Suggestions for baby carriers?

[samacita]

We're bringing our 3 kids to Disney for the 1st time in the fall. The baby will be 4 months old then.

I am a breastfeeding mama and have made good use of the Bjorn in the past (not too much! don't worry - no dysplasia here!). I have never breastfed *while* babywearing though, and I'm thinking it could be a pretty handy skill for the parks! Can anyone recommend a particular carrier or sling that would easily allow for BFing while baby is tucked away? I know it wouldn't work in my Bjorn. I have BFed "on the move" while doing household chores and am also not afraid of BFing in public. But it would be nice to be hands-free and still be able to attend to Baby's needs.

 

[SamiL]

I had a carrier called a Hot Sling when DS was a baby. My understanding is that you can breastfeed with it, but I never tried it.

I did really like the way it grows with your child. You can use it for quite some time, .

If you do get a sling, make sure it fits correctly (not too big) and review the safety instructions.
(http://www.hotslings.com/safety)


Also remember that each of the parks has a Baby Care Center:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/baby-care-centers/

Don't know if you're going there, but Sea World has a nice Baby Care Center as well.

Have fun!!

 

[samacita]

Thanks! I doubt I'll make much use of the Baby Care Centers. I'm kind of a no-fuss mom and don't need to be in a particular place to tend to baby. I think it would irritate me to go all that extra way to the one BCC in the park. I'd much prefer to stay with my husband and 2 other kids and just change a diaper/feed baby/etc and then keep moving. Now, if we were going during hot weather, I might consider it just for the air conditioning.

I appreciate the sling rec. I'll look into that one!! Would love to hear more ideas too from everyone.

 

[Baliezer]

I like the Ergo baby carrier. It is really easy to use and VERY comfortable. It also had a hood that is tucked away in a front pouch, that can be clipped over baby for privacy so you can nurse in public. No one had any clue that I was nursing.

 

[Tink1073]

I love my Beco Butterfly and I'm pretty sure the newer ones make it pretty easy to breastfeed. I also love the company! It's a small Mom run company. Check out their Facebook page, they offer tons of tips!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[msmama]

I never managed walking around ink public BFing but I did use my sling (I had a homemade one, though not made by me) to BF at my house quite a bit. If you have a heavy baby (like mine) I don't think a sling would necessarily be the best bet for walking around Disney though. It's over one shoulder which might get tiring after awhile. For carrying all day I would go with something like an Ergo that spreads the weight a bit more.

I remember seeing pictures on this board once of a woman having pictures taken with characters while nursing her baby in a carrier (you couldn't tell at all). I think she had and Ergo.

 

[melindaPR]

I know this isn't what you are asking, but I need to bf, we go one on of the longer slower rides or shows. There are a few fantastic bfing attractions. That way, the family doesn't have to stop, but I get to sit and nurse. I never figured out nursing while wearing. Have fun!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[RachaelA]

I never BF, but all my BFing friends had the best luck BFing in ring slings. Also like PPs said, the hood on the Ergo is great for covering up so nothing is showing (if that's what you want).

 

[Annie78]

I got a Pikkolo rather than an Ergo so I'd have the option to cross the straps in back. We definitely were able to nurse in that.
I liked my ring sling in the newborn phase, but once DS was over 15lbs I couldn't use the sling for long periods - needed the two-shoulder weight distribution.

 

[LISmama810]

I babywear and breastfeed, and I've always found ring slings easiest for nursing on the go. We went to WDW when my (now) middle child was 6 months old, and I wore her in the ring sling for almost the entire 8-day trip.

Usually I wore her facing out on my front (with her legs "frogged" under her), but also facing in on my front and on my hip. Nursing could be done with her facing in (upright) or in a cradle carry. I often moved her into position while we were walking. The tail of the sling can act as a cover, though I never bothered (baby's head hides everything).

I used a Solarveil sling, which is hard to find these days because they've stopped making the fabric, but it's naturally UV protectant, so that was awesome for the Florida sun. Mine is extra long so I can throw the tail over exposed baby-parts.

Check The Baby Wearer website to see if you can find a Solarveil sling, if you're interested.

