There’s a winter feel to the weather forecast for the coming days here in Melbourne. Time to get the woollies out! If this is your first experience of winter with a baby you might be wondering what you need to do to protect them from the elements. Babywearing is a wonderful start as you each warm the other. You can top that up with hats, mittens and booties but go easy with coats and suits. Rather than thick single garments, add an extra layer or two. Avoid bulky hoods which can restrict free head movement. Keep in mind, as you rug them up, that your body is a wonderful heat bank for your child. Light layers plus protection for the head, hands and feet is the way to go. You can pop “baby legs” leg warmers on to keep exposed legs warmer.
Keep your child visible and kissable to monitor their comfort level. Chilly cheeks are typical on cold days, just like us, but the core temperature is a better indicator than extremities like face, hands and feet. Overheating is far more likely a risk which should be avoided. (Your baby probably won’t appreciate your cold hand suddenly fumbling under the layers to feel their tummy but it will let you assess for overheating).
Babywearing comes into its own in wet, cold weather where pushing prams through mud or puddles on the way back to the car is tiresome! However, standing in that rain while trying to keep the tails of your woven wrap or meh dai out of those muddy puddles isn’t much fun! Explore your pre-tied options with a stretchy wrap or consider adding a soft-structured carrier or ring sling to your carrier collection for those conditions.
Rain makes everything seem harder with small children. Rather than battling to quickly add a plastic rain cover to your pram or calming a distressed baby or toddler who dislikes the experience, a baby carrier plus umbrella means you can easily add shelter for both of you – and easily remove it when the showers stop.
It’s really important for everyone’s mental health to get outdoors and connect with others. Don’t let the weather be a barrier.
Is it warm in here?
It’s an easy mistake to get your baby settled against your body without taking the time to first consider your own comfort. Your combined body temperature can quickly leave you wishing you’d removed a layer first! Going from a cold car park to a heated indoor facility or heading off for a brisk walk can soon have you regretting your choices.
Consider your own outerwear. Many parents have regretted putting their carrier over their own jacket or coat, only to feel overheated and trapped while their child enjoys a much-needed nap! Instead, try putting the carrier on first and your own coat second. Keep your baby’s head and face clear from your own garments.
If being out in all weather is part of your regular routine, you might consider a purpose-designed babywearing coat, with added features to accommodate your infant on your front or back. Jackets are best put on after your baby carrier. Underneath, think of the carrier itself as an extra layer. Stretchy wraps especially can add the equivalent of two or three layers. You might find your core stays quite warm and you just need a hat and mittens. If you wear a scarf, be conscious of not obscuring the view of your baby’s face and be careful not to block airflow. As we head into winter, you can enjoy your on-board heat source and, with a little planning, not get too hot and bothered!
Snow Babies
The King’s Birthday long weekend is traditionally the start of the snow season here in Victoria. Babywearing is a great way to include babies and toddlers in your snow excursions. It’s really common for the smallest family members to be reluctant to touch this weird, cold wet stuff! Crawlers and early walkers can be overwhelmed by the surface and toddlers can struggle to walk on it. It helps to consider that their perspective can be very different to an adult or child who sees fun!
Popping them up in a carrier keeps them warm and dry. They can participate through observation. Remember not to do anything using a baby carrier that you wouldn’t do with your baby in arms: skiing and snowboarding are not safe practices while babywearing. Even toboggans can be unsafe if you pick up too much speed.
If you are planning a day-trip for sightseeing and you’re planning to borrow or buy snow gear for your little one, keep in mind the safety requirements of minimising bulk around their face and ensuring they can turn their head easily. Your body temperature will help regulate theirs so watch out for your own overheating, warming them too much.
Living in a place where snow is a destination, not daily weather, we don’t get lots of practice babywearing in this environment. So take care walking and remember your balance is altered with some carrier styles. Babywearing and fun in the snow are a great combination with a little planning and preparation. Hopefully there is a whole winter of opportunities to explore it!
Yvette O’Dowd is not your typical grandmother! This mother of three and ‘Granny’ of three has been a breastfeeding counsellor since 1992. In 2014, Yvette established the Southern Natural Parenting Network, incorporating South Eastern Babywearing Group. With 11,000 members world-wide, the group supports parents interested in breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, baby-led weaning and modern cloth nappies and other aspects of gentle, natural parenting.
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