Breastfeeding, much more than just a way to feed your child, is an emotionally rich experience that strengthens the deep bond between a mother and her baby .
Combined with a physiological carrying solution such as the sling , breastfeeding becomes a practice that is both functional and intimate , which provides a response to the infant's needs for proximity and comfort while preserving the mother's freedom of movement.
Whether it's to calm a restless baby, breastfeed discreetly or make everyday outings easier, breastfeeding in a baby carrier offers many advantages. But to take full advantage of them, it is useful to know a few tips such as the right positions to ensure the safety of your little one and choosing the most suitable baby carrier . This article will guide you step by step to make breastfeeding in a baby carrier a special moment, where comfort and complicity are the order of the day.
The benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offers a multitude of benefits for the health, development and well-being of both the baby and the mother.
For babies, breast milk is often considered the "perfect" food , naturally rich in essential nutrients, such as proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and antibodies that strengthen the baby's immune system and protect against infections (including ear infections, respiratory infections and gastroenteritis).
Breastfeeding also contributes to brain development thanks to the fatty acids present in breast milk.
Emotionally, breastfeeding is known to strengthen the emotional bond between mother and baby , thanks to skin-to-skin contact and the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone.
The closeness between mother and baby during breastfeeding reassures the infant and promotes their psychological well-being.
For the mother, the benefits of breastfeeding are also numerous. It helps reduce the risk of certain diseases such as breast and ovarian cancer. It can also promote gradual weight loss after pregnancy by mobilizing accumulated energy reserves.
Breastfeeding stimulates uterine contractions , which helps reduce postpartum bleeding and speeds the return of the uterus to its original size.
Overall, breastfeeding is a beneficial and natural practice that meets your baby's nutritional and emotional needs while providing short- and long-term health benefits to you.
Combining babywearing and breastfeeding: how to do it?
It is entirely possible to combine physiological carrying and breastfeeding, it is even one of the advantages of using accessories such as physiological baby slings and carriers .
Using a baby carrier for breastfeeding has many benefits, both for your baby and for you!
The benefits of breastfeeding in a baby carrier for newborns
In a baby carrier, your young child benefits from constant proximity to you , which has a positive effect on their well-being, but also on their physical development.
Indeed, right next to you, your baby regulates his temperature, heart rate and breathing more easily . His body will naturally adapt to your different rhythms and learn to regulate itself.
Babywearing also acts as a stress reliever for your baby. Your proximity, your smell and your body temperature reassure your baby, thus reducing his stress level and the crying that can result from it.
In a baby carrier, your child feels like they are in a little cocoon of security. This helps them to flourish and grow by having confidence in you, but also in themselves.
Breastfeeding in a baby carrier: the advantages for the mother
If breastfeeding in a baby carrier is beneficial for the baby, it is also beneficial for the mother! There are many benefits to breastfeeding while using babywearing.
Baby carrying solutions allow you to breastfeed while keeping your hands free , even during feedings.
The baby carrier also offers you a certain discretion. Models like the Sling or the Duo allow you to hide your chest under the fabric and thus preserve your privacy.
When out and about or in a public place, it's a practical solution for breastfeeding easily, without having to put on a diaper or go to an isolated place if you need privacy.
Wherever you are, the baby carrier allows you to maintain the feeding routine , even outside. Thanks to its nomadic side and the discretion it offers you, you can breastfeed your baby with complete peace of mind, without changing his habits. Rather practical, right?
Best practices for breastfeeding in a baby carrier
Breastfeeding in a baby carrier is a convenient and discreet solution that allows you to feed your baby while keeping your hands free. But to make this experience truly enjoyable and safe, here are some helpful best practices:
1 - The right positions for breastfeeding in a baby carrier
Favor the upright position for your baby . In this position, the baby is held upright, supported by the baby carrier, which facilitates digestion and reduces the risk of regurgitation.
It is advisable to adjust the baby carrier so that your child is at chest height and his airways are clear. The baby's head should be slightly tilted to prevent the chin from being compressed against the chest. This position makes breastfeeding more fluid and secure.
