A baby carrier is basically an umbrella term for the many carriers out there. Some carriers are structured, some are slings, some are wraps. There are fantastic benefits to go along with having and using a baby carrier. Which carrier is the best baby carrier for breastfeeding?
Benefits Of Baby Wearing
Baby carriers keep you virtually hands-free. This is ideal for that newborn baby who loves being close. Let’s be honest here, that’s every baby. Wearing your baby gives you the opportunity to get a few things done (if necessary) and still hold your baby. This is a great option for families who have multiple children, and parents just don’t have the luxury of sitting on the couch snuggling with their newborn.
Reasons I loved Baby Wearing
Baby carriers can also be the perfect option when families decide to (finally) leave the house and get out. I found this to be the optimal choice when my son was about 6 months old and we were braving the mall crowds for holiday shopping (way before Covid-19 was a thing). No strollers, so my baby was close to my body and no one was able to get near him. It was perfect. Carriers are the answer when you want to go places but do not want anyone peeking into the stroller or car seat, gushing over what a perfect baby you have.
Carrying Twins
When my twins were babies, my first son was only 2 years old. Having a carrier was a lifesaver. I had two, and I clearly remember having one baby on the front and one on the back, while making dinner and navigating my way through fussy evenings. Game changer.
Breastfeeding In A Baby Carrier
What about breastfeeding your baby in a carrier? Is it possible? Absolutely. You can manipulate the position of your baby while they are in the carrier. All you have to do is move them into a position at the breast and you are all set. You can tighten the carrier once the baby is latched if you need to. I’m sure I am making this sound too easy, so check out this video breastfeeding in a wrap if you are using a wrap-style carrier or breastfeeding in a carrier if you are using a more structured carrier. Try different carriers so you can find the best baby carrier for breastfeeding your baby.
Baby Carrier Suggestions From The Experts
I put this question out to the breastfeeders in my Breastfeeding Bootcamp Support Group. I wanted to hear from the experts which carriers they like the best for breastfeeding. Read on for their suggestions.
Baby K’Tan Wrap
The Baby K’Tan was suggested by several Bootcamp Breastfeeders. It’s comfortable, and the wrap itself can be adjusted to double as a nursing cover or to shield your baby from the distractions around them. The Baby K’Tan has some great tips for breastfeeding in a wrap here.
Ring Sling
The ring sling is very popular. However, some of my Bootcamp Breastfeeders absolutely love breastfeeding in a ring sling, but some could not figure it out. “I LOVE my ring sling, but I could never master breastfeeding in it.” The ring sling is a popular carrier, which is why I wanted to be sure I added it to the list. If you have a ring sling and have not breastfed in it yet, you can get some additional direction here. For those of you who are visual learners, here is a video for you to watch while you are on your way to mastering breastfeeding in your ring sling.
The Moby Wrap
This is another popular, stretchy style wrap. Parents like it because it is comfortable, with no belts or buckles to readjust (especially nice if more than one parent is using it). In addition, the material is breathable. You can use a Moby wrap when your baby is a newborn, or a toddler (up to 35 pounds). Moby also has some great breastfeeding tips on their website as well.
Tula Baby Carrier
The Tula was another popular one among our group for breastfeeding. This is a more structured carrier. There are several options, and you can use Tula carriers until your baby (or toddler) is 60 pounds. Because Tula is a more structured carrier, you would have to readjust a little as you go. Tula has several tips on their website, including a video you can watch.
Lillebaby Carrier
We can’t forget about the Lillebaby. The Lillebaby is another structured carrier with several wearable options. Material is comfortable and breathable, with adjustable straps, belts, and back support. The carrier is with you for the long haul, supporting you and your baby from birth to the toddler years. Lillebaby offers resources on their site with breastfeeding tips and videos on how to master breastfeeding in the Lillebaby carrier. Check it out here.
Baby Wearing Resources
If you are looking for some additional resources for babywearing in general, the Bootcamp Breastfeeders recommended a couple of different websites that are helpful. Wrap You In Love offers tutorials, reviews of different carriers, babywearing information from newborn on up. You are bound to find what you need and more.
Amy Wraps Babies is another site that was recommended as a great babywearing resource. Here you will find articles on an abundance of babywearing topics, terms, and additional resources and communities of babywearing families to check out. You can’t go wrong. Check this out and you will have all the resources you need to find the best baby carrier for breastfeeding your little one.
Badass Breastfeeding Podcast
While we are talking about resources, don’t forget to check out the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast for this episode on nursing in public while babywearing.
Final Suggestions
Get out there and wear your baby! It makes life with your little bundle so much easier and your baby will be thrilled to be close to you. It may take a few tries to get everything right, so don’t get discouraged. Some families will try a couple of different carriers before they find one they really like, but most families I have met have more than one carrier for different reasons. Trade carriers with friends, get into a babywearing group where you can try different carriers and wraps and find which baby carrier is the best baby carrier for breastfeeding.
