As a new parent, one of the most challenging aspects of parenting is nursing on-the-go. Whether you’re running errands, traveling, or simply trying to keep up with a busy schedule, finding time to breastfeed your baby can be stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, babywearing can make nursing on-the-go easier and more convenient than ever before.
Babywearing involves carrying your baby in a specially designed carrier that keeps them close to your body while leaving your hands free to go about your day. By combining babywearing with breastfeeding, you can provide your baby with the comfort and nourishment they need while still being able to take care of yourself and tackle your daily tasks.
The Benefits of Babywearing
Before we dive into our tips for nursing while babywearing, let’s take a moment to discuss some of the benefits of this practice. Babywearing has been shown to have numerous benefits for both babies and parents:
- Babies who are worn in carriers cry less often and are more likely to sleep through the night.
- Babywearing promotes bonding between parents and babies by keeping them close and allowing for more skin-to-skin contact.
- Wearing a baby in a carrier can help promote healthy hip development by keeping their legs in the correct position.
- Parents who wear their babies have their hands free to complete tasks while still providing comfort and security to their little ones.
The Different Types of Baby Carriers
When it comes to baby carriers, there are several different types available on the market. The type you choose will depend on your personal preferences and needs:
- Ring slings: Ring slings are made of a long piece of fabric that is threaded through two rings and worn over one shoulder. They are easy to adjust, making them a popular choice for breastfeeding.
- Soft-structured carriers: Soft-structured carriers are made of padded straps and a waistband that buckle together. They can be worn on the front or back and provide excellent support for both baby and parent.
- Mei Tais: Mei Tais are similar to soft-structured carriers but have straps that tie instead of buckling. They can be worn on the front or back and provide excellent support for both baby and parent.
- Wraps: Wraps are long pieces of fabric that can be wrapped around your body in various ways to create a carrier. They offer excellent support but can take some practice to get the hang of.
Breastfeeding Positions for Babywearing
The key to successful nursing while babywearing is finding the right position. Here are some positions that work well for breastfeeding in a carrier:
- Cradle hold: This position involves cradling your baby’s head with one hand while they nurse in the carrier. It works well with ring slings and soft-structured carriers.
- Koala hold: This position involves holding your baby upright facing you while they nurse in the carrier. It works well with ring slings and soft-structured carriers.
- Laid-back nursing: This position involves reclining slightly while your baby nurses in the carrier. It works well with wraps and mei tais.
Tips for Nursing While Babywearing
Now that you know the benefits of babywearing and the different positions you can use for breastfeeding, let’s dive into some tips that will help make nursing on-the-go a breeze:
Practice at Home First
Before you attempt to nurse your baby in a carrier while out and about, it’s important to practice at home first. This will give you a chance to get comfortable with the carrier and figure out which position works best for you and your baby.
Choose the Right Carrier
Not all carriers are created equal when it comes to breastfeeding. Look for carriers that offer easy access to your breast, such as ring slings or soft-structured carriers with adjustable straps.
Wear Nursing-Friendly Clothing
When nursing in a carrier, it’s important to wear clothing that makes it easy to access your breast. Look for shirts with low necklines or buttons that can be undone easily.
Adjust the Carrier Properly
The key to successful nursing while babywearing is getting the carrier adjusted properly. Make sure your baby is positioned correctly and that the carrier is snug but not too tight.
Use a Nursing Cover if Desired
If you prefer to use a nursing cover while breastfeeding in public, there are covers available that are specifically designed for use with baby carriers. These covers provide full coverage while still allowing you to see your baby.
The Bottom Line
Nursing on-the-go doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. By combining babywearing with breastfeeding, you can provide your baby with the comfort and nourishment they need while still being able to take care of yourself and tackle your daily tasks. Remember to practice at home first, choose the right carrier, wear nursing-friendly clothing, adjust the carrier properly, and use a nursing cover if desired. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be nursing on-the-go like a pro in no time!