Wraps generally have more fabric and provide more coverage for your baby.  You should be able to tie your wrap around your winter coat and still be able to bundle your little one.  Or if you don’t mind the bulky look, you can snuggle with your baby by wearing your jacket over both of you.  You might need to borrow dads jacket for this one or you can buy a  special babywearing poncho or jacket.

Remember that if you are wearing your baby under your jacket you must check that your baby is getting enough air.  This is not a one time check, but something that must be done continually to make sure there is sufficient airflow.

On the other hand if you carry your baby outside of your jacket, they will get colder faster than you since they are not moving.   Dress your baby appropriately for the weather.  BabyLegs are a great extra layer that help protect little legs when pants ride up.  Check your baby often to make sure that he/she is warm enough and limit the time you spend outside in extreme weather.

Send us your ideas and pictures for winter babywearing.  I would love to share them with our readers.

In these ads Motrin makes fun of  the “supposed bonding experience”, describes babywearing as some sort of fad, claims that moms who wear their baby cry more than others.  They then go on to state that “these things” put a ton of strain on your back, neck, and shoulders.  The mom voice over says that it is ok to put up with the pain, because wearing your baby makes you look like a official mom.  According to the ads, that official mom look is “tired and crazy”.

It is hard  to know where to start with a response, but mothers everywhere should know that babywearing is not some type of fad, but rather one of the oldest traditions of parenting around the world.  Keeping your baby close simply feels right.  There are have been studies done that show wearing your baby helps reduce crying, is beneficial to premie babies (kangaroo care), and promotes bonding.  It is absolutely incomprehensible that Motrin would degrade the value of bonding between parents and their baby!

Babywearing should not be painful.  There are many high quality carriers available to parents today.  Unfortunately some of the mainstream carriers are not comfortable after ~15lbs.  With proper help a comfortable  carrier can be found for all body types and developmental stages of babies.

The statements regarding the crying babywearing moms who look tired and crazy is definitely the most offensive.  It is offbase and unfounded.  Mothers everywhere make choices based upon what they think is best for their little ones, not based upon what might be fashionable.  Wearing your baby is one of those choices.

 I know the next time I need a little pain relief, I’ll reach for an Aspirin.

November 12th kicks off the start of International Babywearing Week and is brought to you by the nonprofit Babywearing International Inc. and TheBabywearer.com.  The theme for this years inaugural event is Celebrate Babywearing.  Visit Babywearing International this week to nominate your favorite babywearing advocate or group.  There are several contests to enter with $2,400.oo in prizes given away.  You can also find babywearing organizations near you.

Tell us how you plan to celebrate International Babywearing Week, and register to win a free pair of BabyLegs.