Winter Wear for Newborns and Babywearing Tips
Written by Connor Bringas on September 29, 2022.
Cold weather doesn’t have to make outings with your baby complicated. With the right baby winter clothes and practical babywearing tips, you can keep your little one warm and comfortable, no matter the temperature.
Layering your baby in snug winter wear and embracing the cozy benefits of babywearing can help you both stay comfortable when heading out in the cold.
Keeping your little one warm and safe during babywearing is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from how to dress an infant in winter to selecting the best carriers for babywearing.
Table of Contents
- Can You Babywear in Winter?
- What Should a Baby Wear in Cold Temperatures?
- How to Use a Baby Hip Carrier in Cold Weather
- Babywearing Tips for Winter
- Winter Baby Carrier Accessories
- FAQs
Can You Babywear in Winter?
Yes, you can absolutely babywear in winter! Babywearing keeps your little one snuggled close and warm while allowing you to conquer winter errands (or just enjoy a brisk walk).
Here’s what you need to know when babywearing in winter:
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Layer smartly: When thinking about baby winter clothes, opt for breathable layers you can easily add or remove depending on how warm they are. Remember that carriers and your body heat can count as a layer, so start with something simple like a long-sleeved body suit, pants, socks, and a sweater, then add a coat if needed.
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Protect those tiny extremities: A lot of heat can be lost from the hands, feet, and head. A soft hat, booties, and mittens can work wonders to shield your baby from the chill.
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Choose the right carrier: Finding a carrier with minimal hassle will be key. A simple carrier with an open design like Tushbaby makes winter babywearing a breeze for babies aged 4 months to toddlerhood. With a simple velcro wrap and buckle design, It’s easy to adjust without removing your gloves (nobody wants frozen fingers while fiddling with straps) and allows you to modify baby’s layers with minimal fuss.
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Use your coat wisely: A babywearing coat can create a warm cocoon for both of you. No babywearing coat? No problem. Grab a roomy coat, wear it over a carrier, and voilà—instant winter babywearing.
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Be weather-wise: To protect your baby's delicate skin, avoid long outings when close to freezing point and account for wind chill.
When done right, babywearing in winter can be safe, cozy, and enjoyable.
What Should a Baby Wear in Cold Temperatures?
Dressing your baby for chilly days is all about strategic layering and keeping those tiny extremities warm. Here’s a quick rundown of how you should dress them for cold temperatures:
Start with Layers
Begin with thin, breathable layers that trap heat between them, like a thin cotton onesie, followed by pants and a long-sleeved shirt, then add more if needed. The golden rule is to dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing.
Wrap them up in a snowsuit when it gets really cold, but remember to avoid anything too bulky when using a car seat or baby carrier to keep things safe.
Accessorize for Warmth
Keep your baby’s head, hands, and feet toasty with a snug hat, mittens, socks, and booties. Look for warm clothes for newborns that fit well and won’t slip off easily.
Cozy Sleepwear
Aim for comfort and safety—nothing too bulky for bedtime. Dress them in a warm onesie, but avoid loose blankets that could cover the baby’s face.
Remember, baby winter clothes need to match the specific chill level. Dressing your baby will depend on how frosty things are—so stay prepared and adjust as needed!
How to Use a Baby Hip Carrier in Cold Weather
Using a baby hip carrier in cold weather is totally doable—and can be cozy for both you and your baby. Here’s how to make it work smoothly, even when the temperature drops:
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Adjust before you go: Set up your hip carrier indoors where it’s warm while you’ve got full dexterity.
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Use your coat wisely: Wear the hip carrier under your coat to share body heat, creating a DIY babywearing coat.
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Stay flexible: Cold weather often means fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. Choose a carrier that’s easy to adjust so you can add and remove your baby’s layers on the go.
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Monitor for comfort: Keep an eye on your baby’s temperature to avoid overheating or feeling too chilly. You can check their neck to see if they’re too sweaty.