The cradle hold (also called the Madonna position ) is ideal for breastfeeding a newborn.
It consists of placing the baby in a semi-reclined position, well supported in the baby carrier. With his head turned to the side, the airways are well cleared and the baby's back is supported throughout breastfeeding.
2- Learn to familiarize yourself with breastfeeding techniques
If you're worried about not mastering all the techniques, take the time to practice at home before breastfeeding in public .
This will allow you to try out the different positions and get used to adjusting the baby carrier and managing your baby's installation. The first few times, you will also see how your baby reacts and if there are any adjustments to be made so that you are both fully comfortable : that's the main thing!
Afterwards, you will be able to breastfeed discreetly and confidently whatever the situation, even outdoors. This also avoids the little hiccups of the first times which are not always pleasant in front of a... curious audience!
3- Points to watch out for when breastfeeding in a baby carrier
Here are some helpful reminders if you are embarking on the adventure of breastfeeding in a baby carrier:
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Always adapt the baby carrier to your child's age and weight to ensure optimal support and safety.
- Before moving your child, check that the baby carrier is correctly adjusted and that your baby is positioned at a comfortable height, close to your chest.
- Make sure your baby's airway remains clear at all times.
- Choose nursing clothes that are compatible with baby carriers to make things easier for you.
Carrying and breastfeeding: which baby carriers should you choose for breastfeeding?
When you start babywearing, it's not always easy to find your way among all the available solutions. But don't panic, we're here to help you!
The choice of baby carrier depends mainly on the age and weight of your baby:
From birth to 9 months: breastfeeding with the sling scarf
From birth, you can use Sling baby carriers to carry and breastfeed your little one.
The soft sling, without knots or straps , adapts to the physiological development of the baby from the first days and up to 10kg (approximately 9 months). The sling is a perfect ally for the first breastfeedings, when leaving the maternity ward!
Easy to put on and simple to adjust, the baby sling allows you to hold your baby in a cradle or upright position, depending on your preference .
To breastfeed, simply pull gently on the side of the scarf to adjust the length and ensure your baby is well supported.
If you choose this solution, consider wearing a nursing t-shirt or loose-fitting clothing that is easy to lift: this will make the breastfeeding experience easier.
From 2 months: breastfeed with a suitable physiological baby carrier
From 2 months, you can opt for new carrying solutions adapted to your child's physiological development, such as the knotless baby carrier.
Designed to carry your baby for longer as he or she grows, it offers multiple breastfeeding possibilities thanks to its two bands, which can be adjusted together or separately depending on your needs and the most comfortable positions for your baby.
In the Duo, the baby is generally placed in an upright position , with the legs on either side and the knees slightly raised in relation to the hips (in an M shape). This position is called physiological: it corresponds to the baby's natural position and allows it to be carried without hindering its growth.
In this position, the two Duo bands ensure discreet breastfeeding with maximum comfort, both for your baby and for you.
For younger babies, there are other methods that allow the baby to lie down in a sling while breastfeeding .
If you have any doubts about how to install your baby in his physiological baby carrier, think about our online babywearing workshops: our certified babywearing instructor is there to answer your questions and advise you on the method best suited to your specific needs.
Every baby is different and it's completely normal not to immediately find the way that suits you: take your time and don't hesitate to ask for advice!
Breastfeeding in a baby carrier: a practical and gentle solution
Breastfeeding in a baby carrier is more than just a practical solution: it's a real way to strengthen the bond with your baby while meeting their needs, wherever you are .
By combining the benefits of breastfeeding and physiological carrying, this practice offers comfort, closeness and freedom to parents.
For maximum comfort, it is essential to choose your baby carrier carefully and find the right positions for you and your child. With a little practice and a few adjustments, breastfeeding in a baby carrier becomes child's play.
So, don't hesitate to experiment and ask for advice if you need a helping hand to enjoy these moments of sweetness and complicity!