What to Wear when Babywearing – Top 5 Tips

While running a training course last month, we were discussing clothing when babywearing. I have a feeling we were wrapping and someone’s top was riding up a bit, so we got onto the conversation. One of the lovely trainees pointed out that there were lots of articles about what to dress baby in for babywearing, but nothing they could find about what THEY should wear.

So, I said I would rectify this!

Now of course you can wear absolutely anything you like when babywearing – it’s totally up to you – but, if you’re reading this article, you may be looking for nursing clothing to buy (and wanting to check it will also be practical for babywearing) or, if baby is here already, you’re finding some clothes more challenging when your baby is snuggled close in their baby carrier/sling/wrap. Here are my top 5 tips:

Tip 1: Think about whether you can go to the loo with baby on you!

Yes, if baby hasn’t arrived yet this may sound a bit ‘ewww’ and you’re thinking ‘there’s no way I’ll be going to the loo with my baby’ but – trust me – once they’re asleep you’re not going to want to disturb them. Being sat on the sofa with a sleeping baby, when you’re really desperate for a wee, is definitely not fun!
Dungarees, onesies and playsuits are great at hiding all the Mummy lumps and bumps but are slightly less practical when you’ve finally got little one to sleep in their wrap and you need a wee!

Tip 2: Put your layers over your carrier

Once little one is all snuggled up on you, the chances are you’re not going to want to disturb them to take off your jumper if you get hot. If you put your carrier over your your t-shirt/shirt/top you can then add layers like cardigans if you get cold, but can also take them off if you need to. This is particularly relevant if you’re going between inside and outside – so you can put your coat over the carrier and, when you come back in doors, you can take your coat off and leave baby sleeping.

Tip 3: Footwear!

Whether carrying baby in arms or in a sling, having shoes or boots with lots of laces is generally a bit more challenging than something you can just slip on. If baby has fallen asleep on a walk, arriving home and being able to slip your shoes/boots off is much simpler than attempting to undo lots of laces without bending too much and waking baby up!

Tip 4: Breathable materials

Newborn babies can’t regulate their own body temperature. Your body temperature helps to regulate your baby’s. So when it’s cold, the warmth of your body will help to keep them warm and, when it’s warm, you’ll sweat and keep them cool. Wearing natural fibres – such as cotton, linen or bamboo – will allow your body to help regulate your baby’s temperature.

Tip 5: Jewellery

Especially as baby gets bigger, they’ll want to grab at things around your neck. Be aware of any spike-y necklaces, or jewellery with small parts. There are lots of lovely nursing/teething necklaces you can get, (various options available on here). These are made of materials that are safe for babies to chew on, and have a safety cord so – if baby tugs on the necklace hard – it will undo, rather than pulling your neck.

Bonus Tip: Wrapping yourself up when it’s cold

Remember, when wrapping up, ensure any scarves or similar are well away from baby’s face, to ensure they maintain clear airways. Chances are – with a mini hot-water bottle snuggled up on you – you won’t be needing a scarf; a coat over you and maybe a wooly hat will be sufficient.

To learn more about babywearing in the cold/warm weather, have a look at my blog posts below:
https://bambinobaby.co.uk//babywearing-when-its-cold-outside
https://bambinobaby.co.uk//top-tips-for-warm-weather-babywearing