Snowsuits in a baby carrier – yes or no?

Back in 2018 I wrote a post about babywearing when it’s cold outside, which shared various links to other posts about how to dress baby when babywearing when it’s cold. I’m now finally writing my own!

Last week I commented on a social media post about using all-in-one fleece/snowsuits/bulky coats when babywearing.  Now, while thick snowsuits, padded fleeces etc are fab for in the pram or buggy, they’re not ideal for babies in a baby carrier or sling.

Sadly the original poster chose to delete the post, rather than leaving it up to help inform others about babywearing when it’s cold, so I figured turning what I’d written into a blog post might be useful for everyone.

As a Babywearing Consultant this is something I get asked about a lot so I thought I’d post the info here, to help parents make safe choices when using their carrier outdoors. 

Ergobaby All Weather Cover – £74.90

PLEASE NOTE: The advice below is primarily for babies up to walking age. For toddlers – who may be in and out of the carrier and running around – the safety concerns below will be less of an issue (and you’ll need to weigh up how much they’re in the carrier versus how much they’re running around). If you’re at all unsure though, please just ask!

So it’s NOT generally recommended to put baby in snowsuit/padded all-in-one/thick fleece all-in-one/chunky coats when babywearing, for the following reasons:

Firstly, your body temperature will keep little one warm so it’s primarily the extremities – head, feet/lower legs and hands – that need additional layers. Thick layers over baby’s body can cause them to overheat. 

Secondly, with all-in-ones like snowsuits, and with chunky coats, the fabric can ride up over baby’s mouth and nose, which can obstruct airways.

Thirdly, like in a car seat, bulky clothing can make it difficult to ensure baby is held securely, meaning they may slump. Again, this can compromise airways.

Wombat Coat – various designs

So how DO you keep baby warm when Babywearing in winter?

Generally, adding layers over the carrier works best. This allows you to adjust baby’s temperature without disturbing baby. Options include:

• Adding warm booties, thick socks, hat to baby once they’re in the carrier
• Oversized cardigan done up over you and baby
• Blanket tucked over carrier
• Babywearing coat
• Panel that zips into your existing coat
• Babywearing cover

Always make sure whatever you use to keep baby warm keeps their airways clear 

If you do want to add layers to baby, adding a number of thinner layers will ensure the fabric can’t ride up over their face, ensure the carrier can be tightened securely and that baby can be supported ergonomically 

Zip-Us-In Universal Panel – available in store