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Get Ahead on Cold & Wet Weather Babywearing

babywearing consultant babywearing education working with clients Nov 07, 2024

As the wet and cold seasons settle in, babywearing consultants have a unique opportunity to support clients in preparing for the elements. It’s not just about offering tips and product recommendations—it’s about meeting clients where they are, anticipating their needs, and proactively offering guidance that feels practical and relevant in the moment.

Here are some actionable ways you can do just that (plus more ideas in this blog post from last year):

Tailor Your Advice to Their Everyday Life 

When you offer tips on wet and cold weather babywearing, the key is to make your advice context-specific (more on that here). Does it snow where your client lives, or mostly rain? Do streets get icy, or are muddy morning dog walks a bigger concern? When you engage with a caregiver, listen for clues about their daily life, and tailor your suggestions accordingly.

For example, if a client mentions that their family loves weekend nature walks, consider sharing about using a waterproof carrier cover for rainy days or layering techniques for varying weather. 

Create Real-Life Scenarios for Clients 

You can guide clients by helping them envision specific day-to-day situations where weather may impact their babywearing experience. This makes your advice relatable and memorable. For instance, suggest that they imagine an unexpected rain shower while they’re at an outdoor market or a day at the playground after a snowfall.

Walk them through how to handle these scenarios: Which layers would be easiest to adjust on the go? How might they use a carrier cover to keep their baby dry? Creating relatable scenarios helps clients feel prepared and confident, rather than overwhelmed by too much theory or information.

Have Outerwear Options for Hands-On Demos 

To better serve your clients, consider keeping a few cold-weather babywearing essentials on hand. Showing clients how to use a babywearing-friendly coat or demonstrate the ease of throwing on a carrier cover can be far more impactful than just talking about it. If you don't have inventory, consider partnering with companies that specialize in these accessories. Whether offering discounts through affiliate programs or hosting joint pop-up events, these partnerships create a win-win situation.

Consultants can offer added value, and companies can connect with potential customers in a trusted setting. It’s about helping clients feel comfortable with their choices and making it easy for them to try out and invest in products that truly support their needs.

"Cold, rainy days used to mean staying inside, but with the right gear, it's easy to bundle up and still enjoy the outdoors. I have an Angel Wings babywearing coat that's lightweight but warm enough to keep us comfortable - even in the cold Oklahoma winter winds! I love that babywearing gives us the freedom to get out no matter the season." ~ Savanah Froese, Foundations graduate

Be Proactive and Provide Just Enough Information 

Proactive support is about knowing when and how to bring up information without overwhelming clients. Start by planting seeds of awareness in your initial sessions or consultations. If you know winter is approaching, mention that you’ll cover the topic of cold-weather babywearing in an upcoming class or blog post. When running into a client at a grocery store or local event, bring up just the right piece of advice that’s relevant to their situation.

For example, if a caregiver mentions their stroller is hard to manage in the snow, you might say, It took me a bit to feel confident getting around in weather like this too. If you want, I can show you some tricks for using a carrier to make it easier when it’s snowy.” 

Encourage Exploration and Self-Discovery 

During consultations or group classes, give caregivers the chance to experiment with babywearing techniques and products. Allowing them to touch, adjust, and try on weather-specific accessories builds familiarity and confidence. Invite clients to imagine themselves in their daily routines and how their choice of outerwear might play a role.

Encourage them to make a “rainy day list” of what they would wear and carry for both themselves and their baby, or even a “snow day list” to plan for the coldest months. This hands-on approach helps them take ownership of the information you provide and integrate it seamlessly into their lives.

Build Trust as the Community’s Go-To Expert 

By offering well-timed advice and support, you position yourself as the go-to resource for babywearing in your community. Keep an ear out for common concerns or situations caregivers face, and preemptively address them in your classes, blog posts, or social media.

For example, in group settings, you might say, “I know some of you have been asking about how to handle winter layers with babywearing, so next week we’re doing a quick demo on layering tips and staying comfortable in the cold.” This proactive approach signals to caregivers that you’re aware of their evolving needs and ready to help them navigate every season with confidence.

By weaving together hands-on demonstrations, scenario-based advice, and proactive guidance, you can help your clients feel supported and empowered throughout the colder months. Rather than waiting for questions, anticipate and address your clients’ needs ahead of time. Through consistent, context-specific support, you reinforce your position as the trusted expert in your community, ensuring caregivers turn to you whenever babywearing questions arise.