5,736 ReviewsBest Baby Carrier for Breastfeeding
by Beth Beaney, Executive Babywearing Consultant & Co-Founder, LTBN
Updated
Generally speaking, there’s no ‘best’ baby carrier or sling in which to breastfeed.
You can technically breastfeed in almost any sling or carrier, although there are a few exceptions which we'll look at below.
Whilst it's true that there's no standard sling or carrier for breastfeeding in, there’s almost always a ‘best option for you’ - a sling or carrier which will work for your comfort and the age of your baby.
So let's take a look at the details, and then I'll recommend some slings that are certainly ideal for breastfeeding in.
What Do We Know About Breastfeeding in a Sling?
As well as being lead babywearing Consultant at LTBN, I’m also a breastfeeding peer supporter and a breastfeeding / feeding in a sling specialist.
When looking for a sling, lots of mothers want to be able to feed in it. It makes sense to put the two together - slings and breastfeeding.
Feeding in a carrier is very individual. You’re working with a postpartum body, a body that's changed; so what works for one mum may not work for you, or even for subsequent babies.
Let's look at a few safety pro tips though before we look at the best types of slings for breastfeeding in.
Bestfeeding in a Sling - Safety Pro Tips
- Always support baby's head,
- Ensure baby's hands cup the breast,
- Make sure there's no fabric behind baby's head,
- Monitor baby at all times for latching on and off,
- When finished, always reposition baby upright.
One of the most important things to remember about feeding in a sling is that it’s almost never hands-free, especially when working with a newborn or younger baby.
If you are feeding a newborn or younger baby, make sure their head is supported from behind (but not covered or restricted).
Hands-free feeding may become possible as baby gets older and can take care of the ‘baby-meets-breast’ part.
You can feed in the upright position or in a sideways position - if sideways, always bring baby back to upright in optimum position once finished.
Best Slings for Breastfeeding
In 15 years of supporting parents, I’ve found ring slings and stretchy wraps to be the most popular options for breastfeeding in with a newborn. Let’s take a look at ring slings first.
Ring Slings
Here at LTBN HQ we really love ring slings, and we know that lots and lots of you do too.
In the context of baby carriers overall, ring slings are easy to use, great for both newborn snuggles as well and those quick up-and-downs with toddlers, plus they fold up nice and small to fit easily in a bag when you're out and about on the go.
They're pretty versatile too - you don't just have to carry baby on your hip, you can carry baby on your front, too.
An older baby will sit more on your hip for a full hip carry, whereas a smaller baby will sit more 'off centre' on your front.
Plus, they're great for breastfeeding in!
Let's quickly take a look at a few of my favourites, specifically the Love Radius Ring Sling and the the Didysling from Didymos.
Love Radius Ring Sling
The Love Radius Ring Sling is quick, easy to use and very lightweight. Perfect for carrying your newborn.
This ring sling is marvellously soft. It snuggles like no other ring sling. It’s a shorter length so no enormous tail section to trip over. It's a clever little ring sling that's completely reversible, completely unisex and can be worn on either the left or right shoulder.
It has a lovely wee bit of stretch that allows it to gently cradle your bundle snug and securely, off-centre and high - away from sensitive soft-tissue.
The super-soft knitted fabric makes it really easy to adjust and it's perfect for breastfeeding in.
Didymos Didysling
The Didysling is a woven wrap ring sling made from Didymos woven wraps. Made from organic cotton, they are seriously amazing - it's been one of our bestsellers for many years!
There are lots of options to choose from. We can support you to choose the perfect weave, weight & colour - just ask!
Stretchy Wraps
Stretchy wraps comprise one long piece of fabric, akin to t-shirt fabric around 5m in length, which is wrapped around your body and keep your little one secure, snug and close - the best place to be after nine months in utero!
In general, most stretchy wraps are used for front carrying only, with baby being placed in an upright, tummy-to-tummy position. One size fits most wearers and stretchy wraps are very comfortable and supportive for both wearer and baby, particularly as they are so soft. They're a great carrying option for newborns up to around 6 months.
As they're especially suited for newborns, it makes them great for breastfeeding in.
A few of my favourites...
Coracor Baby Wrap
Coracor wraps are soft, lightweight, durable and organic; not only that, the designs are stunning!
Easy to wear colours, and designs that wouldn't be out of place in a boutique clothing store.
Made with organic certified cotton, the Coracor baby wrap is a two-way stretch wrap, which is soft, thin but durable, beautiful and safe.
The exclusive fabric is breathable and keeps both you and your baby comfortable and close. Perfect for breastfeeding in.
Hana Baby Wrap
The thing that makes the Hana Baby Wrap so special is the bamboo / cotton fibre blend.
It offers oodles of support both for your little one and you, with ease of tying too.
Suitable for your newborn, the Hana is noticeably finer and lighter than other stretchy wraps.
Other Types of Baby Carriers for Breastfeeding
A lot people like more structured buckle carriers for brestfeeding in; these can be great, as an older baby is already in the upright position.
A few of our favourites include the Love & Carry Lovetai, the Didymos Didyklick, the Didymos Meh Dai, and the Love & Carry ONE.