Babywearing in winter: under or over your coat?

Becoming a parent obviously doesn't take away the desire to do outdoor activities. On the opposite! Getting out for some fresh air, at least a little bit every day, allows you to enjoy natural light, can promote sleep, and is undoubtedly good for your mental health.

When the temperature starts to drop and snowflakes begin to fall, a little doubt often creeps in: How should I dress my baby so that they are neither too hot nor too cold?

And if you like to carry your baby, another question quickly arises: Should I carry him under my coat, or install him on the outside?

To properly answer this question, it is essential to broaden our perspective a little and think about how heat is shared between the carrier and the small child being carried.

When two bodies create their own microclimate

Babywearing isn't just about keeping your baby close: it's also about sharing an environment. Your body heat spreads to your baby, and theirs to you. Together, you form what could be called a microclimate, a bubble of stable, comforting temperature.

Newborns, especially in the first few months, have difficulty regulating their temperature. They cool down quickly, which is why carrying them becomes a valuable ally when you go outside: your body acts as a natural regulator. It helps your baby stay in a comfort zone without too much effort.

Even with a few layers of clothing between you, this heat sharing continues. It's a bit like synchronizing your thermostats for constant, instinctive adjustment, which is what makes babywearing so effective in winter.

Carrying your baby close to your body = peace of mind

Feeling your baby snuggled up against you helps ease your worries about their comfort. When your baby carrier cover or coat closes around the two of you, you simply create a shared environment that is warm, soft, and protective.

The air between your two bodies warms up and the heat is evenly distributed. This is ideal for newborns and young babies, who benefit greatly from your ability to regulate their temperature.

In this configuration, clothing is considered as a single ensemble, not as two separate outfits.

Here's what we suggest:

• a base layer for your baby (ideally made of natural, breathable fabric),
• spring/fall or winter accessories (hat, neck warmer, mittens, slippers),
• your own clothes,
• a baby carrier or sling,
• as well as a shared layer (a baby carrier cover like our Babygloo, a large coat, a maternity coat).

The result? Stable warmth without moisture buildup, and contact that promotes both comfort and bonding. And if you start to get hot, just open up a little, no need to take everything off!

Carrying your baby over your coat: extra caution

Carrying your baby over your coat often becomes more practical as they grow older. It's easier to move around and they can see the world better. But in this configuration, there is no longer a shared microclimate: you and your baby form two separate thermal systems.

Your body heat no longer warms them directly, and as they are immobile, they can quickly become cold, especially their extremities (hands, feet, face). You must therefore ensure that they are wearing clothing suitable for the cold season. Layering becomes very important, and don't forget to add insulated booties or very warm boots.

This is a very good option, especially for curious toddlers or active walks, but you need to pay attention to their signals: very cold cheeks, icy nose, crying, shivering, etc.

How this changes over time

As your baby grows, their body becomes better able to regulate its own temperature.

Around six months, they begin to cope better with temperature changes. You will notice that they sweat more quickly, take off their hat, or fidget to release heat when they are hot. At this stage, many parents choose to carry their baby outside their coat or select specialized clothing to make going out easier.

But during the first few months, carrying your baby with a cover or under your coat remains unbeatable for comfort and thermal safety. It is also a moment of great closeness: the warmth you share is a continuation of the cocoon of pregnancy. Your baby feels secure, rocked, and confident.

A few tips before heading out

• Try it on indoors before your first outing. Check that everything fits properly, that the coat isn't too tight, and that your baby can move their head freely.
• Adapt the layers according to the activity: if you are going for a long walk, choose breathable fabrics.
• Keep an eye on your baby's neck and hands: a sweaty neck means they are too hot, cold fingers mean they need an extra layer.
  
• And above all: trust your own feeling. If you feel comfortable, chances are they will too.

In summary

• Carrying your baby in a cover or under your coat creates a shared microclimate: perfect for the first few months and cold days.
  
• Carrying your baby outside your coat offers more freedom, but requires more supervision and suitable clothing.

Winter doesn't have to keep you indoors! With the right preparation, babywearing becomes your ally for enjoying the fresh air, observing the winter light, and simply savoring those precious moments!

To shop our Babygloo babywearing covers, click here.