Ring Slings – Ring slings can be great to breastfeed your child in. They are easy enough to loosen baby down onto the breast, and then tighten back up to a safe height. With this option, you will only be able to feed on one side unless you reset up the sling on the other shoulder. If you’re not used to carrying on the opposite shoulder, it may feel very awkward on the other side and take some practice. Make sure you remember to swap sides over a longer period of continuous carrying and feeding as to not engorge one boob! Also, be mindful that the rings don’t push into the breast causing any unwanted blockages. BONUS: The excess fabric in the tail can act like a wonderful privacy cover too!
Soft Structured Carriers – By far the best option for success! Feeding in a buckle carrier is the most recommended option. You simply loosen the shoulder straps to bring baby down to breast height, gently shimmy them over to the side you’re going to feed on, feed them here (you can use the hood for some privacy), then once you finish, shimmy them back to centre and tighten the straps to bring them up to a safe height. BOOM! Easy.
Meh Dais, Onbuhimos – Meh Dais can be loosened to lower baby down but please make sure not to let the fabric go and always keep the knot that ties the shoulder straps in a double knot. It isn’t overly recommended and neither is Onbuhimos.
IMPORTANT BABYWEARING SAFETY REMINDERS
1. Be safe. Always monitor your baby while they are in the carrier. Make sure their airway remains clear and support them at all times. Also keep one hand on baby at all times. Loosening a carrier means they aren’t 100% secure so always have a hand free to support them.
2. Be careful. Watch for any loose fabric that you may trip over and be mindful not to cause any blockages while feeding with any straps, rings, or buckles that could be pressing on the breast. This also goes for tight clothing too.
3. Be patient. Give yourself and your baby time to learn this new way of feeding. If things aren’t working, try it in small spurts, move on, then try again later.
4. If you still need further help, search on youtube for free tutorials (here’s one I did in a Manduca: click here). The next step would be to head to a local babywearing meet in your area for peer support. Or the VIP option would be to book a consultation with a Babywearing Consultant who can give you one-to-one tailored advice for you and your baby.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
You’ve got this!
Brooke x
Originally published here.
Brooke Maree is one of Australia’s leading Babywearing Educators, Co-Founder of the Australian Babywearing Association, and Country Leader of Kangatraining Australia. She is passionate about advocating for babywearing safety and best practice and seeing all parents using their baby carrier with comfort and ease. Brooke is available for personalised consultations, workshops and trainings, and on social media providing endless resources and top tips! Find out more about her services at www.brookemaree.com.au.
