If you plan to breastfeed and plan to use a baby carrier, you may be wondering if it’s possible to breastfeed in a baby carrier. The answer: yes! It is very possible and actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Like many things that come with being a mom, it may take practice or trial and error to get a system going that works for you. So what are the best baby carriers for breastfeeding, let's fine out!
Best Baby Carriers for Breastfeeding
What is the Best Baby Carrier for Breastfeeding?
Depending on the size of your baby and your body type some carriers may be better for you to breastfeed in than others. Many babywearers agree that ring slings are the best baby carrier for breastfeeding since they are quick to adjust and have a tail that can be used as a cover for breastfeeding privacy. However, it’s definitely something you have to try for yourself to see what would be the best baby carrier for nursing your little one(s).
Top 5 picks for the best baby carrier for breastfeeding
1. Maya Wrap
Not just a great breastfeeding wrap sling, the Maya wrap is a top rated baby ring sling carrier. It’s a bit more expensive than the Hip Baby and Mamaway ring slings which we covered in our best baby carrier reviews. It has a lightly padded shoulder for greater comfort for both you and baby, especially as you nurse, which is why we think it is the best sling for breastfeeding.
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How to breas​tfeed in a ring sling
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We think this is an awesome choice when looking for the best baby sling for breastfeeding. The padded shoulder is a unique feature that increases the comfort while nursing. Plus, the zipper pocket is a great added bonus.
Maya Wrap
2. Hotslings Baby Pouch Sling
If you find babywearing to be somewhat intimidating or you have a child that likes to get in and out of the carrier often, a pouch sling may be for you. While not the easiest for breastfeeding a newborn, pouch slings are very easy to use for breastfeeding an older baby or toddler in the hip carry position. Many moms enjoy pouch slings because they are incredibly easy to use since they don’t require tying, buckling, or much adjusting at all.
Features:
The Hotslings pouch sling is a great choice if you are looking for a breastfeeding pouch sling. It comes in different sizes and colors to fit your needs. The fabric is somewhat stretchy and it is extremely compact in comparison with most baby carriers.
How to breastfeed in a pouch sling
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Value Note
While this is the simplest carrier to use and quickest to put on and take off, it is less versatile and adjustable than other types of carriers. We like carriers that you can easily share with your partner, especially considering parents of multiples. Nevertheless, a pouch sling is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to try babywearing to see how you and your baby like it.
Hotslings Baby Pouch Sling
3. Moby Wrap
​The Moby wrap is an extremely popular baby wrap carrier. Similar to the Boba wrap, it is super soft and the fabric has some give, which makes it easy for adjusting baby for breastfeeding. It requires a bit more preparation than a ring sling or pouch sling, but it’s not hard once you get the hang of how to baby wrap.
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How to breastfeed in a Moby wrap
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We like this wrap for breastfeeding because it keeps baby very secure and doesn’t require untying, only adjusting baby’s position. It’s also extremely versatile and could be shared between partners.
Moby Wrap
4. Infantino Mei Tai
Mei tais are a centuries-old traditional Chinese baby wrap carrier. It looks similar to a soft structured carrier in that it has shoulder straps and waist straps attached to a rectangular panel, but instead of a buckle, you tie it around your body. Mei tais are typically the least expensive of all baby carriers.
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How to breastfeed in a mei tai
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We love this carrier for breastfeeding because you can breastfeed very young babies hands free. In other carriers, you might need to keep one hand on your baby to stabilize their head as they breastfeed. It’s also very adjustable and can be shared between partners.
Infantino Mei Tai
5. Ergo Original
​The Ergo Original baby carrier is a top rated soft structured carrier. In our best twin carrier review, we discussed the Ergo 360. The Ergo Original has less carrying positions, but overall is very similar.
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How to breastfeed in an Ergo carrier
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Value Note
The Ergo is a high quality carrier that looks nice for both moms and dads and is great when looking for the best baby carrier infant to toddler (with the infant insert of course). For breastfeeding, it may be easier when baby is a bit older and has more head and neck control and no longer requires the infant insert.
Ergo Original
Conclusion
The benefits of babywearing are numerous as we discussed in our babywearing ultimate guide. Let us know if this article was helpful in your search for the best baby carrier for breastfeeding. Check out our other articles you don’t plan to use a baby carrier for breastfeeding or are interested in the best baby carrier for dads, best baby carrier for summer, or the best twin carrier.