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Carrying your baby around without the help of tools is tiring. It can also cause arm, shoulder, and back pain. Using baby carriers helps solve this problem. By providing extra support, they make carrying babies easier.
If you want to maximize their value, you may want to use them for other motherhood tasks, too. So, you may wonder if it is possible to nurse your baby while they're in a carrier. That's what this article answers for you. Continue reading to learn how to breastfeed in a carrier.
How to Choose the Right Baby Carrier
Some baby carriers are made with better materials or have better features than others. That said, you should be selective when buying one. We recommend choosing tested and proven ones from trusted brands like Momcozy.
But what should you look for, exactly? First, you want a baby carrier that is safe to use. It should not feel like it would break when actually used. Next, you want it to be comfortable for both you and your baby to use. It should not feel like something is off when you wear it.
Furthermore, it must allow healthy hip positioning for your baby. When you put them in the carrier, their hips must be bent. Then, their knees should be spread apart, and their legs must be straddling your body. If your baby is not in this position, it may cause hip dysplasia.
You can find some of the best infant carriers on Momcozy. These carriers are designed to maintain skin-to-skin closeness with your baby. That helps keep them safe and is also beneficial to breastfeeding. Furthermore, these infant carriers feature an ergonomic design. It evenly distributes weight and lets you easily adjust the fit with the side slider according to your baby's height. These provide comfort and safety for your baby.
The infant carriers also feature an X-shaped comfort zone. It reduces pressure by 25%. This helps alleviate shoulder and back pain.
Best Breastfeeding Positions in a Baby Carrier
Breastfeeding in a carrier requires different positioning than normal breastfeeding. Some positions can work, while others can't. Here is a list of the best ones.
Hug Position
Put your baby in the carrier as you normally would. They should face you, and their legs should be spread. Then, move the carrier along with the baby downward. Ensure your baby is at breast level so they can easily access it. You may need to shift them slightly to the side to give them better access if needed. You can then pull your shirt up or down to start feeding your baby.
Hip Position
Lower the baby carrier so that you are carrying your baby in the hip position. Pull your shirt up and offer the breast nearest to your baby. Please note that you would need to use one arm to support your baby in this position.
How to Nurse in a Baby Carrier
To nurse in a baby carrier, pick one of the positions suggested above. It could work with regular clothes, but it will be easier with a nursing shirt. They have extra parts that let you give your baby breast access without undressing or pulling your shirt up and down. This is especially handy when you are out in public, which is also when you are more likely to use a baby carrier.
After breastfeeding, adjust the baby carrier to return it to proper positioning. Keep the T.I.C.K.S. checklist in mind. It means:
- Tight - The infant carrier should put your baby close to you and should be tight enough to hold them in place.
- In view at all times - Your baby's face should always be in view. You should be able to see it fully just by looking down. Their faces should always be uncovered.
- Close enough to kiss - You should be able to kiss your baby's head by simply tipping your head.
- Keep chin off the chest - The baby carrier should support your baby's head. Their chin should be away from their body. This helps prevent suffocation from blocked airways.
- Supported Back - The baby carrier should also support your baby's back. It should put their chest and tummy against you.
What Should I Wear When Breastfeeding in a Carrier?
You can wear crop tops, low-cut shirts with stretchy necklines, or nursing tops and nursing bras. A crop top ensures there is less fabric to pull up, which can make giving breast access easier. Meanwhile, wearing shirts with deep and stretchy necklines means there is less fabric to pull down. While both options can work, wearing a nursing top and nursing bra is still the most convenient option.
Nursing clothes feature clips, clasps, zippers, or similar features that you can open to give your baby breast access easily. These features ensure that you don't need to undress in order to nurse your baby. That is especially important when nursing in a baby carrier.
How Do I Know If My Baby Is Latched Correctly in a Carrier?
The signs of a good latch remain consistent regardless of whether you are using a carrier or not. Here is a list of the things that you need to check:
- Your baby's mouth is wide open and is filled with your breast.
- Most of the bottom part of your areola is covered by your baby's mouth. Some of your areolae may be visible above their upper lips. This depends on the size of their mouth.
- Their tongue is cupped under the breast. Thus, you might not see it.
- Your baby does not need to turn their head to feed.
- You can hear or see your baby swallow, and you can see their ears wiggling slightly.
- Breastfeeding does not hurt.
How Do I Ensure My Baby's Airway Is Clear While Breastfeeding in a Carrier?
You can ensure that they can breathe easily by keeping their faces visible at all times. Being able to see it allows you to react quickly and solve any problems before they grow into bigger problems. Check them as often as possible. On top of that, ensure their chin is touching your breast instead of their chest.
Are There Any Safety Tips I Should Follow When Breastfeeding in a Baby Carrier?
Yes, some of which are already introduced above. One of the most important things to do is to keep your baby's airway clear. They should be able to breathe easily even while breastfeeding. Their backs must also be properly supported.
Avoid doing extra things that could harm your baby. For example, avoid drinking hot beverages that may spill and burn your baby. Likewise, avoid holding sharp objects. We recommend focusing on nursing your baby and not doing extra tasks as much as possible.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs about breastfeeding in a carrier.
Can I Switch Positions While Breastfeeding in a Carrier?
You can switch positions, but it will not be easy. You would need to adjust the carrier, and it can become difficult, especially when your baby is already fussy from hunger.
Can I Breastfeed in Any Type of Baby Carrier?
Yes. You can adjust most baby carriers to allow breastfeeding. Just make sure that you are in a safe place and position. Also, some studies link breastfeeding in carriers and slings to some cases of infant deaths. They recommend taking the baby out of the carrier instead if any of this is true:
- Your baby is premature.
- Your baby has a cold or congestion.
- They have health problems or are unwell.
- There are lots of distractions
- Breastfeeding in the carrier covers your baby
What If My Baby Sleeps in the Carrier?
Suppose your baby falls asleep in their carrier while you are outside. It is generally safe for your baby to nap in the carrier. However, letting them sleep for a longer period is not recommended. Try to transfer them to a flat surface or their crib as soon as possible.
Conclusion
How to breastfeed in a carrier? You need to stop your other activities, find a safe place, and adjust the carrier. Ensure that nothing is blocking your baby's airway and that they have a good latch. Also, make sure you are using a high-quality baby carrier. It should be able to hold your baby and provide proper support.
After nursing, bring the carrier back to the recommended position. Your baby should be close to you, and their face should remain visible. Their feet should be spread, and the carrier should support their hips, back, neck, and head.
