What should my baby wear in a baby carrier or sling?
4 min read
Quick answer
For baby carrier clothing, dress your baby one layer lighter than you would for the pram, because your body heat and the carrier fabric add warmth. Keep their face uncovered and visible. Check the back of their neck often and remove a layer if they feel hot or sweaty.
- One layer lighter than the pram outfit
- Face always visible, chin off chest
- Nothing covering your baby's head
- In winter, your coat goes over you both, face uncovered
- Take your baby out of the carrier to feed
Why babies need fewer layers in a carrier
In a carrier, your baby is pressed against your warm body and wrapped in fabric. That adds up to an extra layer before they put on any clothes. The TinyLayers rule of thumb is to dress them one layer lighter than for the pram, in any season.
Overheating can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so check the back of your baby's neck every time you stop. The NHS says if your baby's skin is hot or sweating, remove one or more layers.
Safe babywearing: the TICKS checks
Whatever your baby wears, the carrier must hold them in a safe position. The NHS recommends the TICKS rules for slings and carriers.
- Tight: the sling hugs your baby close to your body
- In view: you can see your baby's face at all times
- Close enough to kiss: your baby's head is close enough to kiss
- Keep chin off chest: your baby's chin is not pressed into their chest
- Supported back: your baby's back is comfortably upright
Keep your baby's airway clear
The NHS says do not let the material of a sling or carrier cover your baby's head. The AAP says your baby's neck should be straight, their chin not pressed into their chest, and their nose and mouth clear. Some slings can curl a baby into a C-shape, which the AAP says greatly increases the risk of breathing problems.
The AAP also says babies born early or with breathing problems should not go in backpacks or other upright carriers. Ask your health visitor or neonatal team for advice. Take your baby out of the sling to feed them, as the NHS says feeding in a sling is not safe. If your baby falls asleep in a carrier, the AAP advises moving them to a firm, flat surface on their back as soon as you can.
What should my baby wear in a carrier in summer?
On warm days, one light cotton layer or just a bodysuit is often enough, because you and the carrier are already giving off heat. The NHS says babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight, so use a wide-brimmed sun hat and stay in the shade. Check your baby's neck more often in hot weather, and take breaks out of the carrier.
What should baby wear in a carrier in winter?
In winter, dress your baby in thin warm layers rather than a thick snowsuit, which makes it harder to keep the carrier tight and can overheat them against your body. Then use your coat, or a babywearing cover, over both of you.
- Base: long-sleeve bodysuit
- Middle: footed sleepsuit or a thin fleece or knit layer
- Extras: warm hat, mittens and socks or booties, as legs and feet stick out
- Outer: your zipped coat or a babywearing cover, with your baby's face uncovered and visible
- Indoors: open your coat and take off your baby's hat straight away, as the NHS advises
Sources
We check this guide against these sources. It is general information, not medical advice: speak to your health visitor, GP or paediatrician about your own baby.
Questions parents ask
Can my baby wear a snowsuit in a carrier?
A thick snowsuit is usually too much in a carrier. It adds bulk that makes it harder to keep the carrier tight, and your body heat makes it warmer still. Thin layers, a hat and booties, with your coat over both of you, are easier to adjust. Check the neck at every stop.
Can my baby go inside my coat?
Yes, a zipped coat or babywearing cover can go over you both, as long as your baby's face stays uncovered and you can see it at all times. The NHS says no material should cover your baby's head. Dress your baby lighter underneath, and open your coat as soon as you go inside.
How do I know if my baby is too hot in the carrier?
Feel the back of their neck or their chest. Sweating, a hot chest, damp hair or flushed cheeks mean they are too warm. Remove a layer, open your coat or take a break out of the carrier. Cold hands and feet alone are normal and are not a reason to add more.
Should my baby wear a hat in the carrier?
Outdoors, yes: a warm hat in the cold and a wide-brimmed sun hat in summer. Make sure the hat and the carrier fabric stay clear of your baby's face. Once you are indoors, or in a warm car, bus or train, take the hat off straight away.