Choose by: Ease of breastfeeding

Newborns: My favorite carriers for newborn breastfeeding are ring slings, pouches and wraps.

Ring slings (especially lightly padded ones like the Ellaroo Lightly Padded ring slings) are very adjustable so you can get a super secure carry even while breastfeeding. The tail also offer coverage.

Pouches are easy to breastfeed in. They may not offer the same level support as a ring sling or a wrap, and you may have to provide some support with your arm. Some larger-breasted women may find breastfeeding difficult in a fitted pouch.

Wraps (both stretchy and woven) offer a very secure carry for breastfeeding. Stretchy wraps offer the benefit of being able to be pre-tied.

Structured carriers and mei taiscan be used for nursing, but one typically has to adjust them into a slightly awkward position and support the baby while nursing, so I don’t recommend them as nursing carriers for newborns.

Older Children

• Older children are able to nurse in almost any carrier suitable for older children, including pouches, ring slings, structured carriers, mei tais and wraps.
• Typically an older child with good head control (4-6 months and older) can nurse from an upright position, with the child bending its head to nurse.
  • Ring slings offer the most coverage for you in this position.
  
  
  • Wraps may also offer some coverage if you have leftover material.
  
  
  • Mei Tais and structured carriers offer almost no coverage.