It can be difficult to figure out the best way to keep warm, safe, and comfortable while babywearing in cold weather. This article is meant to present you with options, not finite answers. The best way to figure out what works for you and your baby is to try and then tweak your system on the next outing.
There are heavier carrier that are meant to give a little extra warmth if the weather is cool, no cold. These are also great for wearing under or over cold-weather gear or for quick trips outside. Karma Baby makes a luxurious and beautiful microfleece pouch sling that is like a warm hug. Scootababy's fleece lined choice makes for an especially snug and cozy hip carrier. Coming soon to McKinley Kid are the Calin Bleu microfleece wrap and a minkee-lined soft-structured carrier from Active Mom.
The easiest way for both you and baby to stay snug while walking in the chilly air is to put baby in a sling or carrier in a front position, then put a large coat or jacket on over both of you. One caution when doing this is that you don't overdress baby, causing him to overheat. Just dress him as you would dress yourself under the coat, then add a warm hat and socks and/or shoes. BabyLegs are a wonderful extra layer under baby's pants to keep warm.
Always make sure there is sufficient airflow around your baby's head when you wear him/her under a coat and continue to check on the baby to ensure the situation has not changed. Two wonderful options in babywearing jackets are Suse's Kindercoat and the Peekaru babywearing vest. The Peekaru is a great three season vest for Alaskans (spring, summer, fall) and the Peekaru can be used while wearing your baby on your front or your back. If you are worried about baby's toes getting cold then slip some handwarmer packets into the feet of the snowsuit, though not directly touching baby's skin.
