Nursing in any baby carrier can take some patience and practice, but you’ll likely find it’s well worth the effort. Soon enough you’ll be able to nurse baby discreetly anytime, anywhere. At the playground while pushing your toddler on a swing. At a barbecue while you catch up with friends. Even simply at home while you read a book to your big kids or tend to dinner prep.
Before you try breastfeeding while babywearing, however, we recommend being comfortable doing each separately first. (Both activities come with their own learning curve, so you might not want to attempt it right out of the gate!) It is also suggested that baby have some head and neck control before attempting to nurse while babywearing.
As always, you know yourself and your baby best, so when you’re ready to give nursing in your Solly Wrap or Loop a go, here’s what you need to know.
How to Nurse in the Solly Wrap
- For the Solly Wrap, we recommend nursing in the classic carry with baby's legs out.
- To nurse in your Solly Wrap, loosen your double knot, feed yourself some slack, and re-tie your double knot. Work the slack through your carrier until you can lower baby just enough to reach your breast.
- Do not at any point cover baby’s face. Baby’s face should remain visible and unobstructed.
- Note that you will still need to support baby’s head while nursing, and the carry is no longer considered hands-free.
- You must adjust baby and retighten your carrier once baby has unlatched so baby can again rest on your chest above your breasts. To retighten, lift baby back above your breasts, work that slack back through the carrier toward the knot, and re-tie your double knot.
Feeling overwhelmed? Watch our How do I nurse in the Wrap? tutorial. (Scroll down to additional tips and then scroll right to get to the video.)
And here is an IGTV for nursing in your wrap.
If you decide to take the baby out to nurse and want to place them back in afterward, try using this method at the 25:25-minute mark so you don't have to re-tie your wrap each time.
How to Nurse in the Solly Loop Carrier
- To nurse in your Loop, use one hand to support baby while lifting at the bottom center of the ring on your back. This will introduce some slack into each shoulder strap. Continue to do this until you are able to loosen and lower baby to breast level.
- Do not at any point cover baby’s face. Baby’s face should remain visible and unobstructed.
- Once you have loosened and lowered baby, the carry is no longer considered hands-free.
- You must adjust baby and retighten your Loop once baby has unlatched so baby can again rest on your chest above your breasts. To retighten, lift baby back above your breasts, work the slack from each cross strap under baby's legs, around your waist, and back through the ring on your back, pulling down on the tails to snug.
- If you decide to take baby out to nurse and want to place baby back in after, the Loop carrier is considered a “poppable” carry. You can simply slide each crosspass off of baby's back and lift them out, nurse with the Loop still on, and then place baby back in, making minor adjustments so they’re once again secure and supported.
Important Reminders for Nursing while Babywearing
- Baby should remain upright tummy-to-tummy and well-supported during the entire nursing session.
- Do not use the Solly Wrap or Loop to wear or nurse in the cradle carry (baby in a horizontal position).
- If baby falls asleep while nursing, you’ll still need to readjust to bring baby back up above the breasts and tighten.
- If baby doesn't feel as secure as when you first placed them in, you may need to take baby out and redo the carrier.
Nursing in your Solly Wrap or Loop (or any carrier!) will look a little different for everyone depending on body type, baby’s preference, etc. If you’d like personalized recommendations or a one-on-one tutorial to walk you through it, I’d love to connect. Feel free to email me at advice@sollybaby.com or book a consult (it’s free!). I’m always here to help.
Kindred Bravely makes some of our favorite nursing and postpartum essentials for everyday wear. Their nursing-friendly clothes are comfy enough for lounging around the house while somehow also chic enough for exploring the town with your sweet babe wrapped up on your chest.
- Minimalist Maternity & Nursing Plunge Bra: We're obsessed with the "fixed padding" in this bra. No more awkward lumps after nursing!
- Linen Relaxed Nursing & Maternity T-shirt: This shirt goes with everything and is effortlessly stylish while also checking off the most important box: easy access to the boobs.
- Sublime® Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Sports Bra: You'll never find a pumping bra as comfy as this one.
- French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra: This is a must for mamas who need a little support when they sleep. It's so dreamy you won't even notice you're wearing it.
- Solly Baby Wrap: Being able to feed on-the-go in your Wrap is a game-changer.
- Solly Baby Swaddle: In case you're out in public and would like a little extra coverage, a generously-sized Solly Swaddle makes a perfect impromptu nursing cover.
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