How To Breastfeed While Baby Wearing: 4 Steps to Success

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Every pregnant woman or mom planning to breastfeed is told about the wonders of baby wearing! It’s true – some moms would be bereft without their baby carrier and swear by them for everyday use, especially when older siblings need tending to. But can you actually breastfeed a baby in a carrier?

Simply, yes. Breastfeeding while babywearing is the ultimate multitasking skill for busy moms. Choosing the right baby carrier and mastering the art of hands-free feeding is essential though and finding the perfect nursing position while ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety might take some practice!

Don’t worry – you’ll get the hang of how to breastfeed while baby wearing it in no time! With a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be well on your way to breastfeeding success, even on the go.

How to breastfeed while baby wearing

Step 1. Choose the right baby carrier

Ah, babywearing – a magical world of keeping your baby close while still having your hands free to do all the other important tasks life throws at you. It all starts by choosing the right baby carrier for breastfeeding.

Ring slings

Ring slings are like the stylish cousin of baby carriers. They’re essentially a long piece of fabric threaded through two rings, which allows you to adjust the “carrier” to your body and your baby’s size with ease. Plus, they come in all sorts of fashionable prints and colors. You’ll be the envy of all the other babywearing parents at the park! Ring slings are perfect for quick and easy breastfeeding, as you can just lower your baby to your breast without too much fuss.

Woven wraps

If you’re looking for the baby carrier equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, look no further than a woven wrap. These long pieces of woven fabric can be tied in an almost infinite number of ways, allowing you to find the perfect position for both carrying babies and breastfeeding your little one. It may take a bit of practice to become a wrapping master, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be unstoppable.

Stretchy wraps

For those who prefer a snug embrace but don’t want to deal with complicated wrapping, stretchy wraps are your go-to choice. Made from stretchy, comfortable fabric, these wraps hold your baby close to your body in a cozy, womb-like position. Perfect for newborns and smaller babies, stretchy wraps make breastfeeding a breeze, as you can easily adjust the stretchy wrap fabric around your baby for quick nursing access.

Step 2. Get into the perfect nursing position

So you have chosen your perfect wrap. Now, let’s explore the best nursing positions to make babywearing a breeze.

Cradle position

You’ve got your baby in a cozy wrap or ring sling, and now they’re giving you the ‘feed me now!’ cues. Try the Cradle position for a cuddly and comfortable nursing session. First, make sure your baby’s head is supported by the sling fabric. Gently slide your little one downwards until their mouth is aligned with your breast. To prevent the chin-to-chest dilemma, check that there’s a two-finger gap between your baby’s chin and chest to keep their airway clear.

Upright position

For moms on the go, the Upright position might just become your new BFF (see YouTube clip above). By feeding upright, your baby is already snuggled up, facing you. Begin by loosening the wrap fabric or ring slings a tad bit. Lower your baby onto your breast with their mouth positioned to latch on. Remember, your baby’s face should be visible and not covered by any loose fabric. When your baby has finished feeding don’t forget to raise your baby back to the safe position.

Hip carries

The Hip Carries position is perfect for discreet nursing sessions. Supporting your baby’s weight with one arm while they latch on, use the other hand to adjust their position on your hip. This way, your baby’s mouth gains easy access to your breast. A deep M-position with knees higher than the bottom is essential to maintain throughout the nursing session for your baby’s comfort.

Step 3. Master the art of hands-free feeding

The learning curve

Embrace this new skill called hands-free feeding. Before you know it, you’ll not only be an expert in balancing a baby and a boob, but also juggling older children, latte-sipping, and cartwheeling (okay, maybe not cartwheeling). Learning to breastfeed while baby wearing might not come easy at first, but hey, neither did learning to ride a bike or bake a soufflé.

Gradually, you’ll discover the joy of having two free hands! Just think about all the possibilities: tending to your older children, petting your dog, folding laundry, or even binging on your favorite TV show. Hands-free feeding allows you to multitask with ease and grace.

While the initial setup might seem cumbersome, don’t let that discourage you. Like anything, practice makes perfect. Think of the sling as a way to support your baby in the right position while you help achieve a good latch. According to Dr. Sears, babywearing makes sibling care easier, especially when you have a newborn and a toddler. As you perfect this art, you’ll soon be hands-free feeding while pushing your older child on a swing.

Safety tips

Now, onto the important part – safety! While perfecting this awesome skill, keep in mind the following safety tips:

Always monitor the baby’s latch and breathing. Whether you’re using a sling, a wrap, or some other baby-wearing contraption, make sure your baby can breathe comfortably.
Choose the right carrier. Opt for a carrier that supports your baby’s head. A head bobbling around can be cute and funny, but not when breastfeeding.
Adjust the carrier height. Your baby should be positioned at the right height so they can reach the breast without you having to scrunch your own shoulder or bend your arm in a twisted yoga pose.
Keep one arm available to support the baby. Even though you want to go completely hands-free, at least initially, keep one arm ready to come to the rescue should your baby need extra support.

