Brrrrr! Baby it's cold Outside!

I listened to the weather.  I knew it was coming.  That doesn't mean waking up to freezing temperatures and snow on the ground wasn't a shock this morning.  Thank goodness we we're at least prepared enough to know we have boots, coats and snowpants available.  Hats and mitts we had to dig for, but we had them too so we were good.
I did occur to me though, that adding cold changes what I do with babywearing, and I'm sure it does for you too.  I thought a quick post about cold weather options might give you an idea of what you can do in future, now that you're likely in for the day.

You have options.

1.  A bigger coat or coat extender

With a small (ish) baby that you are going to wear on your front, put them in the carrier then put a bigger coat over both of you.  (I used my husbands!)  If you have an extender for your coat that you used while pregnant, it can be a good choice as well.  Some of them are even designed for this, you just flip it so that the wider section is now at the top since that's wear you need the extra space.  The extra room should give you the ability to zip the coat at least partly around you both.  
If you're going to do this, either with a bigger coat or an extender, just make sure that you don't zip up and cover up your babies face.  They should still be seen over the top of the coat.  

2.  A homemade babywearing coat

There are lots of patterns available out there to make something that works while wearing your baby.  Options for front and back carries exist and if you have at least some sewing ability you should be able to follow the instructions and make something.  
An extender panel for a sweater is fairly easy to make using two zip up sweaters.  I bought two that we're identical.  Setting one aside, I cut the back panel out of the second and cut the zipper off.  Then I quickly sewed the zipper to the sides of the newly cut back panel.  Voila!  A simple jacket extender.
(I'll create a tutorial for this later and link it here!  Watch this space!)
I've seen instructions to make poncho's and other options, including coats that allow for back carrying (although I'm not ambitious enough to do that).
If you can find a decent coat or sweater at a thrift shop this might be great option.

3.  Manufactured Babywearing Coats and Sweaters

The babywearing industry is growing all the time.  A few years ago there were only a couple options for babywearing coats and now there are many choices.  
You can find layered jackets, sweaters, vests, ponchos and other options.  
There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them so do your research and make your own choices.  
For my family, we have two layered coats.  They both have an inner fleece layer and an outer layer to block the wind.  They aren't terribly flattering though and have a lot of pieces and extensions that can be difficult to figure out since, even though we bought them both new, they didn't come with instructions.  
They are both Suze Kindercoats - one deluxe version and one of the regular versions.  
We have a Boba vest.  It has since been discontinued, but I like that it's an extra layer simply for my core.  I need to make sure that I have enough on my arms though to keep them warm.  
I also got a Lenny Lamb baby wearing sweater last year.  It's wonderfully warm and snugly.  The cowl is ridiculously long though and it doesn't work well for back carrier.  It's also quite tight and can be tricky to put on over a SSC since they tend to be bulky.  

4. Regular coats and warm gear for baby

There is no rule that says you need to use a special coat or any special gear when babywearing.  If it works best for you, dressing you and baby warmly and then putting the carrier over your outerwear can work just fine.
Things to keep in mind if you choose this option - It can be warm while you are getting yourself and baby dressed.  Putting a baby in a carrier can also be a bit of a workout so be prepared to be a bit warm when you set out.  
If you are using a carrier with straps or buckles that are set to a specific size, you may need to change that adjustment to make room for the bulk of your clothing choices.  If you're going to do this, your best bet is to loosen the straps before you put your carrier or baby on, so that you can tighten them around you.
If you are planning to back carry this way, remember that a lot of outerwear can be a bit slippy when it's sliding up against another waterproof/windproof layer.  Keep that in mind so you don't put your baby on your back only to feel them slide back down to the floor.

As with all babywearing, you want to make sure you're doing it safely.  Make sure you follow TICKS and remember babies extremities if they're going to be exposed to the cold (mitts and boots are still important even if baby isn't walking around!)
Questions?  Let me know below!