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. Nalakai Ring Sling
Not just a great breastfeeding wrap sling, the Nalakai baby wrap is a top rated baby ring sling carrier.
Features:
- Bamboo and linen blend – regulates temperature better
- Safe carry position for correct hip development
- Aluminum rings
How to breastfeed in a ring sling
Pros:
- Bamboo-Linen woven blend is cool and breathable
- Easy to use and adjust
- Many colors to choose from
- Multiple carry positions
- Machine washable (but air dry)
- Fits newborn-toddler (8-35lb)
- 5% of profits to families in need
Cons:
- Some people dislike the fabric (try washing it a few times if this is you–it softens over time)
- One shoulder carries may be uncomfortable for some
We think this is an awesome choice when looking for the best baby sling for breastfeeding. It is easy to use and adjust.
- Creates a nourishing heartfelt bond: carrying your baby close to your chest will feel like being wrapped in a loving embrace, which helps your little love gain a sense of trust & belonging. It is the most natural, womb-like position & creates an intimate bond between you both. Even a colicky baby will be soothed quickly to sleep as you carry them in their soft baby sling.
- Eco-friendly, super soft bamboo & linen that's kind to baby's skin: warm sand beige is our most popular color. The fabric is a gorgeous, neutral beige with very soft pink undertones. It is more beige than pink. We think it pairs perfectly with our signature copper-colored, unwelded rings. Our custom blend of bamboo and linen fabric provides an ultra-strong, lush woven fabric that is lightweight & silky smooth to gently shelter your baby as he or she drifts to sleep.
- Safest carry position for correct hip development: many baby wrap carriers interfere with healthy hip positioning as the baby is held incorrectly or facing outward & this can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Nalakai ring slings harness your baby naturally in the m position so that hips can develop properly while keeping you and your baby comfortable. The front carry position massages your baby’s belly, improving digestion & preventing reflux & colic
- Regulates temperature better than a wrap: not all young babies can control their temperature well & can easily overheat in a wrap. Our ring sling baby carrier will keep you & your precious baby comfortable yet cool & won’t wrinkle your clothes as much either! The tail fabric can double as a nursing cover, so you can breastfeed your baby privately while on the go.
- 5% of profits to families in need: you can help! With each purchase, we donate on your behalf to Cepia, a charity supporting low-income families in Costa Rica. Designed by a mom of 2, our mission is to help families around the world. All ring slings are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
2. Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling
Another ring sling on the list. While not the easiest for breastfeeding a newborn, the ring slings are very easy to use for breastfeeding an older baby or toddler in the hip carry position.
Many moms enjoy ring slings because they are easily to adjust and tail can be used for nursing cover.
Features:
- 100% Cotton
- Fits newborn-toddler
- One size fit all
The Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling is a great choice if you are looking for a breastfeeding sling. It comes in many different colors. The fabric is individually woven and dyed with eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Tail can be used for nursing cover
- Lightweight
- Fits newborn-toddler
- So many colors to choose from
- Machine washable
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable on the shoulders
This is a simple carrier to use and quick to put on and take off that you can easily share with your partner, especially considering parents of multiples.
A ring sling is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to try babywearing to see how you and your baby like it.
- Made with beautiful 100% cotton, hand-loomed, breathable fabric and with top quality aluminum SlingRings. For babies 8 – 35 lbs.
- Fair trade and individually handwoven with plant based dyes in India so each wrap is beautiful and unique.
- Our lightweight fabric makes the Hip Baby Wrap cooler for baby and easy to manipulate. Superior ergonomic design helps distribute baby's weight evenly and comfortably across caregiver's body, relieving the shoulders and neck from unnecessary strain. Great for nursing on-the-go and as a nursing cover. Enhances parent-child bonding and child development.
- Machine wash and dry.
- Easily adjustable to be used for front tummy to tummy and hip carries for infants through toddlers.
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.
Features:
- 100% cotton
- One size fits all
- Instructions included
How to breastfeed in a Moby wrap
Pros:
- Soft and snuggly (feels like a t-shirt)
- Can use it to wear two newborns at once (for moms of multiples)
- Fits newborn-toddler
- Machine washable
- Over 30 colors to choose from
- Could double as a blanket or pillow (when folded)
Cons:
- May be too warm (Moby has a bamboo blend version which is more breathable for warm climates)
- Takes practice to learn to wrap (and breastfeed with it)
- May need readjustment when wearing it all day
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.
- Uses your entire back, as well as your shoulders, to carry the weight of your baby
- Moby Wrap is a wide piece of fabric that is wrapped over both shoulders
- There are no buckles, snaps or other fasteners
- Includes easy to follow instructional guide
- 100% Cotton
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.
Features:
- Three carrying positions
- Removable hood
- Super adjustable, buckle-free
How to breastfeed in a mei tai
Pros:
- Very affordable
- One size fits all
- Comfortable and flexible
- Hands-free breastfeeding
- Dual shoulder support
- Comes with nursing cover
- Fits newborn-toddler
- Easily folds to store in diaper bag
Cons:
- Long straps can get dirty when tying outside the house
- Padding on straps is less thick than soft structured carriers
- With a toddler, the straps may need to be re-tied when wearing for a long time.
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.
- Carry children from 8-36 pound / 3.6-16.3 kgs
- 3 ways to carry: facing-in, hip-hugger and backpack
- Includes detachable hood for sun protection and sleepy time
- Buckle-free wrap and tie design
- Machine washable.Extra wide padded straps
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.
Features:
- Multiple carrying positions (front, hip, or back)
- Extra padded and adjustable waistbelt and shoulder straps
- Extra large zipper pocket on back panel
- UPF 50+ sun hood/nursing cover
How to breastfeed in an Ergo carrier
Pros:
- Comfortable for all day wearing
- Comes with UPF 50+ nursing cover
- Easy to put on and take off
- Zipper pocket for storage
- Aesthetically pleasing for men and women
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- More expensive than other carriers
- May not fit well for plus size or very petite bodies
- Newborn needs infant insert (may be harder to breastfeed)
- Too bulky for diaper bag
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.
- Hands free bonding with 3 ergonomic carry positions: front-inward, hip and back
- Supports babies from 12-45 lbs.. (5.5-20 kg) with carrier only, and infants 7-12 lbs.. (3.2-5.5 kg) with the use of the Infant Insert (sold separately)
- Long-wearing comfort for parents with even weight distribution between hips and shoulders
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps (28-45 in/71-115 cm) and waist belt (26-55 in/66-140 cm)
- Baby hood for support and privacy; large zippered front pocket
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 below if you are interested in the best baby carrier for dads, best baby carrier for summer, or the best twin carrier.
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