Babywearing is a trend that does not look like it is going anywhere anytime soon and for good reason. When you wear your baby, you can promote bonding and closeness while still having your hands free to do other tasks. It enables you to be more mobile and take your baby places you may not be able to get a stroller, like a hiking trail.

Best of all, babywearing creates a convenient way to breastfeed your baby. If you are going to wear your baby, it is best to do it safely. Not only does this protect the baby, but it makes caring for your child more convenient. Here are some tips you should keep in mind when wearing your baby and breastfeeding.

Benefits of Babywearing

Wearing your baby has many benefits for you and your baby. For starters, being near you helps to keep your baby calm. The result is that she develops into a secure and confident toddler.

Having your baby close, especially if you can manage some skin to skin contact, can help her to regulate her own physiological rhythms. That nearness can also be useful in facilitating nursing. If you wear a nursing-friendly top, you can breastfeed easily without much adjustment or even being very obvious about it. Activities like grocery shopping, window shopping with friends, brunch, or just taking a walk can simply be done while wearing your little one...and best of all, breastfeeding done at the same time!  You simply make sure your baby is in a comfortable position for the both of you and make sure that her head is properly supported.

These are benefits for mom, too, because self care is an important ingredient for a happy relationship with yourself and baby. Having a baby does not mean that the world will stop for you. There are still chores to be done and errands to be run. There may even be other children who need care. If you can wear your baby, you may find that you have your hands free to accomplish other tasks. In fact, you may even be able to manage other tasks while you are actually breastfeeding.

Methods of Babywearing

• Sling- A piece of fabric that loops around one of the mother's shoulders, across her body to the opposite hip. Your little one may begin taking an interest in the world around him while in this type of carrier. A sling is an easy option to facilitate nursing as the baby is able to be brought down by adjusting the sling strap through the ring. Re-adjust to bring baby back to "kiss the head" position when finished feeding. 
• Wrap- A wrap is also a piece of fabric. In this case, however, just as the name says, the fabric is wrapped around the mother's torso and, generally, both shoulders. It creates a secure place for the baby to rest.
• Soft-Structured Carriers- These are more like backpacks. They can be worn on the back or the front and offer a more structured seat for your baby. They have straps that go over the parent's shoulders, giving them their backpack-like appearance.

How to Breastfeed In A Carrier or Sling

One of the great things about wearing your baby is that he is always close enough to make breastfeeding convenient. Here is a step-by-step guide.

• If your baby is old enough to sit up, you generally want his bottom at or above your navel during general wearing. Ensure his head is close enough to kiss.  During breastfeeding, he can sit lower in order to access your breast then re-adjust to the proper higher position when finished. 
• Keep an eye out to make sure that his face is not smashed into you and that his airway is not blocked.
• Once your baby is in position, it is usually pretty easy to be discreet about opening your top's nursing access to feed her. If you are wearing a nursing tank top or nursing hoodie, the design can make quick access that much more simpler and more convenient. These specially designed tops for breastfeeding are also great for promoting skin-to-skin contact with your baby outside of using the carrier.

A Few Safety Tips 

One of the big concerns about babywearing is safety and positioning the baby to be ergonomic correct. Safety is especially important if you are also breastfeeding while wearing your baby. It is possible to do all this if you follow a few rules.

• Make sure your baby's head is supported. If his head flops around she can be injured and have difficulty maintaining her airway. Keep his head close enough to kiss.
• It is okay for your baby to be in a lying position while nursing if you are stopping to sit somewhere, but you need to support his head. When you are not breastfeeding, it is best for your baby to be in an upright position and again, sitting high enough in the carrier.
• Practice carrying your baby over a soft surface like a bedside until you are confident about your carrying method and securing the carrier.
• Check your carrier for signs that it is becoming worn. If it is carrying your most precious cargo, you want to make sure it is in working order and everything is in tact.  Overstretched wraps and slings should be replaced. 
• When your baby is not nursing, make sure she is positioned properly in a sitting position with legs supported to the knee. The knee should be higher than the hips.  When legs are dangling from the hip, this can result in hip dysplasia.
• While having your hands free may allow you to do other things while caring for your baby, it is best to do activities that allow you to sit while your baby is feeding. Or doing something that is more leisurely like a slow walk when baby is feeding.  Being up and moving around can increase the risk of choking.  

