How to Breastfeed a Baby in Public

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural act that moms should feel proud of—but let's be honest, nursing in public can be awkward and challenging at times. Whether you’re navigating how to nurse at brunch or while enjoying a sunny day at the park, figuring out how to breastfeed in public without feeling exposed can be tricky. Fortunately, with a few tricks up your sleeve (and the right gear), you can nurse your baby with confidence and ease no matter where you are.

From choosing the best carrier for breastfeeding to mastering nursing in a baby carrier, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll discuss tips for nursing while babywearing, how to breastfeed without a cover, and what to do if your baby falls asleep while feeding. And with tools like the Tushbaby Carrier, you can ensure your baby is comfortable and well-supported while you nurse on the go.

Table of Contents

• How Do You Discreetly Breastfeed in Public?
• How to Breastfeed in Public Without a Cover
• Can I Breastfeed Without a Nursing Pillow in Public?
• How to Nurse While Babywearing
• Can You Walk and Breastfeed at the Same Time in Public?
• How to Burp a Baby After Nursing in Public
• What to Do If Baby Falls Asleep While Nursing in Public

How Do You Discreetly Breastfeed in Public?

Moms have been successfully breastfeeding their babies since the dawn of time, and it's inevitable that at some point, your little one will need to eat when you’re out and about. Whether you're a pro or just starting out, here are some tips on how to nurse in public discreetly:

1. Consider nursing covers: The easiest way to ensure privacy is with a nursing cover. These handy accessories provide a barrier so no one sees more than you’re comfortable with. 
2. Try a baby carrier: Looking for nursing in public tips? A baby carrier might be your secret weapon! Tushbaby's Hip Carrier is one of the best carriers for breastfeeding because it doubles as a nursing pillow with built-in lumbar support. The open-style design allows you to easily transition from carrying to nursing, giving your baby a comfortable place to rest their head and supporting proper feeding posture. Just pop a blanket or nursing cover over for added privacy.
3. Invest in nursing bras: Nursing bras can offer easy access and allow you to nurse without exposing more than necessary. Nursing bras have specially designed cups that drop down, making it easy to open and expose the breast while you feed your baby. Top tip for women nursing in public: practice feeding with a nursing bra at home to ensure you can open the bra with one hand.

4. Wear loose layers: Dress in layers that can be easily adjusted. Breastfeeding friendly tops are a lifesaver! Pull one layer up and the other down to create a minimal, easy-access opening for your baby to latch on.

How to Breastfeed in Public Without a Cover 

Many moms prefer using a cover when breastfeeding in public, but breastfeeding covers aren’t always practical for Mom or baby. Some duos might find them a little uncomfortable, especially in the hot summer months. On top of this, some babies don’t enjoy having anything over their head or face when they’re trying to nurse—and if you’re already having issues with your baby’s latch, a nursing cover can be an added distraction and layer of complication to overcome.

So how can you nurse in public without a cover?

1. Clothing choices: As mentioned above, having the right clothes and a nursing bra can help moms feel more comfortable nursing in public. Nursing bras, tank tops, and dresses are specially designed to give your baby easy access to the breast with minimal exposure.
2. Baby carriers: Using a baby carrier can also help you nurse easily in public. Learning how to nurse in a baby carrier is a great solution for nursing moms who want to breastfeed on the go, especially with a baby carrier like Tushbaby. Tushbaby features a feeding position and has five storage pockets to stash nursing essentials like a cover, burp rags, and nursing pads. When your baby’s done, simply reposition them and carry on—no wraps, straps, or readjusting required. 

Can I Breastfeed Without a Nursing Pillow in Public?

Most babies prefer to eat lying down until they get older and become more active. This makes nursing pillows practically a necessity for many new moms, but trying to use a nursing pillow in public can be both cumbersome and impractical. 

Wondering how to breastfeed without a pillow? Use a hip carrier like Tushbaby: it doubles as a nursing aid, eliminating the need to bring an extra item along and offering back support to maintain proper posture while baby rests comfortably.

How to Nurse While Babywearing

Wondering how to nurse while babywearing? It’s a good question with a very simple answer! Babywearing is a practical way that many moms find success with while nursing in public. Nursing while babywearing eliminates the need to deal with accessories such as covers and pillows. Because your baby is already nestled close to your chest while babywearing, it makes it hard for others to see anything you’d rather them not see. Additionally, the basic positioning of your baby when using a sling or wrap facilitates nursing with ease.

Any carrier that allows you to wear your baby facing-in should be okay to use while nursing in public. However, you should always follow the instructions and safety precautions outlined for your specific baby carrier—nursing and babywearing must always be done safely. Check out this video for a simple guide on how to breastfeed in a carrier.

You may want to practice breastfeeding in public at home first while you and your baby aren’t stressed or distracted. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can give it a try in public. 

Can You Walk and Breastfeed at the Same Time in Public?

Low-stress breastfeeding situations are always preferable. Many women prefer to sit or lie down to nurse, however, it is possible to walk while breastfeeding. First and foremost, check your surroundings and ensure you are in a safe space before feeding your baby on a walk. 

Having the right carrier makes walking while breastfeeding easier, and learning how to nurse while babywearing can be a great way to ensure you get outside and maintain your activity level. Using a baby carrier allows you to have your hands free to properly support your little one and nurse them discreetly without feeling exposed in public. 

How to Burp a Baby After Breastfeeding in Public

Most babies need some help with the gas trapped in their stomachs after eating. Once you’re finished breastfeeding in public, hold your baby so their chin is resting on your shoulder. Gently rub and pat your baby’s back while supporting their head and shoulder area with your other hand. Check out our guide on how to burp a newborn for more information.

Using a hip carrier like Tushbaby makes burping your baby after nursing simple and straightforward. Unlike some other styles of slings and wraps, your child can be seamlessly transitioned into an upright position face-to-face to burp them on your shoulder. Even with other forms of babywearing, you can still burp your baby by patting their back, no matter what their position is. Holding the baby upright facilitates easier digestion and faster expulsion of gas.  

What to Do If Baby Falls Asleep While Nursing in Public

Babies often fall asleep while nursing because it feels comfortable and relaxing. If your baby falls asleep while you’re breastfeeding in public once they’re full and satisfied, that’s great. If they nod off before they’re adequately fed, you might like to offer the other breast to encourage a full feed.

Nursing while babywearing provides parents with an easy solution for a baby who typically falls asleep while nursing in public. Slings and wraps allow your child to stay asleep nestled against your chest, and if you’re using a hip carrier like Tushbaby for nursing, it’s easy to cover up again while keeping your little one cozy on the seat. 

While some baby carriers may advertise that they’re supportive and good for your back, be sure to check for features that are actually supportive. With four carry positions and built-in lumbar support, the Tushbaby Carrier can be used for babywearing and breastfeeding support at home or on the go. And with thousands of five-star reviews, it’s one of the best hip carriers on the market.

Breastfeeding when you’re out and about doesn’t have to be a hassle. Tushbaby offers some of the best carriers for breastfeeding that allow you to nurse in public comfortably and confidently wherever you are.