Combining these two skills can take some practice and patience. What baby carrier/sling can you use to breastfeed your child in? How can you do it safely? What are the benefits to yourself and your baby (stacks!)? So let’s get straight into some simple guidelines for success.
Getting your baby in the right carrier/wrap can be your individual road to success. What will work for some will not work as well for others. You and your baby will have your preferences and there’s some important points to consider when feeding your baby in certain carriers/slings.
Woven Wrap & Stretchy Wraps - These aren’t the most ideal solution. A stretchy wrap is best avoided because the nature of the ‘stretch’ in the fabric means that your baby should remain tight and with 3 layers of fabric over them at all times. It is my recommendation that you don’t loosen a stretchy wrap to feed in because of a minor fall hazard and the possibility of your baby slumping. Instead, once you take baby out, leave the wrap on and use it simply as an aid to support baby and take some pressure off your arms. A Woven Wrap is not stretchy in nature so you are able to feed better in this. You could try a Front Wrap Cross Carry off-centre on the preferred breast or a traditional hip carry with a slip knot that allows you to loosen baby down and tighten up. All-in-all, feeding in a woven wrap will generally take some adjustment and isn’t super straight forward. You can set a carry up to feed in but then once finished you will need to re-do the wrap in a new carry to continue using it in a safe way.
{Beautiful pic via Instagram @carryingourkeiki - shared with permission.}
Ring slings - Ringslings can be great to breastfeed your child in. They are easy enough to loosen baby down onto the breast, and then tighten back up to a safe height. With this option, you will only be able to feed on one side unless you reset up the sling on the other shoulder. If you’re not use to carrying on the opposite shoulder, it may feel very awkward on the other side and take some practice. Make sure you remember to swap sides over a longer period of continous carrying and feeding as to not engorge one boob! Also, be mindful that the rings don’t push into the breast causing any unwanted blockages. BONUS: The excess fabric in the tail can act like a wonderful privacy cover too!
Soft Structured Carriers - By far the best option for success! Feeding in a buckle carrier is the most recommended option. You simply loosen the shoulder straps to bring baby down to breast height, gently shimmy them over to the side you're going to feed on, feed them here (you can use the hood for some privacy), then once you finish, shimmy them back to centre and tighten the straps to bring them up to a safe height. BOOM! Easy.
{Feeding in a Soft Structured Manduca carrier.}
Meh Dais, Onbuhimos - Meh Dais can be loosened to lower baby down but please make sure not to let the fabric go and always keep the knot that ties the shoulder straps in a double knot. It isn't overly recommended and neither is Onbuhimos.
1. Be safe. Always monitor your baby while they are in the carrier. Make sure their airway remains clear and support them at all times. Also keep one hand on baby at all times. Loosening a carrier means they aren't 100% secure so always have a hand free to support them.
2. Be careful. Watch for any loose fabric that you may trip over and be mindful not to cause any blockages while feeding with any straps, rings, or buckles that could be pressing on the breast. This also goes for tight clothing too.
3. Be patient. Give yourself and your baby time to learn this new way of feeding. If things aren't working, try it in small spurts, move on, then try again later.
4. If you still need further help, search on youtube for free tutorials (here's one I did in a Manduca: click here). The next step would be to head to a local babywearing meet in your area for peer support. Or the VIP option would be to book a consultation with a Babywearing Consultant who can give you one-to-one tailored advice for you and your baby. Book via my calender here.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
You've got this!
Brooke x
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Many parents wonder if they can still use a baby carrier if their baby is in a brace and being treated for Hip Dysplasia. The short answer is usually always yes! Which is great news. It’s about finding a suitable carrier style that is comfortable for you and your baby whilst they are in the brace.