Baby it's cold outside

The Queen's Birthday long weekend is traditionally the start of the snow season here in Victoria. This week's weather brought plenty of snow to the mountains but current covid restrictions still prevent Melbourne residents from entering regional areas.

However, looking to the coming months and hoping for the best, #babywearing is a great way to include babies and toddlers in your snow excursions.

It's really common for the smallest family members to be reluctant to touch this weird, cold wet stuff! Crawlers and early walkers can be overwhelmed by the surface and older toddlers can still struggle to walk on it. It helps to consider their perspective can be very different to an adult or child who sees fun!

Popping them up in a carrier keeps them warm and dry. They can participate through observation. Do remember we don't do anything using a baby carrier that you wouldn't do with your baby in arms: skiing and snow boarding are not safe practices. Even toboggans can be unsafe if you pick up too much speed.

If you are planning a (future) day-trip for sightseeing and you're planning to borrow or buy snow gear for your little one, keep in mind the safety requirements of minimising bulk around their face and ensuring they can turn their head easily. Your body temperature will help regulate theirs so watch out for your own overheating warming them too much.

Living in a place where snow is a destination, not daily weather, we don't get lots of practice #babywearing in this environment. So take care walking and remember your balance is altered with some carrier styles.

Babywearing and fun in the snow are a great combination with a little planning and preparation. Hopefully there is a whole winter without lockdown so you can explore it!