Turnaround Time: Muslin, Mesh and Conversion Ring Slings – 5 – 7 working days | Wrap Conversions – 5 – 6 weeks
Turnaround Time: Muslin, Mesh and Conversion Ring Slings – 5 – 7 working days | Wrap Conversions – 5 – 6 weeks
A really common question we get asked as the weather starts turning cooler is what to wear when babywearing outdoors. The good news? With the right approach and a few thoughtful choices, you and your little one can stay cosy and comfortable all winter long.
The Golden Rule: Think Layers
The fundamental principle of cold weather babywearing is layering. Your sling or carrier counts as a layer, you count as a layer, and if you’re walking briskly you’ll be generating more heat, so that can count as an extra layer too. Baby will probably need a hat and booties as well.
Layers make it easier to regulate temperature throughout your outing, but they’re also incredibly helpful when you pop inside a café or supermarket, as you can simply shed what you don’t need. This flexibility prevents overheating whilst ensuring everyone stays comfortable when you venture back outside.
Think cardigans, hats, booties and hoodies rather than thick snowsuits. Bulky snowsuits can compromise the safe positioning of your baby in the carrier and make it difficult to achieve a snug, supportive fit. Instead, opt for thinner, flexible layers that allow you to maintain proper positioning whilst keeping baby warm.
One of the layers is absolutely fine to be a sleepsuit – just make sure those tiny toes have lots of space to wiggle! Booties are brilliant for keeping toes warm, and here’s a handy tip: older siblings’ socks work wonderfully as they can be pulled up to baby’s knees like little legwarmers.
What Baby Needs:
For parents, the key is maintaining your own warmth without adding so much bulk that you can’t wear your baby safely and comfortably. Consider zip-front hoodies or cardigans, which are easy to adjust and remove as needed. Babywearing or oversized coats and babywearing covers like the BundleBean or babywearing cosy are excellent options that cover your carrier or sling whilst allowing freedom of movement.
Melliapis Cowls and Scarves are absolutely perfect for cold weather babywearing. They keep your neck and chest warm without adding the bulk of a traditional scarf that might interfere with your carrier. You can tuck them in around baby for extra warmth, and they’re easy to adjust or remove when you head indoors. Plus, they look stylish whilst being completely practical.
Our muslin and linen ring slings deserve special mention as a fantastic choice for cooler weather. Whilst they might seem like warm-weather carriers, they’re actually brilliant for layering. Here’s why:
Breathability: The natural fibres regulate temperature beautifully, preventing overheating when you move between outdoor cold and indoor warmth
Easy adjustability: You can loosen or tighten quickly to accommodate different clothing thicknesses
Slim profile: They don’t add excessive bulk, making it easier to wear coats or covers over the top
Quick on and off: Perfect for those nipping-in-and-out errands where you need flexibility
Layer a ring sling under a babywearing coat or use it with one of our cowls for a cosy, practical solution. The lightweight nature of the fabric means you can add or remove your own layers without compromising the fit of the sling.
When babywearing in cold weather, safety must always come first. Keep these crucial points in mind:
Feel the back of baby’s neck or their chest to gauge their temperature. These areas give you a more accurate reading than their hands or feet, which naturally feel cooler. If baby feels sweaty or clammy, remove a layer.
Tight – The carrier or sling should be tight enough to hold baby close to you
In view at all times – You should always be able to see baby’s face
Close enough to kiss – Baby’s head should be close enough for you to kiss easily
Keep chin off chest – Ensure baby’s chin isn’t pressed against their chest, allowing clear airways
Supported back – Baby’s back should be supported in a natural position
Overheating is a genuine risk, particularly when moving between cold outdoor spaces and warm indoor environments. Be vigilant about removing layers when you go inside, and never leave baby in bulky outdoor clothing whilst indoors.
Snowsuits, puffy coats and thick clothing should never be worn under a carrier or sling. They compress in the carrier, creating a false sense of snugness, and can prevent you from achieving a safe, supportive position. They also make it very difficult to monitor baby’s positioning and breathing. Always dress baby in thin, flexible layers and add warmth over the carrier instead.
Use a coat that fits over both of you or a babywearing cover. This is much safer than bundling baby separately, as it allows you to monitor them easily and ensures they benefit from your body heat.
Make sure scarves, coat collars and babywearing covers aren’t covering baby’s face. Fresh air should always be able to circulate around their nose and mouth.
Even if the temperature seems manageable, wind chill can make it feel much colder. On particularly blustery days, a babywearing cover provides excellent protection for both of you.
Cold weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the closeness and convenience of babywearing. With thoughtful layering, the right accessories like our Melliapis cowls and ring slings, and attention to safety, you can continue babywearing comfortably right through the winter months.
Remember: every baby is different, and what works for one family might not work for another. Pay attention to your baby’s cues, check their temperature regularly, and adjust your approach as needed. Before you know it, you’ll have your cold weather babywearing routine perfected.
Stay warm, stay safe, and happy babywearing!
