It is possible to breastfeed in almost every carrier.
I’ll post videos and pictures of nursing in different carriers and positions. Here is nursing in a ringsling:

I have already explained why I think it is better to have several carriers, and have already said that a carrier is a fashion accessory. Actually, I think this argument can be taken even farther: I maintain that carriers are like shoes:

• You have to try both on to see if they fit.
• You have to pick a color that goes with most of your outfits.
• However, most people buy different ones for different occasions, and certainly for different seasons.
• Mom and Dad each buy their own.
• The prices of different types vary greatly; you can choose anything between simplest ready-made and expensive unique designer items.

If all this makes sense regarding shoes- why not regarding baby carriers? Think about it.

To all of these objections there is an answer: No-tie wraps.

These are elastic carriers, that you can use just like an elastic wrap, only they require no or very little tying. Once they’re on, they look just like a wrap, but it takes less time to wear them, there is less fabric so less heat and no fabric dragged on the floor while wearing.

Some no-tie wraps I know are Baby-k’tan, “Sharon Dror” and Loopi carrier.

Somewhere between 1 and 4 months you’ll find that your baby has become too big for the frog legs position. If you have a big and long baby you will notice it sooner. If you think that tucking his legs inside the carrier is becoming uncomfortable, try carrying him in the tummy to tummy position as seen in the picture above, with the legs spread apart and hugging your body, knees at the same height as the bottom, and the carrier supporting the thighs at least as far as the knee.

Some parents recoil from spreading the baby’s legs. Actually, it is a position recommended by Orthopedists as a way of preventing and treating problems with thigh joints. Most babies I’ve seen don’t objects to having their legs spread, but if they do, listen to them. It would be better to wait a couple of weeks and then try again. However, if your baby persists in refusing to have his legs spread, you might want to check whether he has high body tonus.

Taking the legs outside doesn’t necessarily mean taking the head outside as well- you may continue supporting the head inside the carrier all or some of the time, with or without frog legs position. You can use the same carrier as before, be it a sling, a mei tai, a podegi or a wrap. If your baby holds his head by the time you switch to tummy to tummy with legs out, you can start using a soft backpack as well.

This position is also possible in rigid traditional carriers, such as the Baby Bjorn, but as you can see in this picture, in this type of carriers the baby is supported only under the crotch and his legs are dangling unsupported. There are certain argumentations against this mode of carrying babies, especially very young.

This one though has leg holes which make it a little easier to wear. A lovely idea!

Oh Yes! It is possible.

Like every other aspect of babywearing, carrying your toddler during pregnancy is a very individual choice. Some women can’t take the risk of carrying a big toddler, others may feel way too tired. However, for those women who can and want to continue carrying their children through their pregnancy, it is absolutely possible.

How do you select a carrier for a pregnant lady? Some women don’t mind pressure on the pelvis and would go on using their soft backpack with the waist strap tied very low under the belly. Others may prefer a Mei tai or a Podegi, tied very high, with no pressure at all on the belly. Another great option is a sling, again leaving the belly nice and free from pressure.

I do recommend being very attentive to your body during pregnancy- it is essential, whether you use a carrier or not- and not strain yourself too much. I wouldn’t use the carrier if it creates any discomfort.

Here’s what the doctor says: “While there is a variety of child-rearing theories, attachment researchers all agree on one thing: In order for a baby’s emotional, intellectual, and physiological systems to function optimally, the continued presence of the mother, as during babywearing, is a necessary regulatory influence.”

Facing forward is not my favorite position, because there are several arguments against it.

However, some babies start showing signs of interest in the world before they are big enough to hold their heads firmly and be carried without head support in the tummy-to tummy position. If such a baby refuses to be carried facing inward while awake, you can either avoid using the carrier until he becomes tired again or carry him in what I call the “kangaroo” position, that is facing out with the legs folded on baby’s tummy inside the carrier (as opposed to this facing out position), so it is actually a more erect form of the cradle hold, with most of its benefits. It is not a good position for a nap though- so if you see the little head starts nodding, it would be best to switch to another position (either tummy to tummy or cradle, whichever you and your child prefer).

Kangaroo position is possible in most carriers- ringslings, pouch slings, Mei tai and wraps.

Here are some very good tips I happened upon, in a website called “sling meet” that is very worth visiting, even if you already bought your carrier. Enjoy!

• Food and drink Hungry babies don’t have patience to try on new carriers, and neither do hungry moms.

• No place like home Until you feel confident about using the carrier, try it at home and not in places where you might feel stressed.

• Mirror Mirror on the wall Use a mirror to help yourself wear the carrier correctly and more quickly (that’s another reason to stay at home). Slow and clumsy wearing process is the reason most babies cry when first put in a carrier.

• Movement As soon as baby is inside, don’t just stand there, Start walking! And it is best to move with a purpose: go out to throw the trash, buy milk or just take a walk, preferably outside if possible (fresh air does wonders).

• Soft surrounding When experimenting with back carrying, do it over your bed or some other soft surface, in order to avoid injuries.

• Supporting environment Don’t try your new carrier in the presence of an anxious grandma or a skeptic neighbor (“he can’t breath in there!“). Make sure the people surrounding you are supportive and helpful.