Wearing your baby has many benefits. It promotes bonding and allows you to care for your baby while having your hands free. The closeness of wearing your baby can give you skin-to-skin contact and also makes breastfeeding easier and more discreet. If you are careful about your baby's safety and comfort, there is no reason you cannot enjoy the convenience of wearing your baby.

One very important part of preparing for your new little one is preparing to breastfeed. By preparing, you can feel much calmer and in control when the time comes, thus making it a more enjoyable and successful experience. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to prepare.

Purchase Clothing You Can Breastfeed In 

In order to make breastfeeding easier, you should consider purchasing some clothing that are easy to breastfeed in. Thankfully, there are so many options now for tanks, tee shirts, and hoodies that are nursing-friendly. These tops have hidden slits in them that allow you to breastfeed your baby without ever having to remove any of your clothes.

These tops are so convenient when you are nursing in a public location, such as a restaurant, the park, church, etc. They can also allow you to start nursing your baby much faster, which can reduce a lot of stress for you when you have a hungry baby who wants to nurse right away. 

If you are baby wearing, these tanks can snap down for easy nursing access and make baby wearing and breastfeeding much more possible.

Sometimes being a new mom, it's harder for some to adjust to nursing in public spaces. The fears and concerns are real, and clothing that offers privacy can certainly relieve the anxiety and nerves for mothers just getting used to it. 

Make preparing for breastfeeding easier by packing your hospital bag with nursing friendly tops like this mom in her Cozy Nursing Hoodie.

Bun's Ribbed nursing tanks are stretchy for wearability during pregnancy and well into postpartum, creating coverage and comfort for nursing in public.

Visit With A Lactation Consultant 

Another great way to prepare for breastfeeding is to meet with a lactation consultant or take a lactation class before you give birth. A lactation consultant is a professional breastfeeding specialist who will let you know what to expect in terms of your milk coming in, pumping, helping your baby get the right latch for the first time, showing you how to hold your baby when nursing, and much more. They can also answer all of your questions and put a lot of your worries at ease.

Set this up at the hospital you give birth in because most of the time, a lactation consultant will come visit.  You can start breastfeeding within the first hour of giving birth and it will be essential for you to garner as much support and expertise as possible to be off to the right start. Discuss that this is part of your birth plan to breastfeed. 

Prior to this, you can attend a group breastfeeding class taught by a lactation consultant or you can choose to have a one-on-one consultation. Taking a lactation class before the baby arrives can boost your confidence and give you the much needed knowledge to prepare you for your nursing journey.  If you so desire, you could meet with the lactation consultant again after you've had your baby for even more help hands-on help with nursing your baby.  Many have mommy meet up lactation support groups that are even free to attend. 

It's just not always that easy and doesn't always come naturally for many.  Reaching out can be very empowering and even relieve potential for PPD. 

Talk With Other Breastfeeding Moms 

Some of the best advice that you can get in terms of preparing to breastfeed is from other moms. You can join a mom group in your local area, or even find one online. You could also do something as simple as calling up some of your friends who breastfeed and discussing with them some of your questions and concerns. 

Ask them what they are eating. What is their schedule. How long did it take them to get the hang of everything. 

The support of other moms can also come in handy when your baby arrives and you begin to actually breastfeed because they will be there to encourage you and help you as you begin your breastfeeding journey with your little one.

Keep in mind, everyone has a different experience. Take everything with a grain of salt and use this opportunity to be selective and gather all kinds of information to make your best judgements for what would work best for you. It's okay if someone has less than positive advice to vent to you, but then move on to the next support person that can offer more useful and encouraging words to you.

Purchase The Appropriate Supplies

There are a few different nursing supplies that you can purchase that make nursing more convenient for you and more enjoyable for you and your baby.

