Baby Carriers and Winter Safety
Using Baby Backpacks and Slings to Babywear in Snow and Rain
Jan 2, 2009
New parents searching for baby and child carriers have a myriad of choices. There are the Baby Bjorn and the Snugli, baby backpacks, soft carriers like the Ergo and the Beco, wraps, slings, and so much more. Wearing your baby can keep him close, comfortable, and engaged in the adult world around him.
While babywearing can be relatively simple in the summer time, with minimal fuss and few extra layers for mother and baby, winter babywearing can be more of a challenge. Here are some ways to stay safe, dry, and warm in the winter and still take your baby or toddler along for a ride in the carrier.
Wear Appropriate Cold Weather Clothing While Babywearing
One of the benefits of babywearing is that your body and your child's body keep each other warm. If it is cold, little hands can snuggle into your chest or into the space between your back and your child. This is no excuse for forgetting the mittens, though! Often children will want to reach out and touch things when they are in the carrier, and little hands can get cold very quickly.
When a child is sitting in a baby carrier, her pants tend to ride up a little. This leads to a gap between her shoes and her pants. While you can pull the pants down, you'll also want to cover her legs with wool longies, Babylegs, and perhaps even rain pants.
If you are up for the investment, a babywearing jacket is a coat specially designed for wearing your child. If wearing your child in a carrier is one of your main methods of transportation, this will help you do it in ultimate comfort. A babywearing coat has extra space for your child and zips him up snug to your front or your back as you wear him in a carrier underneath. These jackets are appropriate for use with soft carriers.
Have Good Rain Gear For You and the Child in the Carrier
Toddlers love to move in and out of baby carriers, especially in rainy weather. It's fun to splash in puddles and run around, then head into the carrier for a break. Be prepared for the times when your child wants to get out of the carrier, and equip yourself and your child with a rain jacket and pants. You will want to make sure that the jacket material is not overly stiff, or it will bunch when your child goes into the carrier. Even infants benefit from good rain gear while babywearing. A broad-brimmed rain hat will protect your baby's head and keep her warm and dry.
Get a Large Umbrella to Cover Your Baby Backpack
When you're wearing your child in the rain, especially if she is on your back, keep in mind that a small umbrella's drip line will often land right on your baby's head. Consider investing in a large golf umbrella to keep both of you dry.
Bring a Change of Shoes For Times When Your Child Wants To Explore
On wet and snowy days, bring a change of shoes for your child or a cloth for your hands, perhaps tucked into a pocket on your carrier. It can be a challenge to wrestle muddy little feet into a backpack or a sling without getting everyone dirty, including the carrier. Soft and warm wool slippers fit well into a bag, and they are waterproof too!
As You Babywear, Stay Safe With Good Footwear
When you are carrying your child, you are the vehicle. You don't want to fall with a child on your chest or back. Keep yourself upright and safe on snow and ice by investing in good snow boots. If you don't have the space or the money for snow boots, consider buying YakTrax or Icer's, two products that slip over your shoes and help you grip on snow and ice.
Babywearing in the winter time can pose a challenge. It can also be a lovely time to snuggle with your child, keep her warm and talk about the things around you. Remember: things could be worse. You could be trying to push a stroller through the snow and ice!
Sources:
Babylegs Baby Leg Warmers, Kelby Carr, Suite 101.
How to Make Wool Longies Tutorial, Bum Wrap Diapers Web Site
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