Feeding in a baby carrier
Feeding in a carrier can be a really helpful skill in some situations. It can take some practice to learn this skill below are some tips and suggestions on how to make it all work for you!
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 as 1,2,3 - it takes some time and practice - give yourself lots of grace!
Tips:
Learn each skill, then combine. Once you feel confident in bodyfeeding and in using your carrier then start to practice feeding in a carrier.
Position baby in a way that makes feeding easy for them.
Always make sure you can see baby’s face, nose, and mouth. Use blankets, hoods, ring sling tails, shirts, etc to cover yourself for privacy, but take care to not cover baby’s face from your view.
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 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.
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. One of my babies fought me hard on feeding in a carrier in public, he just wanted to be seeing the world, not focus on eating.
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.
Feeding In a Buckle Carrier (or Meh Dai)
Loosen - While supporting baby, loosen the straps. - Both sides and possibly the waistband if needed.
Lower - Lower baby to a comfortable feeding position. - Retighten straps as needed to support baby in this position.
Latch - Latch baby and feed. - 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 hold the breast at least until they get a bit older)In sight & Up right - When baby is done feeding bring baby back into the in sight position and retighten the carrier to fully support baby in an upright positon.
Feeding in a Ring Sling - Upright
Loosen - While supporting baby, loosen the sling by gently lifting up on the top ring.
Lower - Lower baby to a comfortable feeding position - Retighten sling as needed to support baby in this position.
Latch - Latch baby & feed. - This may not be hands free. Especially with a smaller infant, you will likely need to hold the bottle/breast.
In sight & Up right - When baby is done feeding bring baby back into the in sight position and retighten the carrier to fully support baby in an upright positon.
Feeding in a Ring Sling - Cradle
Loosen - While supporting baby, loosen the sling by gently lifting up on the top ring.
Lower - Supporting baby’s body, reach between baby’s bottom and the sling. Shift both legs to the side opposite of feeding. Readjust bottom edge of sling to behind baby’s knees. - Bring into a comfortable feeding position. Retighten parts of the sling if needed.
Latch - Position baby so their chest is in line with their face. Latch baby & feed. - This may not be hands free. Especially with a smaller infant, you will likely need to hold the bottle/breast.
In sight & Up right - When baby is done feeding bring baby back into the in sight position and retighten the carrier to fully support baby in an upright positon.