 

[SweetMissy]

Our son was 4 months old last year for our trip and I had never nursed in the carrier before that time because I just didn't try....never really had to but at disney, I didn't want to waste time by stopping to feed him. So the first night we were there I figured it out, lol. I have a beco gemini and it was actually quite easy. I unstrapped 1 side of the carrier and moved the carrier over so he was more laying down instead of being upright....lifted my shirt, unhooked my bra and away he went! Did that quite a bit, much easier and doesn't take up any time. He's almost 17 months old and I still use the beco and he's still nursing but when we go next month, I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it since he's bigger but I'll definitely try. I had a hotsling with my daughter but I could never figure out how to nurse in it. Good luck!!

 

[nhmommy]

I love the Ergo but it's not a carrier you can easily nurse in. I used the Moby wrap quite effectively and a ring sling works well. the Moby is a bit much to put on if you're not used to it.

 

[disbugsmomma]

I've never figured out how to nurse while wearing dd either, but I'm a pro at nursing while carrying her. I think I only nursed in one BCC on our last trip, but they were great for changing diapers. I wouldn't walk across a park just to use one, but if it's nearby I'll use it.

 

[OnlyWhnChasd]

I love the Ergo but it's not a carrier you can easily nurse in.

I have to disagree with this. You just have to know how. Put up the hood, drop the shoulder straps a bit (I usually just slide them down my arms a little) and you're good to go. I've managed to discreetly latch DS while walking around with my extremely modest/public BF adverse DH and no one was the wiser. I love the Ergo!

 

[samacita]

Thanks everyone!! You've given some great pointers. I will definitely research these options. I am not shy about nursing in public so the main perk I'm looking for is being able to BF in lines or while walking. A friend of mine spent her entire Disney trip on benches with her baby, rather than enjoying time with the rest of her family. That would not be fun for me. I want to stay where the action is!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I own WAY TOO MANY baby carriers (the first rule is, never count the carriers!), but my favorite for the parks and for breastfeeding is the Kinderpack. The big benefit of the KP for Disney is that some models/prints have an athletic mesh panel and sleep hood, and so it's nice and cool in hot weather.

Really easy to breastfeed in - just loosen the straps to drop the baby down a few inches, and then put up the sleep hood for a bit of coverage, and go. I barely sat down to breastfeed when we were at WDW last month - it was just so easy to do in the carrier!

 

[SCmom3]

I think any SSC that you find comfortable would work well to nurse. I use a Boba quite often around the house to nurse my youngest while chasing after the older two. I've also used an Ergo, babyhawk OhSnap, and a custom carrier.

 

[jenbelle]

i nurse my son in my ergo all the time (usually while chasing after my preschooler and toddler). the pocket and zippered compartment have acted as my purse the past 6 months.

i had a hotsling when ds1 was born, but I wouldn't recommend it. there has been a lot of controversy about pouch slings, but my main reason would be that (to me) it isn't really a hands free carrier.

 

[Malakaiii]

Hi!

Definitely don't bother with the pouch slings. They are really hard to size correctly and the wrong size means that baby is either too low or too tight. These slings are much much better for bigger babies that are already sitting up sturdily (ie 8-10 months). Adjustable pouch slings with the padded edges are the kinds that were recalled. Check any carrier you're considering to see if it's been recalled!

A ring sling, however, would be an awesome option for you! Ideally get one made from a woven wrap or silk fabric without padding. I know going without padding seems backward, but it's more comfortable without and much easier to adjust. These are PERFECT for breastfeeding in and really comfortable.

Just always be sure you are wearing baby high enough to kiss his/her head and that they aren't sitting in a "c" shape with chin to chest (dangerous for the airway). Generally a 4 month old would scream before being in danger, but just be sure you're doing safe babywearing!

I also prefer the Boba 3G carrier to the Ergo. I just find it much more comfortable. The benefit of a structured carrier like these would be being able to put baby on your back. And yes, they are easy to breastfeed in (when on your front )!

A woven wrap is also an amazing option if you have a good teacher or if you are confident! I've just learned about their awesomness and I love wrapping my 2 year old!

TRY any carrier before you buy it. And learn your carrier well before you get to Disney. I wore my daughter almost every day when she was littler, and I plan on wearing the new baby even more!

 

[teacup princess]

I nursed my 6 month old at WDW in both a ring sling and Become Butterfly while walking, standing in lines, ect. The Beco was great for walking and nursing but once I'd step on a ride and change to sitting I'd have to take her out. The ring sling is easier to adjust baby's position while continuing to nurse but I wasn't as comfortable walking and nursing and felt more exposed and less hands-free with her in that.