• One thing that you may want to consider purchasing is some soothing cream for your nipples. In fact, start now, well before you give birth!  Every time you moisturize your growing belly, do the same to your nipples.
• Well moisturized skin and nipples will save you heartache from pain and dry, cracked nipples.  Use 100% shea butter, natural oil, or lanolin. These creams are safe for your baby and you can easily spread them on your nipples after your baby is done nursing.
• If you have inverted or flat nipples, you may want to consider purchasing a nipple shield, just in case your baby has a hard time latching on. This can help them to get better suction at first and then you can stop using the shield once they have a good latch.
• A nursing pillow is a great thing for you to buy because it puts your baby at the perfect height for nursing. It also allows your arms to rest because they don't have to hold the baby up.  We would say that this is a mama must have!
• Nursing pads. Your breast will leak, so keep these handy.  Be sure you have a bra or sports bra ready as well.  Something without wires is best, to avoid clogged milk ducts and further complications.
• Call your insurance for your breast pump! Do this a month away from the due date.  Your insurance should provide the pump fully covered, but this can depend on your insurance so make this part of your to do list.
• Don't forget those game changing nursing tank tops and hoodies for ultimate ease, convenience, comfort, and style.

Summary

In order to prepare to breastfeed your baby, it is important that you purchase the appropriate clothes for breast feeding, you visit with a lactation consultant to learn more about the process of breastfeeding and what to expect, that you talk with other moms for first hand experience and advice, and that you purchase the appropriate supplies for nursing.

To learn more tips about preparing to nurse your baby, you can visit us here. 

Prenatal Massage or Salon Gift Certificate

Aches and pains are part of a normal pregnancy, which is why she'll really appreciate an occasional prenatal massage to soothe a sore back and aching legs and feet.  Ensure if you are thinking of getting this, splurge on a place that has top notch qualified massage therapists.  The wrong place can cause harm to mom or baby (there are many no no pressure points they should be aware of) so be sure to do your research on the best places in her area. If you are unsure, opt for a manicure pedicure at her fave salon, or a Dry Bar blowout. 

robertwilsonassociates/Nursing Hoodie

When you're pregnant, comfort is foremost in your mind. robertwilsonassociates offers adorable -- and on-trend -- hoodies that she'll wear all through her pregnancy and nursing months. The game changer is that these styles even look good when she is done with her nursing days!  Ditto for an array of colorful tank tops (in both classic and "swing" styles) that feel soft and comfy and are nursing-ready! And be sure to check out robertwilsonassociates's Relaxed hoodies. (She'll want to live in them!).  Gift cards are perfect if you don't know her size. 

Tip: If you want to step it up another notch, and you know she's planning to nurse, check out our Breastfeeding Gift Basket idea. 

robertwilsonassociates Cozy Hoodies stay stylish and smart for pregnany, nursing, and well beyond. Click the image to see more.

A Monthly Beauty Package

A subscription to a service like Birchbox ($10 a month) can provide something to look forward to each month of her pregnancy and will be perfect for a time when her beauty routine -- among other things -- is likely to undergo some changes.

Foot-Pampering Slippers

Carrying around all that extra weight can be tough on a mom-to-be's feet. Why not gift her with some soft, high quality, stylish slippers to provide comfort throughout her pregnancy? Ugg has some comfy and fashionable styles like their Coquette and Pom Pom slip-on styles. They're super-cute and offer a little support too.  She will probably be using these for a very long time. 

Help Her Communicate With Her Baby

Beginning at 20 weeks, a developing baby can hear sounds, and by the third trimester, her hearing is well-developed, so why not help the new mom-to-be communicate via a recorded message or soothing music using BellyBuds speakers, designed just for this purpose?

Maternity Photo 3-Session Package

Pregnancy is such a special time in a woman's life! Why not help her to document her growing belly with a series of professional pregnancy photo shoots. Book three shoots that show her at various points in her pregnancy. This is a keepsake gift that Mom, Dad, and growing child can enjoy looking at again and again throughout the years.  The frame worthy pictures will offer endless years of memories, and she'll be thanking you each time she looks at them.

Get Her an Unexpected Book About Motherhood

Chances are, she's already reading about how to care for her new baby on all the baby apps like What to Expect, Babycenter, and The Bump, but why not inspire her with a beautiful book about motherhood itself? Especially during the third trimester she will be resting more and more so a book will come in handy.  Real Simple recommends Waiting for Birdie by Catherine Newman, a touching and funny read about a mother's first years with her child. Another of their recommendations is Bloom, which was a New York Times Best Seller, and is touted as both a beautiful and inspiring story about motherhood.  

