New moms quickly realize that there are never enough hours in the day. Some have found babywearing and breastfeeding a helpful combination. It can help to simplify a busy mom’s life and make the parenting journey a bit more manageable.
The Benefits of Babywearing
Beyond the convenience of hands-free parenting, babywearing has emotional, developmental, and practical benefits.
Emotionally, babywearing facilitates a deeper bond between parents and their baby. The snuggled-up position mimics the womb, creating a comforting, familiar environment. This closeness builds trust and a sense of security, promoting the baby’s emotional development and contentment.
Developmentally, being carried helps babies learn about their surroundings from a safe perspective. A baby can listen to a heartbeat and the conversations around them. These experiences stimulate cognitive development, helping them understand language and social cues more quickly. Babywearing works the same muscles and allows the same benefits as tummy time. Babies in an upright carrier work on moving their neck while building muscles, and this vertical position helps to build stomach muscles.
Practically, babywearing is a multitasking dream come true. It allows parents to go about their daily tasks while keeping their baby close and secure.
Experts Share Tips for Breastfeeding While Babywearing
In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7, 2023) babywearing experts from LÍLLÉbaby share these tips for acing the “’babywearing and breastfeeding” combo.
1. Choose Comfortable Clothing: Opt for breathable and simple clothing. Your baby won’t appreciate solving the puzzle of complex outfits when it’s feeding time! The double-shirt trick is your best friend for quick, discreet nursing.
2. Carrier Adjustment: Before you start nursing, loosen the carrier’s waistband to bring the baby’s mouth to your nipple. Also, loosen one shoulder strap, opposite to the breast your baby will feed from. This will provide space for the baby to move their head freely. Carriers like LILLEBABY Complete 6-In-1 offer convenient adjustable straps.
3. Hands-Free Nursing: You might instinctively want to support your baby’s head during feeding, but with a carrier, you can go hands-free! If your carrier has a headrest, use it for extra support and privacy. A baby sling wrap carrier offers a snug and secure fit, mimicking the warmth and comfort of being held close. This closeness can also promote bonding between you and your baby while leaving your hands free to tackle other tasks or simply enjoy the moment together.
4. Post-Feeding Positioning: Once your baby is done feeding, it’s time to secure them back properly. While your baby stays in the carrier, lift them higher on your chest and tighten the carrier’s waistband. Now, your baby is at the perfect height (kissing distance!) and you can tighten the shoulder straps.
5. Take It Easy: Remember, mastering the mix of breastfeeding and babywearing takes a little practice. Start by getting comfortable with each skill separately before combining them. This will make your transition much smoother.
So, there you have it! With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll soon be an expert at nursing while babywearing, enjoying both the bonding and freedom it offers. Happy babywearing and breastfeeding!