With these tips, a baby hip carrier can be your cold-weather ally, making outdoor adventures warm, safe, and fuss-free.
Babywearing Tips for Winter
When it comes to winter babywearing, the right strategy makes all the difference. Whether you’re using a hip carrier, wrap, or sling for babywearing, knowing how to dress your baby for the cold helps them stay comfortable and safe while being carried.
Baby wrap carriers and baby sling carriers are great for keeping your baby close enough to soak up your body heat. Just remember that your heat adds an extra layer of warmth for them in these carriers. While babywearing wraps and slings will make shedding your little one’s layers a bit more challenging, layering gives you the flexibility to keep your baby warm and act fast if they overheat.
If your baby is past the newborn phase and you want to avoid removing the sling or wrap every time they need to shed a layer, try a hip carrier like Tushbaby. Its open design makes adding or removing layers quick and easy, and the best part—you don’t have to adjust the carrier to do this.
With the Tushbaby hip carrier, adding or removing layers is easy for the wearer, too. Just keep in mind you might need to readjust the carrier to fit properly with your layers. If adding winter layers makes the carrier a little tight, Tushbaby’s waistband extender can add up to 23 inches, keeping you comfy while carrying.
Winter Baby Carrier Accessories
Winter babywearing is all about staying warm, cozy, and prepared for whatever the season throws your way— and adding the right accessories can make a big difference.
Winter Baby Carrier Covers: Winter covers are a great addition to baby carriers and work like a snug sleeping bag for your baby and carrier. Just ensure the covers you’re looking at are compatible with your baby carrier.
The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier: With five storage pockets, the Tushbaby hip seat doubles as a stylish diaper bag, giving you space to stash baby mittens, gloves, and caps.
The Snug Attachment: The Snug is a breathable wrap-style attachment that converts the Tushbaby hip seat into a hands-free carrier, adding an extra layer of warmth and security for cold-weather snuggles.
The Waistband Extender: Bulky winter clothing? No problem. Our Waistband Extender provides extra length for the Tushbaby hip carrier, ensuring a perfect fit over layers. It’s also great for sharing between carers and family members, making the carrier adjustable to all shapes and sizes.
The Pod and Packs: From the compact Pod pacifier pouch to the spacious Pack and Mini Pack crossbody bags, these accessories keep winter must-haves like hats, scarves, and hand warmers within reach while keeping your hands free.
With these accessories, winter babywearing is a breeze—keeping you organized, your baby warm, and both of you ready for anything the chilly season brings.
FAQs
Is Babywearing Better than Using a Stroller in Winter?
For most winter outings, babywearing has the edge over using a stroller. Aside from your baby getting the benefit of your body heat, navigating snowy sidewalks is often much easier without wrestling with a stroller.
That said, babywearing does require some prep. Make sure your baby is bundled up appropriately and consider safety when dealing with slippery surfaces. While strollers might have their place for longer outings, babywearing is typically the warmer, more practical option for winter adventures.
How Many Layers Should Baby Wear in a Carrier in Winter?
The number of layers your baby needs in a carrier during winter depends on how cold it is outside, but the general rule is one more layer than what you’re wearing. Remember, the carrier itself can count as a layer, and your body heat provides additional warmth.
Can My Baby Wear a Snowsuit in a Carrier?
Yes, your baby can wear a snowsuit in a carrier, but there are a few things to consider to keep them safe and secure.
Snowsuits can be slippery, so double-check that your baby is properly positioned and safely secured in the carrier. A snug fit is crucial to prevent sliding, especially with the extra bulk. Assess whether it’s really necessary based on the temperature and how bundled up your baby already is. If you do use a snowsuit, always ensure your baby’s face remains clear and unobstructed for safe breathing.
Stay cozy all winter long—shop Tushbaby products for carriers and accessories designed to keep you and your baby warm, comfortable, and ready for any chilly adventure!
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