Babywearing + breast/chest feeding: Why They usually Go Hand in Hand

Becoming a parent can often feels like a juggling act—feeding, soothing, and trying to get through the day with a little bit of balance. Especially in those early weeks, when you are just trying to get everything established.

If you are breastfeeding - this is a type of attachment parenting. And a tool known well to aid attachment parenting is babywearing, simply because it keeps baby close. On their own, each provides comfort and connection. But together, they can transform how you flow through tasks - and can make things feel a little bit less hectic. Even if you are bottle feeding - positioning baby in the sling more suited for paced bottle feeding (seated sideways positioning with consultant support, due to additional safety precautions) can really help!

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I do want to emphasise here, that being confident in breastfeeding / feeding your baby safely, with equal understanding of how to feeding your baby in the sling safely is key. You need to monitor baby closely throughout the feed checking that baby's airways are unobstructed). Even more so if baby is under 12 weeks, and/or lacking head control - checking in with a lactation consultant can be so useful on the feeding side of things, and for the carrying a babwearing consultant / sling library - will help with getting it right. I also would like to take this moment to also rave about one of our local lactation consultants Alice Privett. Who spends a lot of her time supporting families for free. While running slingy pop-ups at a lovely local Tuesday morning infant feeding support group – Breastmates, I've had the pleasure of witnessing her good work. Our families really are lucky to have Alice - and I'm super excited that she is focusing on helping families privately too via Springtides infant feeding - so even more of the mum community can benefit from her fanstatic knowledge.

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Now back to the main topic!

As a babywearing consultant in Hastings, East Sussex, I often see parents light up when they discover how naturally these two practices complement each other. Here’s why babywearing and breastfeeding go hand in hand.

1. Keeping Baby Close Supports Feeding Cues

When your baby is snug against you in a sling or carrier, it’s easier to spot their early feeding cues—rooting, wriggling, or stirring before they cry. This helps with responsive feeding, which supports milk supply and makes for calmer, more settled feeds. Babywearing means your little one is already in an ideal position for you to notice their needs before they escalate.

2. Comfort and Security for Both of You

Carriers create a safe, womb-like space where babies feel calm, supported, and close to their parent’s heartbeat. This sense of security often makes breastfeeding smoother, especially in the early days when latching and positioning can feel overwhelming. Having a hand-free to feed (note breastfeeding in a sling is never two-hands free) can also take some of the weight-off and make feeding in public or at home potentially feel more manageable.

3. Feeding on the Go

One of the biggest perks of combining babywearing and breastfeeding is flexibility. Many slings and carriers allow discreet feeding without needing to sit down or find a private space. I want to mention here that by discreet I never mean covering babies face, we always need this to be fully visible - so we can easily monitor airways.

Whether you’re out in Hastings town, at a local support group, or simply managing at home with older children, learning how to safely and comfortably breastfeed in a carrier can be a real game-changer. (Tip: It may take a little practice, and not every carrier suits feeding in motion—but with guidance, most parents can find a sling that works for their needs.)

4. Supporting Bonding and Oxytocin

Skin-to-skin contact, closeness, and gentle movement all encourage the release of oxytocin—the “love hormone.” Oxytocin not only helps with bonding, but it also supports milk let-down during breastfeeding. By combining feeding with babywearing, you’re reinforcing that cycle of connection, comfort, and nourishment.

5. Practical Benefits for Everyday Life

Your life doesn’t have to pause when you become a parent. Whether you’re attending a local breastfeeding group, walking by the sea in East Sussex, or just making yourself a cup of tea, babywearing can give you the freedom to move while meeting your baby’s feeding needs.

Parents often tell me that mastering both together reduces stress and helps them feel more confident in daily routines.

6. When to Seek Support

Every parent and baby is unique, and feeding in a carrier doesn’t work the same way for everyone. If you’d like to explore this safely and comfortably, a babywearing consultation can help. I’ll guide you through carrier options, safe positioning, and practical tips tailored to your baby’s age and your feeding goals. You might also find it helpful to connect with local breastfeeding groups like BreastMates, MOAT, or Latch On in Eastbourne for additional free peer support.

Final Thoughts

Babywearing and breastfeeding truly go hand in hand—bringing together closeness, convenience, and comfort for both you and your baby. With the right sling or carrier, a little guidance, and the support of local communities, these two practices can help you feel more confident and connected in your parenting journey.

If you’d like to learn more about sling hire, carrier hire, or babywearing consultations in Hastings and East Sussex, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can find a way to make your feeding and carrying journey a little smoother.