Happy World Breastfeeding Week! I thought it would be a good time to revisit feeding in a Baby Carrier!
Babies often need to eat and sometimes doing so in a carrier could make it SO much easier. But, for me, it did not come easy. With my first I watched the other babywearers easily feed their kids while walking around whatever park or event we were out at and I could not get it to work for me! My child was just too distractable and if things were going on around us, they were checking it out! I eventually learned that if I could find a quiet corner, things would be easier for both of us and that helped, but it often was just easier to take them out of the carrier. Like so many other moments in parenting, I was humbled to remember this was not about me and my hopes and dreams of hands-free feeding on the go. I softened my expectations of both of us and it was never hands-free. That is okay, we are each on our own journey. With my second child, with less intention and expectations and more desperation while trying to keep up with busy toddlers, it came a little more easily and was eventually hands-free.
All of that to say, be kind to yourself in this process. Learn how to confidently feed your baby, learn how to confidently wear your baby, then combine the two. It can take some practice to learn how to feed in a carrier. Below are some tips and suggestions that helped me and I hope will help you make it work for you and baby!
How To:
The three L’s - Loosen, Lower, Latch!
1. Loosen - loosen the carrier to give yourself a little bit of slack.
2. Lower - lower baby/toddler down so their head is near the nipple/in a comfortable feeding position.
Tip: Once baby is in a comfortable position, I retighten the carrier around baby a bit to make sure their weight is supported by the carrier.
3. Latch - latch baby on
This may not be hands free. Especially with a smaller infant, you will likely need to hold the bottle/breast. (If bodyfeeding, you may need to bring the nipple up a bit to baby and support the breast in place for them)
As soon as baby is done eating, reposition them into the In sight & Upright position, aka “Visible & Kissable”
While this says 1, 2, 3, it is not always as easy peasy - it takes some time and practice - give yourself lots of grace!
Tips:
Learn each skill separately, then combine. Once you feel confident in feeding baby and in using your carrier then start to practice feeding in a carrier.
Position baby in a way that makes feeding easy for them and you, Retighten parts of the carrier to help support baby if that helps.
Always make sure you can see baby’s face, nose, and mouth. Use blankets, hoods, ring sling tails, shirts, etc to cover your body for privacy, but make sure you can always see baby’s face.
As soon as baby is done eating, reposition them into the In sight & Upright position, aka “Visible & Kissable”
It may not be hands-free. Sometimes supporting baby, or the bottle/body means that this is not hands free.
If breast/body feeding, choose clothing that easily adjusts while wearing your baby in a carrier.
I found it helpful to practice in front of a mirror the first few times to help me see where everything was. Then we practiced in the comfort of our home until I felt more confident doing it.
As with any time with a baby if you hear them making noises out of the ordinary for them, pause the feeding and reposition them, even taking them out of the carrier if need be.
It is A-OK to not feed in a carrier. If you find you are not comfortable doing so, then don’t sweat it. Always do what is right for you and your baby. As noted above one of my babies fought me hard on feeding in a carrier in public, they just wanted to see all that was going on in the world around them, no time for eating!
