This is a post I wrote for Francesca from Little Lives First Aid.
Winter is a wonderful time to get out and explore our natural world, with fresh air and exercise to help boost your mood – and with shorter days it is important to get some daylight.
Baby carriers are the perfect way to explore. You don’t need to be worried about venturing deep into the woods or struggling over the sandy beaches as your baby carrier can help you travel places that a pram just wouldn’t go.
But just how do you protect your little one from the elements while keeping you both safe and warm?
LAYERING
When dressing baby for the sling you must consider each layer of the sling or carrier as a layer of clothing. Babies are toasty little creatures and staying close to you will help regulate their temperature.
Thin layers work best; vest, sleepsuit, cardigan and fleece onesie and if baby is getting flushed and hot you can easily remove a layer.
For yourself, remember you will be getting heat from your snuggly baby, so wear your sling or carrier under a jacket. This makes it easier to remove your jacket and if it is cold or wet you can fasten the jacket around baby. Just buy a bigger size or you do get babywearing jackets.
If you prefer to wear baby on top of your coat, which can be more convenient as baby gets older, there are covers available that go over both baby and the carrier safely.
EXTREMITIES
Make sure babies’ hands, feet and head are covered and nice and cosy. Legs and feet are hard to keep warm, so think about some warm booties, tights and leg warmers. If your baby is prone to pulling of their hat then think about a balaclava style hat.
BEWARE
Please avoid puffy snowsuits, they look gorgeous and cosy but baby can’t move their limbs to be comfortable in the sling, this can lead to bad positioning and restricted blood flow to the limbs. The suit may also come high on the neck in design and can come over the mouth risking the airways becoming blocked.
Your scarf can also cause problems. It may get caught up with baby and the sling, or possibly cover baby’s mouth and nose. Leave the scarf at home – why not try a neck warmer or buff.
If you live in an area that gets snow and ice it might also be worth investing in snow grips for your shoes for some extra confidence.
I’m Nicole Hepburn, mother of three and owner of Nurtured Baby. I am a baby massage instructor and specialise in cloth nappies and babywearing – working with families for over 10-years.