Wearing your baby in a carrier during the colder months of the year can prove to be a bit tricky, but with a few helpful tips you can easily continue babywearing year round.

When choosing a carrier to wear consider:

• Style of the carrier – some carrier styles provide more coverage that will keep both parent and baby warm.
• Carrier fabric – heavier weight fabrics such as fleece are a great option for winter babywearing.
• Ease of Use – being able to quickly adjust and put your baby in the carrier important because you don’t want to expose your little one to the cold for too long.

Make babywearing warm and comfortable for both of you by dressing you and your baby in layers. When planning your layers be sure to keep in mind that both you and your baby will benefit from each other’s body heat as well as the extra layer of fabric from the carrier. If either of you become warm during the day simply remove a layer of clothing or two.

On days when it’s windy or snowy out, you’ll likely want to wear a coat over the carrier. Don’t attempt to wear a carrier over your coat. Doing so can interfere how well you are able to secure the carrier. When it comes to choosing a coat or jacket, you can wear a coat that is one size larger than what you would normally wear. Doing so will allow the coat to keep both you and your little one warm. Though some parents prefer to wear outwear that is specifically designed for babywearing like a babywearing coat or babywearing fleece vest. These garments are designed to be worn by the parent and in conjunction with your favorite carrier. Babywearing coats and vests do not replace your carrier.