A Grocery Delivery Service

Umm yes sign me up!  This one of our favorites.  As the big day draws near, she's probably not going to feel much like grocery shopping, and she'll feel even less inclined once the new baby's at home.  A grocery delivery service timed to coincide with the last few weeks of her pregnancy or the first few weeks of new motherhood will be a gift she'll really appreciate. (Instacart, Peapod, and Amazon Prime and Fresh are a few good ones to consider.) . She can get all that she needs without leaving her couch!

Help Her Show Her Skin Some Love

As her belly grows, her skin can become tight and itchy. Some great products to combat those problems? Mum Bub products by Aden & Anais are all natural, soothing, ultra-moisturizing and gentle on stressed skin.  100% Shea Butter always is a good go to because she will be using it long after baby arrives and it is completely natural as well as extremely effective. 

Tip: Step it up a notch and make her a DIY Homemade Belly and Boobie Butter. She will be wowed by the thought and how delicious your concoction is! 

She's sure to appreciate the fact that you took the time and effort to help make her pregnancy as comfortable and enjoyable as possible! But making her feel special, pampered and supported is your ultimate reward!

As you prepare for the day you bring your newest family member home, people will start asking you where you're registered. After all, the birth of a baby is one of the most joyful events ever, and people want to contribute to the celebration. 

But what should you put on your baby registry? There are so many baby products out there that it can be hard to narrow down what you need. Especially with your first baby, how do you know what's really important? Instagram and social media moms that post everything they just got their baby can make it difficult to see what is realistic for your needs and what are more luxury extras.

Don't get clouded in your choices.  Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the items you will use and love.

Make a Universal Baby Registry

There are plenty of stores that promise they have everything you need for your baby. And while they probably have lots of the things on your list, there are lots of different options out there. Sites like myregistry.com , or babylist.com let you pull together items from many different stores to create one list that encompasses exactly what you want. This way you can include products from small boutique stores you love, instead of only the standard products you find in big box stores.

What about Big Items?

You may jump on the opportunity to put high price tag items on your list! This can be a fail, or a win.  Consider who your guests are and it may be better etiquette to place items on the registry that are a very good mix of lower priced and a few high priced if you have some people you know will want to make a big purchase for you. 

Items like an expensive stroller travel set should really be purchased on it's own, unless you feel that your chances of having it bought on the registry are good to go.  Also, having more low-mid priced selections is considerate and gives your guests options and they can purchase several things.  

If you have someone who is just itching to spoil your new baby, then feel free to put more expensive things on your baby registry. New grandparents may love the idea of buying the crib that will hold their first grandchild. Some stores offer a discount on items from your registry that weren't purchased, so it may be worthwhile to add things you're going to buy anyway. A few of the bigger items to add are:

• crib
• crib mattress
• car seat
• stroller travel set
• jog stroller

At least these high priced items are real necessities, making them useful and appealing choices. 

Clothes

This part is so much fun. Tiny baby clothes are just adorable. People will advise you not to waste money on baby shoes, because they are useless and they usually won't stay on very well. They're totally right, but baby shoes are also ridiculously cute! If you want to indulge in a few, go ahead. You probably don't need a whole wardrobe though! Choose 1-3 pairs of shoes in various sizes. Neutral colors and ones that claim they have great staying power (like with snaps) are best. 

Do also ask for clothes in different sizes. Those newborn outfits are going to be too small before you can even believe it. You'll want a range of sizes from newborn up through 12 months. 

• 6-8 onesies
• 6-8 snug jammies or sleep gowns that snap or zip closed
• 5-6 outfits for pictures or outings
• a few sweaters or jackets
• 6-8 pairs of socks
• no-scratch mittens or onesies with mittens

You may have heard of having a layette, which is a newborn wardrobe and accessories.  Yep, you will need a layette, but no need to go overboard on it because you won't know how long it's going to be used for until the baby is born. 

So again, choose a few newborn but go mostly for a range of sizes up to one year.  Your babe could grow out of newborn onesies within weeks!

