The good news is that you can wear your baby through just about any weather or temperature! You just need to have the right tools (and carriers) for your situation, and then give it a go.
Babywearing in the Australia Summer
Babywearing during summer can be a bit of a challenge. You’re already boiling hot… do you really want to add another human’s body heat into the mix?
We have good news and bad news. The bad news is that no matter what, you’ll probably be a bit hot and sweaty (but you probably would have been even without the baby there!). The good news is that it’s totally do-able, and that there are solutions to make it more comfortable for you and your baby. Here are some of the things that we have found were useful during summer:
- Go for carrier options that are made of natural fibres, these breath a lot better than synthetics and often feel more comfortable on exposed skin if you and bub and aren’t wearing many layers.
- Ring slings or hips carries with a carrier tend to feel cooler as you exchange the most heat off your chest. With a hip carry your bub is off to the side so you aren’t as much having that direct chest to chest heat exchange.
- Carry a hand-held fan to blow some air on you and bub and dry up any sweat! Holding an umbrella for extra shade too can be beneficial depending on the circumstances.
- Invest in a cooling towel or wet washer to place behind your neck and cool you down.
- And then do the obvious things like stay in the aircon as much as possible or avoid that middle of the day harsh sun!
Keeping yourself cool is key to keeping your baby cool as your temperature regulates theirs. However in saying all of that, sometimes it’s simply just too hot to have your baby up. It’s okay to just say no too if you’re feeling way too hot and you feel another option is better. Listen to your body.
Babywearing In Winter
Babywearing in winter is just amazing. When it’s cold, you sometimes just want to snuggle your baby all day. And with babywearing, you actually can (while still running the household!).
However, colder weather does bring a few challenges. Longer babywearing sessions can mean sore shoulders, outfit changes as the temperature warms or cools down, and keeping those little tootsies covered when they’re hard to reach in the carrier. Here are a few handy solutions and tips for winter babywearing:
- If you’re going to be enjoying an extended cuddle, take your time to set up the carrier or wrap perfectly. You will feel any rushed jobs if you’re having a longer babywearing session. And if possible, opt for cushier, thicker wraps, and carriers with more padding on the shoulders.
- Dress in layers to account for any changes in temperature while you are using the baby carrier. Ideally, leave your final layer off until after the carrier is fastened, then put it on over the top of the carrier. This way, it can be removed without taking the carrier off. Some great options for warm layers include a babywearing jacket, an oversized cardigan (that will fit over you both), and leg warmers for your baby.
- Remember to be careful with footed onesies. It is important to avoid putting extra pressure on little toes, which can easily happen in a footed onesie that is being pulled on by your carrier. Opt for footless onesies/pants with socks, or slightly larger footed onesies, ensuring that you pull at the “feet” once your child is buckled in, to keep their toes free.
Babywearing in the Wet
Want to get out of the house, but it’s pouring rain? Babywearing can make this a lot easier, as you’ve got your hands free to hold an umbrella! Aside from that, you can also get babywearing raincoats and ponchos. As long as your baby’s airways are free, you’re good to go!
