Babywearing in Rainy or Windy Weather

Staying snug, safe and happy whatever the forecast!

British weather, it's very unpredicatable (to say the least!) One minute it’s blue skies, the next it’s sideways rain or the wind picks up, and you've no idea how to dress for it, and are even considering putting off your favourite baby group.

The good news is you can absolutely babywear safely and comfortably in the rain or wind. In fact, if you know what you're doing, you can remain cosy and dry even on the most miserable looking days!

Let’s talk about what to keep in mind, what to wear, and how to keep both you and your baby safe and snug when those elements are in full force.

☔ 1️⃣ Dress for both of you (not just baby)

It’s easy to want to bundle baby up, pop them in the carrier and then realise you’re the one soaked through! Remember: babywearing adds layers of warmth for both of you — even in chillier weather.

Here’s the trick:

• Dress baby as if you and the carrier are an extra layer. The sling or carrier counts as a layer of clothing, and your body heat helps too, you want to think about dressing baby as if you are stepping into a warm room (not hot, or stuffy).

  
  

• Avoid bulky snowsuits or thick pramsuits — they can affect the fit of the carrier and make baby unsafe, or too warm.

  
  

• Opt for thin, breathable layers (merino wool, a cotton, or slightly fleecey all in one zipped item) that you can add or remove easily - I seem to remember that I bought some nice ones from H&M a few years back.

If you’re not sure what layers work best for your carrier, that’s exactly the sort of thing can cover during a 1-1 carrying consultation.

2️⃣ Windproof, not waterproof (for baby’s face)

When it’s blustery, your instinct might be to pull hoods or covers right up over baby’s face — but remember your ABC safety checks:

• A = Airways must stay clear and visible.

  
  

• B = Body Positioning Baby should be supported and secure.

  
  

• C = Comforable for the both of you (this will include things like temperature checks - and will overlap with positioning and airway safety - as you want a correctly tightened carrier that holds baby close against you, so they don't have room to slump down etc)

  
  

If you'd usually opt for outward facing or a hip carry, turn baby back towards your chest, to shield them more. A light hat or buff to cover ears, plus your body shielding them from the wind, is often enough. You can turn slightly so your body becomes a windbreak — your coat and your chest do a great job of keeping baby cosy without blocking airflow. Which leads me onto my next point...

3️⃣ Use babywearing coats or covers

If you regularly carry outdoors, it may be worth investing in a babywearing coat or cover. These clever designs fit over both of you, keeping everyone dry and warm without compromising safety or comfort. You can also buy 'zip us in' pannels to extend any coat you already have.

• Babywearing coats: These zip or button over your baby and carrier, keeping you both snug in one piece.

• Rain covers: Attach directly to your carrier to protect baby from drizzle. I quite like Bundlebean as an affordable brand, who even do fleece-lined options

  
  

• Blankets .... If it's particularly chilly you could tuck a blanket into the side webbing of your sling if you don't have a cover...

4️⃣ Keep your footing secure

Jumping up and down in muddy puddles… fun for toddlers, and definitely not advisable when carrying!

As we know on wet days some surfaces can be particularly slippy, so take your time, wear supportive shoes with good grip, and if it’s really blustery, keep one hand near baby’s back for added stability.

5️⃣ After your walk: check baby’s temperature

When you come back indoors, it can be easy to forget that baby’s is likely going to be warming up fairly quickly...

• Unwrap layers slowly, keeping an eye out for flushed cheeks or clammy skin.

  
  

• Check baby’s neck or back — they should feel warm, not sweaty.

  
  

This helps you spot if they were overdressed for next time and keeps baby comfy (and ready for their next adventure!).

🌈 A little weather shouldn't put you off

Some of my favourite babywearing moments have been on drizzly autumnal walks, both of us tucked under a hood. There’s can be something quite calm about it — just you, baby, and the rhythm of your steps.

So don’t be put off by a few raindrops or gusts. With a few tweaks and the right layers, you’ll both stay dry, warm, plus get to be lovely and close.

Ready to brave the outdoors confidently?

If you’d like to learn which carriers work best for your lifestyle or how to layer safely in your own setup, book a 1-1 carrying consultation. We’ll cover fit, weather tips, and comfort for both of you — so you can keep carrying, whatever the weather throws your way.

And remember: a quick ABC check before you step outside keeps every journey safe and snug. 💛

Happy carrying,

Emma x