  • Pro Tip: For extra wind protection, try spreading a layer of barrier cream such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, lanolin or thick moisturizer on baby’s cheeks before heading out.

How shall I carry my baby? 

For younger babies, it’s usually best to wear baby under your coat so you can monitor their temperature. Some parents use a maternity coat,  jacket extender or a relative's larger coat for this. For older babies, especially if they may come out of the carrier to play or explore at some point, you can opt to wear baby on top of your coat so they can be in their full winter layers.

Front carriers with baby facing in are best for younger babies so you can share heat and monitor baby’s mood, breathing and temperature. “Visible and kissable” is best for safety. Front facing carriers and back carriers may be used for older babies, especially on warmer winter days.

How do I manage an outing that involves driving and Babywearing?

Thicker/ puffy snowsuits are not suitable for car seats as you can’t get a good fit on the straps with the extra bulk. Dress your baby in their fleece/ thin bunting suit for driving and add the windproof/ insulated layer on when you get to your destination.

 

Want to join us this winter? Check out Parent & Baby Winter Adventure Club and  Parent & Baby Snoweshoeing running in January & February and Happy winter adventuring!

 

Aileen & the Fit Together team

 

PS Need help choosing a carrier, or getting a good fit in one you have? Susanne from Carry, Kiss, Connect in Winnipeg does virtual and in person consults year-round. www.carrykissconnect.com

snowshoe trio