5 Reasons to Wear Your Little One Through National Breastfeeding Month and Beyond

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and Baby K’tan has you and your little one covered.

The natural relationship between babywearing and breastfeeding goes  back thousands of years. Nowadays, research confirms what our ancestors knew. A 2012 study found that “...the act of carrying babies in carriers increases breastfeeding rates in older babies” (La Leche League). This was found to be true even when the baby wasn’t being nursed while in the carrier.

Photo credit: @liverichmommy

Here are five reasons to embrace babywearing this month:

1. Babywearing makes nursing a breeze.

Using a baby carrier when you’re out and about allows your baby to nurse on-demand with little added effort. Feeding on demand keeps your baby content and ensures they’re getting the nourishment they need as soon as they need it. This is especially important, as protective antibodies are delivered from mom to baby via breast milk.

A carrier also provides an element of privacy for mom and security for your baby while on-the-go, making it beneficial for promoting nursing. “It is easy to nurse discreetly when the baby is in a sling as the fabric shields both the baby and the mother from the public view” (La Leche League).

2. It provides comfort and security.

Babywearing provides an undeniable gift of comfort and security for the caregiver and child. This protection is vital during your newborn’s first three months, also known as the “fourth trimester,” when their tiny body is learning to self-regulate and acclimate to life outside the womb.

These benefits don’t end there. Older infants and even toddlers also need to feel safe and shielded from over-stimulation; they thrive when they feel protected. Keeping little ones “close enough to kiss” also brings a sense of peace to the caregiver.

Photo credit: @Sahraya Lahey

3. Lighten your travel-load.

When it comes to venturing out this summer, less is always more. Parking the stroller at home means one less surface to sanitize. Ditching the buggy also provides increased mobility. So grab your Baby K’tan and get outside for some immune-boosting vitamin D! Go for a nice walk around the neighborhood with the family or enjoy the scenery of a local park. Relish in knowing you can leave the house with your baby (and their little hands) nestled safely inside the carrier.

4. Baby K’tan’s carriers beat the heat.

Don’t let late summer’s sultry days discourage you from wearing your baby close to heart. Adding another layer of fabric to your body might seem unimaginable in the summer heat, but Baby K’tan’s Breeze and Active carriers are actually designed to keep you and your little one cool and comfortable. They boast features such as mesh knit for increased airflow, cotton construction for superior breathability, UVA and UVB protection, and moisture-wicking composition.

5. Baby carriers keep your hands free (and clean).

There’s no denying the convenience and necessity of having both hands free. After all, there are endless meals to prep, piles of laundry to fold, and, often, multiple children to care for at home.

During the global pandemic, we’ve quickly become a “touchless” society while out of the home, but sometimes that’s unavoidable. One consistent recommendation has been to wash your hands frequently, regardless of where you are. Wearing your baby keeps your hands free to complete tasks and makes frequent washing simple. It also prevents your baby from touching things.

Given the unique circumstances of 2020, there has never been a better time to enjoy the endless benefits of babywearing. Do you nurse in your Baby K'tan carrier? With a few safety considerations, it can be a wonderful and nurturing experience.