Step 4. Ensure your baby’s comfort and safety

Breastfeeding while babywearing can be a brilliant multitasking combo, but let’s make sure your little one is comfortable and safe. Keep your focus on a couple of key aspects, and you’ll both be happy!

Close enough to kiss and breathe

When your baby is snuggled in a sling, it’s easy to keep them close to your heart (and your milk supply). Make sure they’re close enough to kiss by positioning them high on your chest – this also encourages infant weight gain. Just lean in and give a smooch without straining your neck. But what about breathing, you ask? No problem! Just make sure their nose and mouth are clear, and you’re good to go.

Proper head support

Now let’s talk head support. While your little one is enjoying their meal on-the-go, it’s vital to ensure they have good head support – especially if they’re too young to hold up their own noggin. When wearing your baby in a sling, make sure to provide extra care by cradling their head with your free hand. You can also adjust shoulder straps on the carrier so that it gives ample support without restricting their breathing or ability to feed upright.

Tips and tricks for breastfeeding success

Achieving breastfeeding success while babywearing can be a bit of a juggling act, but with some tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll master the art in no time! In this section, we’ll arm you with strategies that make this magical duo a breeze—so buckle up, grab your sling, and let’s dive in!

Managing hungry toddlers

When it comes to hungry toddlers, it’s like taming a little beast! Here’s some advice to handle these ravenous munchkins:

Embrace responsive feeding: Pay attention to your child’s cues, and offer the breast when they seem hungry or need comforting.
Use a sling or carrier: This will give you easy access to your child while keeping your hands free.
Practice makes perfect: The more you combine babywearing and breastfeeding, the better you’ll get at anticipating your little one’s needs!

Dealing with problem suckers

Some babies are born experts at latching on, while others put their own spin on things. For those problem suckers, try these tips:

Bring baby to the breast: Instead of leaning in, bring your baby up to your breast. This helps them get a good latch.
Give them a little guidance: Gently position your baby’s head so that they can take in as much of your breast as possible.
Use the two-finger trick: If your baby has trouble staying latched, place two fingers on either side of their mouth. This can keep them from slipping off while breastfeeding.

Maintaining discretion and coverage

Breastfeeding in public can be a bit daunting, especially when you’re trying to maintain some modesty. Don’t worry – I have your back with these tips for maintaining discretion and coverage:

Choose the right baby carrier: A sling or wrap that provides more coverage is a game-changer for discreet breastfeeding.
Dress for success: Opt for breastfeeding-friendly clothes that make it easy to nurse while babywearing.
Keep your head up, literally: Your baby’s head can be the perfect shield for discretion. Just make sure they have enough room to move!

There you have it! With these tips in hand, you’re well on your way to mastering the double-whammy of breastfeeding success and babywearing finesse. Your baby will be happy, well-fed, and you’ll be ready to tackle anything with humor and grace. Happy nursing!

Just try it!

Find a baby carrier that suits both your nursing and babywearing needs.
Practice getting into a comfortable nursing position while wearing your baby.
Keep safety and comfort in mind for both you and your baby during hands-free feedings.

Breastfeeding while babywearing is a practical and nurturing combination that allows mothers to care for their babies while staying mobile. By choosing the right baby carrier and mastering the art of hands-free feeding, mothers can enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding while keeping their little ones close.

So, embrace the convenience and closeness that babywearing offers, and savor the special moments of breastfeeding while on the move. With practice and a touch of grace, mothers can navigate the world of multitasking with confidence and ease. Happy babywearing and breastfeeding!

Check out this post to read how the fabulous Lauren used a baby wrap to continue working on her business!

Final thoughts

I remember only too well eagerly trying on my new baby wrap for the first time determined to be one of those moms who effortlessly strode around with my baby on my chest … only to get myself in a complete muddle and giving up!! But I persevered and soon learned the huge benefits of babywearing and breastfeeding. Moral of the tale – practice! And if first, you don’t succeed? Try and wrap again!!

Babywearing and breastfeeding FAQs

Yes, you can nurse while babywearing using a ring sling or woven wrap, keeping baby’s face close enough to kiss.

To breastfeed while wearing, position baby’s chin above the breast and use a stretchy or woven wrap for support.

Babywearing can aid milk supply by promoting close physical contact and supporting the physiological process of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding with a baby wrap involves using one hand to position baby’s chin and breastfeed while keeping them secure in the carrier.

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How to Breastfeed While Baby Wearing: 4 Cruical Steps to Success