Sometimes, no matter hard you try, your little one just won't settle unless they're close to you, but thankfully there are special baby wearing hoodies which are perfect for keeping them attached to you whilst you go about your daily tasks. They are designed to fit comfortably around their baby carrier, keeping them safe and secure.
Also nicknamed 'kangaroo hoodies' due to the pouch out the front (which can often be removed with a zip depending on the design you go for), they help to create a lovely bonding experience for you and your little one. Plus if you have you have a toddler running around, you'll be hands-free so you can hold their hand at the same time.
Editor's Choice:
•Best for adaptability: Grey 3 in 1 Maternity Hoodie - Buy now from Seraphine
•Best multipurpose option: POLA Front/Back 5in1 Babywearing coat - Buy now from Etsy
•Best for style: Babywearing Sweatshirt 5in1 GREYSE Maternity - Buy now from Etsy
•Best for dads: Navy Blue Men's Babywearing Hoodie - Buy now from Seraphine
Just like baby-wearing coats, most of these hoodies can be worn during pregnancy, as well as after birth, making them great investments for the cooler months. Alternatively, there are many options for dads and other family members too, so no one has to feel left out! Take a look at some of our favourites below.
The best baby-wearing hoodies 2023
Best for adaptability
www.seraphine.com
Available in three gorgeous colours, this 3-in-1 hoodie is a comfy way to dress your bump as well as you and your baby, plus it has drawstrings and a detachable kangaroo pouch, so you can make it smaller and continue wearing it once the little one is all grown up!
A reviewer said: "Really comfortable and spacious hoodie. I purchased it while pregnant and look forward to carrying baby around in the winter months."
Another reviewer said: " A comfy jumper, I cannot wait for my baby to arrive so we can throw this on and go for walks! It's very practical and washes well too."
Size options: | Xsmall, Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, XXLarge, |
Material: | Soft cotton blend |
- Thumbholes in cuffs
- Stretchy side panels
- Drawstring hood
- Side pockets
Best for casualwear
www.shein.co.uk
This light grey hoodie from Shein is great for casualwear as it goes nicely with a pair of jeans or jogging bottoms. It comes with a hood for both you and bubba - we absolutely love the addition of little ears on the baby's hood - how cute!
A mum reviewer said: "An amazing baby wearing hoody. I fits well and true to size for my usual UK size 14. I am 5'7 in height. I baby wear using my Baby Bjorn carrier and my baby continues to fit comfortably to me and with the hoody zipped up. The attachment panel can be easily zipped in and out so I can wear the hoody on its own if I wanted. Overall really pleased with this purchase as its an absolute bargain and I could have spent a fortune on something like this elsewhere; people have commented on how comfortable and snug he looks."
Size options: | 8(S), 10 (M), 12/14(L), 16 (XL), 18 (XXL) |
Material: | 100 percent polyester |
- Zippable
- Long sleeved
- Hooded
Best multipurpose option
www.etsy.com
We love this Pola baby wearing coat with hood as it gives you the versatility to carry your little one either on your back so they can look out or on your chest, so you can look at each other. There are two removable inserts (on either side) and they can carry children up until they're about 2 years old.
A mum reviewer said: "Really high-quality item, perfect fit for the taller person. Looks smashing and gets me lots of compliments. Fabric is colour-proof, durable and still looks brand new after 4+ months of constant wear. Holds its own against the Scottish rain, too. Seller was incredibly helpful finding the right sizing. Highly recommended staple for mums-to-be, you'll get years of wear out of this one!"
Size options: | S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL |
Materials: | Cotton, elastane |
- Petrol green fabric
- Removable inserts
Best for fleece
www.etsy.com
Perfect for strolls on chilly mornings, this fleece number is suitable for carrying newborns up until they reach about 18 months old. The material is breathable on the inside but also provides plenty of thermal insulation on the days you need it most.
One happy grandmother said: "I bought this hoodie as a present for my daughter who has a new baby as well as a 16 month old. She loves it as it keeps her hands free to hold on to the toddler whilst keeping the baby all snuggly."
Size options: | S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL |
Material: | 100 percent polyester fleece |
- Non-toxic fabric dye
- Side zip
Best for style
www.etsy.com
Another option that can be worn five ways, giving your wardrobe the utmost versatility with just one item. Whether you're pregnant, breastfeeding, wearing your child on the front or the back, or going solo, it will keep you comfy and super stylish, with that snazzy pattern.
One parent said: "This is a great light jacket, it's almost as if a parent designed this jacket thinking of everything you could possibly want. I have worn it multiple times in rain and snow and stay dry. I layer to stay warm since it is a light coat and I am really satisfied with the quality of this coat. If I had one critique it would be that the hood could be deeper."
Size options: | S, M, L, XL |
Material: | Cotton, sweat |
Best for a budget
www.temu.com
This JOYHOPE baby wearing sweater has a slim fit but holds your baby comfortably, as it's nice and long. Simply undo the two zips at the side to pop them in. It's brilliant for breastfeeding too as it gives you easy access when you're on the go.
One reviewer said: "This is super comfortable as it has lovely soft material. It's great for over the bump as well as baby-wearing, plus it has pockets too! A great alternative to a coat."
Size options: | XS(6), S(8), M(10), L(12/14), XL(16), XXL(18) |
- Two zips
- Hood
- Three colour options
Best for occasional use
This men's fleece is lightweight but soft. It has a hood for the baby and side pockets for you to put your phone or keys into. It may not be the thickest of options, but it's good for trying to get the baby to sleep whilst you're at home, for example.
One reviewer said: "Okay for occasional use, as the “hole” for the child's head is quite small. However, if you only want to use the jacket for a “short time”, I think it's very good. However, the children should be able to hold their heads themselves, as it has no support. If you use it with a baby sling, it is impractical and you have to fold in the baby hood, which we do, for example, and so our child has head support again."
Size options: | M, L, XL, XXL |
Material: | Polyester cotton |
How do baby wearing hoodies work?
Just like regular hoodies, you undo the zip and put it on as normal. Then, put your baby in their baby carrier or sling and place them securely into the insert, making sure that their arms and legs aren't in an uncomfortable position. If the insert is removable, you may prefer to get someone to help you to put it on after you've held the baby to your chest.
If you're wearing it whilst pregnant, you won't need the insert on, but it's worth practicing so you'll know what to do when the baby arrives. Some of them are also make brilliant pumping or breastfeeding tops as the zips can be undone, giving you easy access and privacy as you feed them.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.