best carrier for nursing.. but not a wrap

[Oliver's Mama]

I've conceded that I will not use a wrap- It's just a personal safety issue I can't get over. But it seems like those are the best for bfing, especially newborns.
I currently have 2 pouch slings, and I am probably buying a beco.. but I worry how well either will work with nursing, especially when out in public. (I have babywearing experience, just didn't nurse in the carriers last time.. I need to be more on-the-go with this babe, due to a toddler to chase)
It seems like the sling might work for newborn nursing, however, it's uncomfortable to walk around in after a while, and I'd have to keep switching the whole sling from side to side which seems like a cumbersome task in the middle of a feeding, especially when trying to be a bit discreet out in public. The beco, I really really want, but I hear nursing, especially young ones, may be tricky in it??
The only alternative I've found to a wrap is the baby K'Tan- it's the same kind of style/function, but it's presized and already designed into two loops so there is no fussing with tying. However, I don't think I'd be comfortable using it when the baby gets bigger- I'd worry it wasn't secure enough.

So... what do you recommend??

[springbride]

I found that pouch slings work great for a newborn. DD was 7lb 3oz. It worked for nursing until about 9wks. Then she was just to big to lie in it comfortably enough for both of us. Perhaps a ring sling would work though as it is much more adjustable for a growing babe.

[lifeguard]

I would say a ring sling. With a newborn I could carry on one side for loooong periods & would just switch which shoulder I used each time - I never felt the need to switch in the middle of things.

[Oliver's Mama]

Originally Posted by lifeguard

I would say a ring sling. With a newborn I could carry on one side for loooong periods & would just switch which shoulder I used each time - I never felt the need to switch in the middle of things.

thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I had issues with overproduction due to a hormone issue, so doing both sides during each feeding is a must for me or else I'm in icky trouble!

I was looking into carriers similar to the Beco, and I found that the AngelPack was getting reviews for being a bit more suited for nursing- maybe because it comes up higher? After looking closer at an opened-up picture of the beco, there's a large strap of y-shaped fabric that goes against the mom's chest- says there's room for the boobs to pop around, but I think that would only create another obstacle, and how would you access your shirt/bra to get things ready for the babe?? I may reluctantly cross off the beco.. as much as I think I'd like it, nursing in the sling's gotta be a higher priority than other perks.

[katelove]

Sorry to go OT but what are the safety issues with wraps? I haven't started babywearing yet but we were planning to mostly use wraps. Should I be reconsidering?

[TXmom2]

I absolutely LOVE my Baby K'Tan. I've nursed DD (nearly 4 months) many times in it and it works quite well

[Oliver's Mama]

Originally Posted by katelove

Sorry to go OT but what are the safety issues with wraps? I haven't started babywearing yet but we were planning to mostly use wraps. Should I be reconsidering?

No No! It's just me!!! I should have clarified!
I don't trust myself to make good knots. I've never heard of babies slipping out of wraps- I think the majority of the mamas here use them and love them. I'm just paranoid and I know someday I'll be all frazzled and forget to finish tying a knot. I wish I felt comfortable with the concept- they get rave reviews. My other issue with a wrap is just the effort it would take to do all the actual wrapping each time with a long, dangling piece of fabric.. I don't have patience for anything, and neither will my 2-year-old.. I picture him taking off down the street while I'm tangled up in fabric..

[Sk8ermaiden]

OK, so I am NO help, except to add another strike for the Beco. I LOVE mine (have never tried to nurse in it) but it takes every bit as long to get on as my wraps. (It takes a lot less time to wrap after you've done it a dozen times or so, and I find it and Beco preparation to be about the same.) The fastest one for me to get on is a mei tai (again, knots) but I HATE ringslings. They hurt my back so bad.

[LianneM]

I always used a pouch for the first 4 months or so, and always nursed (and I'm pretty discreet, by choice for my own comfort). I couldn't nurse hands-free, as I like to wear my babies lower, so I had to lift them up to nurse, but I nursed in public in a pouch from day 2 with both of my kids. I found that I was totally covered by it - most people couldn't even tell I was nursing.