[redbonec]

So, it is in the 40's here for the high today, and windy. I know that everyone north of Texas goes through this many days during the winter, but I don't know how to do this:

When running errands or just going out somewhere with a baby, how do you do it? I can't put her in her big warm coverall that goes over clothing for cold weather before we leave the house--it would be too big for her in the car seat--she would be squished. But, putting it on and off when we stop the car to get out, then taking it back off when we get back in seems like a huge chore, and there's got to be an easier way, especially if going more than one place. Also, if I am wearing her in the sling inside, it would be way too bulky.
But then, just wrapping her in a blanket until we get into a place doesn't seem warm enough in the parking lot.

All you in regular cold weather--what do you do?

[mrsdatabits]

We do what you were thinking... we wrap DD in a blanket till we get in the store. If its really cold (I'm talking in the teens), then I do put her in her coverall snowsuit thing. But if I know I'm just running her to the car and then into the store I don't worry if the weather isn't *too* cold. I also make sure she's in warm clothes - long sleeves, pants, socks, etc. - and I still put her hat on her (she looks quite adorable in it - DH calls her a hockey player!).

Also, I happen to have a big winter coat (I like them roomy), so I can just bundle her into my coat with me, which is what I'd have to do anyway if I had her in her sling.

Hope that gave you some ideas!

[redbonec]

Wrapping her in the coat is good too. Yes, I am thinking of places in and out like the grocery store, library, etc. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't nuts to do the blanket with a hat.

[HBV]

We do the same w/ the blankets. Plus you can use the blanket to roll up behind him in the shopping cart seat. He actually seems to like the cold---usually giggles when a wind gust hits him. He loved all the snow last week:

[mommamarci]

We do a warm outfit, a hat, and mittens, if it is really cold. We have a couple really thick, comfy blankets we were given, so we use those to wrap Cameron.

P.S. I would love to be in the forties today. We are twenties, and wind chill, problaly teens. It is COLD and windy! I had to get gas at lunch and was literally in pain from my face being exposed to the cold when I got back in the car! Yuck!!

[blessedbybug]

Originally Posted by redbonec

All you in regular cold weather--what do you do?

Layers is all I can say. onesie, turtleneck, sweater then jacket. Then when you go inside throw a blanket over babe.

I've already taken Roo out in -40 (yes minus) weather and it is even winter. I am keeping him in his "bucket" car seat (part of a travel system) and then I can put him in a bag in it and throw a cover over it that is elastic. It makes for alot to carry into the store but it keeps my little guy warm. I'm not sure what I'll do if he gets over his 20# limit before April. He will... then it will be snowsuit time I guess... HTH!!!

[redbonec]

HBV--what a great picture! We are just a few miles south of Oklahoma, but only got maybe an inch at most.

Marci--I guess you really do have to bundle with all the extras. So, 40's is nothing! We are still trying to decide if we will go to the downtown parade tonight all bundled, but you would probably think nothing of it!

Bug/Roo--sorry, -40 is NOT part of my comprehension! I believe I myself have only been in 20's, maybe upper teens. I can't believe it is that cold! And the travel system with the bag and cover--I'm just trying to imagine it--don't think it's been in the stores down here!

I did go out to the library today. For the first time, I put K in the Moby sling facing out (once outside the car seat). Then, I put on her fleece hat and put my coat on around her. It worked well getting into the library.

[SchmennaLeigh]

A note: for the problem of "gapiosis" (the part where the pants ride up when you pick the child up leaving bare legs between the bottom of the pants and top of the socks) look into buying a pair of Baby Legs (google; they're also in this issue of Parents magazine). Basically, baby leg warmers. But cooler than the 80s.

[blessedbybug]

Originally Posted by redbonec

Bug/Roo--sorry, -40 is NOT part of my comprehension! I believe I myself have only been in 20's, maybe upper teens. I can't believe it is that cold! And the travel system with the bag and cover--I'm just trying to imagine it--don't think it's been in the stores down here!

I did go out to the library today. For the first time, I put K in the Moby sling facing out (once outside the car seat). Then, I put on her fleece hat and put my coat on around her. It worked well getting into the library.

LOL! Not many people can... sometimes I can't (not from here originally, but getting used to it)!!! It may be that these kind of cold weather things aren't marketable there. Here they are a necessity. I think what you did was great and hey, it works. I would do that with Bug but now I have to handle her and Roo so not so easy to have my arms full of baby with a toddler on the go. Good for you for getting out... I always have to contemplate and plan and then, by the time I get to the door I'm so tired I don't want to go anywhere, esp when it's this cold!

[Sniffles]

redbonec, It sounds like you are not too far from me. What I have done with both my children is in weather like today, I would use one of the heavier blankets we had. IF (and thats a big if, due to TX weather) it gets any colder I would adjust the belts on their carseats just a little to allow for the extra bulk of the heavy winter coverall. I also believe that I have seen the travel system at Wal-MArt. I do know that I have seen the covers for the carriers. A friend of mine had one for their son.

[redbonec]

gapiosis--funny!

bug/roo--yes, usually by the time we get out the door, there is little time before she will be tired again and ready for a nap again!

sniffles--a cover for the carrier is interesting--out of curiosity I will look at Wal-Mart--but probably not to buy because I will do whatever necessary to not carry that infant carrier!

[SchmennaLeigh]

Another note: we're going to NYC next week (OMG YAY!) and, as everyone knows here, I wear Nicholas in a front pack carrier (also on my back) almost all of the time. I recently purchased a MaM Babywearing Cover. It's fleece lined and keeps him super snuggly. (Which ends up making me sweat, lol.) So, that's also an option for the babywearing crowd among us. (Google it as well.) It tucks under his feet with an elastic band that is adjustable. I then tie my coat strap (it's a button coat with a tie around the waist) out around his back. He wears his mittens and hat and a scarf but no coat when we go out like this.

[Sniffles]

Originally Posted by redbonec

sniffles--a cover for the carrier is interesting--out of curiosity I will look at Wal-Mart--but probably not to buy because I will do whatever necessary to not carry that infant carrier!

LOL! I know I hated carrying that thing around, but I'll admit I never used on of the strap on baby carriers because I never found one that was comfortable for me to wear. With my oldest, he is 11 now, my mom had gotten me one and it never fit right on me or him. So when my youngest was born, she's 4 now, and Mom produced the same one, I said no thanks.

[redbonec]

We DID go to the parade tonight! Bundled up.
Jenna--I looked up the cover. Is he wrapped on top of your coat? I couldn't tell on the website.

One thing about the wrap carrier--tonight I carried K facing out. The woman I bought the sling from told me facing out can cause some strain because her center of gravity changes, and the weight is pulled forward. She was right. That is the first time I felt our baby's weight pull on me later.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Here's how we did it today:

I took off my coat. Put on the Mei Tai. Put Nick in the Mei Tai. Put on the MaM Babywearing Cover. Tied everything all up. Put my coat on. I have a pea coat that just happens to have a tie around the waist. I pulled the tie out around Nick's back and tied it there, thus tying us both into the coat.

Warm and toasty.