Mom Life Tip: Since you will have wide range of items for different age times, go get some organizer containers, label them by age phase, and store the appropriate clothes and gear in each applicable one till it is needed. 

Baby Gear and the Must Haves

There are so many things that come with taking care of a baby! Here is a summary of musts to make your life a little easier, which includes some extras you will eventually need down the road. 

• baby monitor especially if you live in a multi-level home
• 4-6 bibs
• 5-7 burp cloths 
• diapers (again, ask for these in a range of sizes not just newborn)
• consider cloth diapers (better for the environment)
• bassinet (bedside bassinet like the Halo, for easy feedings at night)
• baby bathtub
• rectal thermometer and forehead thermometer
• baby nail clippers
• swaddle blankets and baby hat(s)
• changing pad (you don't necessarily need a changing table) but you should have a pad
• travel changing pad
• flushable wipes...lots and lots of wipes!
• bottles (a set with different nipples and cleaning supplies is best) If you are breastfeeding and pumping consider something like Munchkin Latch bottles so baby can switch back and forth from mom to bottle.
• premium microwave sterilizer bags for the bottles/bottle parts
• bottle warmer
• rock n play / bouncer so you can set your baby down
• playmat, activity gym
• ear and nose cleaner (the NoseFrida is great)
• sound machine 
• a few developmental toys (black and white contrasting toys)
• table chair for when baby can sit up (this is awesome because it can take place of a high chair and is portable)
• for later you need outlet covers, toilet lock, cabinet locks, knob covers, furniture guards, and gates as necessary
• baby food storage
• cool mist humidifier (a warm mist breeds bacteria!)
• diaper pail and liners
• soft washcloths and make sure you use different ones for diaper area versus body/face (if you already have some then omit these)
• gentle laundry detergent (just ensure everything is washed well and look out for skin sensitivities with baby)
• pacifier if you decide
• baby carrier / sling / wrap
• baby body wash and shampoo, lotion - Go organic and natural with as little irritants as possible. Baby just doesn't need to be over soaped and lathered.

Extras: Now these are not necessities, but some parents really like them and they could be nice to have.

• wipe warmer
• newborn lounger (these only last a few months)
• changing table
• vibration mat
• fancy diaper bag
• sounds machines/soothers
• nursery decor and storage baskets
• bath kneeler
• breath / heart monitor like the Owlet

We left out these items because they are distracting or can be hazards: crib bumpers and extras, comforters, used cribs or carseats, car seat mirror, any clothing with small sewn on parts/trims/cords.

Bedding

Here is a tip that you'll be grateful for after some amazing diaper fail at 2 AM: When you put a sheet on the crib, put a mattress pad down first, then a fitted sheet. THEN (this is the genius part) put down another mattress pad and another fitted sheet. This way, when the sheets need to be changed in the middle of the night, you can just pull off the top fitted sheet and mattress pad, and the second set is ready to go. Make sure the fitted sheets are snug on the mattress and won't slip off. 

• 4 crib washable mattress pads and protectors
• 4 fitted sheets
• 4-6 lightweight receiving blankets
• 2 heavier blankets or car seat covers

Again, don't let your baby sleep with blankets, bumpers, toys, etc. It's a safety hazard! Basically it needs to be just baby on the mattress. #BareIsBest

Breastfeeding Gear

If you're planning to breastfeed, there are a few items you'll want to have. You don't need to register for a breast pump, because your medical insurance will cover that. You will want some gear, though, and a basic wardrobe of nursing clothes. Here are a few things that will come in handy for breastfeeding.

• breast pads
• milk storage bags
• lanolin / coconut oil / nipple cream
• nursing pillow / nursing bra / pumping bra
• wide strap nursing tank 
• nursing hoodie
• nursing sweaters and a nursing tee that you can wear bump, breastfeeding, and beyond

Ensure nursing journey success with a designated space, water bottle handy, and a comfortable glider chair. 

Setting up the nursery or a space in your bedroom can be a happy way to spend time while you wait for your baby. A baby registry helps the people who love you share in that joy. Happy shopping and showering!

Get further prepared for the arrival of your bundle of joy with our Third Trimester Checklist.

Continue to care for yourself with our Survival Guide for the Third Trimester here.