How to Dress a Baby for Winter Wonderland Walks

A baby in snow

Key Takeaways

  • When dressing your baby for winter walks, opt for layers you can add or remove depending on how warm they are.
  • Babywearing in winter is possible. Just make sure you choose a breathable baby carrier that allows for fuss-free adjustments and easy layering.
  • You can carry your baby under or over your coat. But carrying them under your coat will allow you to share body heat.
  • How to dress a baby for winter: layer smartly, protect their extremities, and choose breathable fabrics.

Winter wonderland walks are always magical. But seeing them through the eyes of your little one is truly something else.

However, that niggling worry persists: Is my baby warm enough? Or perhaps they’re too warm?

Young babies can’t regulate their body temperature because their systems aren’t fully developed. Instead, they rely on us to provide the appropriate clothing to keep them comfortable. Keep them cosy and warm (but not too warm) with our tips on how to dress a baby for winter walks at Abiie®.

Dress Your Baby in Layers

Toddler dressed in layers on a winter walk

Dressing your baby in layers is the best way to keep them warm for winter walks. Each layer of clothing traps a pocket of air warmed by their body heat, insulating them from the cold. 

A good rule of thumb is to give them one more layer than you need.

Layering 101: Dressing Baby for Cold Weather

Layers are your friend when taking your baby out in winter. But you mustn’t add too many layers. This can cause your little one to overheat in the cold. 

Here’s how to dress a baby in layers for winter wonderland walks:

Start With a Base Layer

The base layer is the clothing worn right against your baby’s skin. This layer should be snug yet breathable, such as leggings or a bodysuit. 

Add Their Middle Layer

This layer traps their body heat to keep them insulated and warm in cold weather.

This layer should fit close without restricting movement. Fleece or merino wool jumpers and jumpsuits make great middle layers.

Finish With an Outer Layer

This is your baby’s weatherproof layer. It should be warm and protective against rain, snow, and wind.

Your outer layer depends on the weather conditions and temperature. However, a coat or snowsuit is usually ideal when dressing your baby for winter walks.

What About Babywearing in Winter?

Father carrying baby in Huggs baby carrier

You can still wear our baby hip carrier from Abiie® in nippy winter weather. Just remember your body heat will provide warmth whilst using your carrier, so that extra jumper or outer layer may not be needed.

Here’s everything you should know about how to dress and carry a baby for winter walks:

1. Protect their Tiny Extremities

Your baby still needs their tiny extremities protected from the cold. Shield them from the chill with a soft hat, mittens, and booties.

2. Should My Carrier Go Over or Under My Coat?

Whilst you can wear your baby waist carrier either way, it’s warmer to wear your carrier under your coat so you can share body heat. Babywearing coats and roomy winter coats are perfect when taking your baby out in winter because they’re large enough to zip over you and your little one.

3. Check for Face Clearance

Always check for face clearance when babywearing in winter. Their face shouldn’t be pressed against your chest or their own.

4. Choose the Right Baby Carrier 

Choosing the right baby carrier is as important as learning how to dress a baby for winter. Top baby carriers must:

  • Be Warm Yet Breathable: Breathability helps prevent your baby from overheating whilst they’re bundled up. Our Huggs® carrier has an innovative dual-layer centre panel with an outer layer that folds for warmth, or for airflow through 3D mesh.
  • Minimise Fuss: You want minimal fuss if you must adjust your baby’s layers or positioning whilst they’re sleeping. Our Huggs® carrier at Abiie® has a Velcro-free, patented hip seat design that allows for a smooth and quiet transition out of the carrier. 
  • Have an Ergonomic Design: Your carrier should have an ergonomic design that supports your baby’s natural posture for healthy hip development, like our carrier at Abiie®. Make sure it’s comfortable for you too, with features like weight distribution and padded straps.

Dress Them in Breathable Fabrics

When learning how to dress a baby for winter, choose breathable fabrics. They help prevent them from getting too hot or too cold. Some great choices include:

  • Bamboo
  • Muslin
  • Merino wool
  • Fleece
  • Organic cotton

How to (Comfortably) Dress and Carry a Baby for Winter

Taking your baby out in winter is simple with a bit of preparation. You can keep your baby safe and warm in harsh weather by dressing them in layers for your winter walks. It’ll allow you to adjust based on how warm or cool they are, with minimal fuss. 

Babywearing in winter? Remove one of their layers to prevent overheating, and wear a carrier built for comfort and breathability, such as our Huggs® carrier at Abiie®. Try it now.

About The Author

Kenneth Chuah

Abiie®, LLC was established in 2007 by Kenneth Chuah, an award-winning inventor and product design engineer, with a vision to promote healthier families and a more sustainable planet. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and winner of Austin’s Product Competition (2004), Chuah previously worked as a design engineer for Motorola. Shifting his focus to child gear in 2007, he aimed to set new standards in safety, durability, functionality, and performance. Today, Abiie®, LLC is internationally recognized for its patented, award-winning designs that redefine family mealtime and beyond. Explore their fully safety-tested product lineup at abiie.com, and follow @abiiebaby on Instagram for updates, reviews, exclusive offers, and more. Abiie®, LLC – Redefining baby gear and family living!