10 Tips For Breastfeeding In A Baby Carrier

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If you read my recent article on How to Manage Household Chores With A Newborn, you will know that I tend to wear my baby around the house while doing other things.

Do you know why I do that?

Ermm.. Ya, she loves to be held a lot (or in opposite way, will cry once being put down).

And additionally, she nurses a lot.

And this happens NOT only in her newborn phase but throughout months when I exclusively breastfed her.

So to me, being able to breastfeed in a baby carrier gives a lot of convenience for both of us.

Let’s list them out.

For me: I don’t feel being strapped to bed or sofa for nursing all day long, and I can do other things and look after my elder child.

For my baby:

• she loves being snuggled close, so of course, she’s more than happy to be carried around
• easy access to breast all the time (so that she can nurse whenever she needs to).

And the bonus: breastfeeding in a baby carrier helps me to go through the hardest time of early weeks of breastfeeding, where my baby demanded to be rocked and walked all the time while nursing in the evening.

The benefit of being able to nurse in a carrier not only apparent in newborn phase. Even in the later phase, this skill will save you a lot of time because you can multitask while nursing. 

That means: being able to do shopping without worrying where you should nurse later (no need to confine yourself in a nursing room while others are having fun shopping), traveling is so much easier with a nursing baby, and so on.

Want to see more advantages? Head out to see what KellyMom thinks about nursing in a carrier.

But here’s the thing. 

That’s why, I’d love to help you to get the hang of it quickly.

In this article, I’ve put together these 10+ tips for breastfeeding in a baby carrier.

Here they are…

1. Start learning to nurse in a carrier once you master breastfeeding and baby wearing independently

Breastfeeding has a learning curve.

Baby wearing has a learning curve.

Learn them separately one by one first, and when you already feel confident in doing each if them, then learn how to breastfeed in a baby carrier.

Don’t despair.. It takes some time to master this skill, but its really worth it. Especially when you have elder children to look after.

PS: I feed and bathe my son while wearing my baby. Errm.. I hope it does not sound too extreme, but it is doable.

2.Wear a shirt with stretchy neckline (scoop neckline or V neckline is great) or nursing tanks. Front buttoned or zippered shirt works well too.

Avoid shirts that require you to pull up from the bottom because it can be tricky to do it once your baby is inside the carrier and your body is wrapped in the carrier fabric.

Or, invest in some nursing top with easy access to the breast. Here’re some of them.

3.Use an upright (tummy to tummy) position, it is easier from cradle position and can be naturally done in various carriers.

Simply loosen the carrier a bit, lower the baby down to the nipple level and tighten up.

It is also easier to switch baby from nursing to normal carry position, and also easier to switch nursing from one side to the other without untying the carrier.

See the list of videos below for detail instruction.

4.Practice when the baby is calm and relax to avoid stress or feeling rushed.

Don’t wait until your baby is really hungry to nurse, especially if you are still in learning phase. Choose a time when the baby is happy and calm to begin with.

5.Supporting your breast

You may need one hand to support your breast so that your baby is correctly latched on and you don’t accidentally block the baby’s airway.

If you are large-chested, you may find tucking a rolled receiving blanket under your breast will help you to support your breast.

7.Leaning forward will help to you to have more space while attempting to latch your baby.

Unlike nursing without a carrier, you are confined within a small space to position your baby towards your breast. Thus, to make the most of that little space, once you loosen your carrier strap, lean forward, support your baby with one hand, and your breast with another hand. Then, aim for latching on. Once the baby has latched comfortably, you can tighten back the strap to make your baby snug and secure.

8.Always pay attention to correct positioning and safety.

Improper latch may affect the effectiveness of nursing and improper position may block baby’s airway. This is especially true if you are dealing with a newborn.

Elder babies may adjust their position by themselves to get a good latch and to clear their airway.

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Just starting to breastfeed?

> Click here to get a handy checklist to prepare you for breastfeeding<<

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9. It may not be fully hands-free breastfeeding (especially with newborn) 

But at least, you have one hand fully free to do other things (eat your meals, flip a book, hold your phone, sweep the floor etc).

The other hand will be partially free (you will need your upper arm to support the baby’s head and your lower arm can maneuver in limited direction).

10. Outside the house: do you need a nursing cover?

Practice nursing at home first in front of a mirror.

You may be surprised with how discreet it is because the baby’s head has provided a lot of coverage to your boob.

If you need a cover, don’t quickly decide that you need a nursing cover. Your baby carrier may do that for you.

With a ring sling, you can use the tail to cover up your baby slightly.

With a mei tai and ergo, you can strap the hood on one side, so that you can still be able to see your baby easily.

With a stretchy or woven wrap, you can use the wide shoulder cross strap to support the baby’s head and cover up your breast.

 

Related: Top 5 Breastfeeding-Friendly Baby Carrier (Pros and Cons Included)

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BONUS

Watch the instructional videos to help you practice!

I’ve compiled for you several wonderful videos to get you started on breastfeeding in a baby carrier.

• Ring sling (Maya wrap)

• Woven wrap

Mei tai

Ergo

Rebozo

 

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I hope these tips are useful as you are learning your rope to breastfeed your baby in your favorite baby carrier.

Are you a veteran baby wearer? Do you have any tips to add on?

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