Baby Registry Must Have: Hammock
The ultimate trifecta.
Breastfeeding,
Tummy Time,
Rest for you and baby.
Nursing chair is not it. Get a hammock instead.
The nursing recliner did not work for me. It was bulky, uncomfortable, expensive, and tiring.
If I can recommend one item to put on your baby registry it is a hammock. Hammocks are also pretty available second hand like on Facebook Marketplace.
Breastfeeding is way more physical than I expected. It can be so taxing on the shoulders, back, chest, and of course the breasts.
The hammock holds me and the baby, allowing me to rest while my baby eats.
The hammock is my breastfeeding nest.
Another great aspect is that it prevents gas because the baby is on an incline. The ramp like position helps gravity assist the movement of air which prevents uncomfortable burping or farting.
Tummy time is talked about all the time. Getting on the ground can be tough, especially at first or if you have pets and space restrictions. When I recline, my baby lays tummy down on my chest and she supports her head. Sometimes I will place her further down and have her kick off the hammock and practice reaching for my breast. The hammock helps feeding be a more engaging activity. It also helps prevents her from getting totally distracted which eating. When I am sitting in a chair, Penelope is less engaged with eating and turns away from me often. When we are outside in the hammock she watches the birds and is totally engaged while she eats. It’s the perfect amount of stimulation.
It can also be a swing for you and baby. A soothing tool I use everyday. I bring one of my legs out of the hammock and I kick off the ground and rock us.
Spending time outside multiple times a day is great for mental health. It makes grounding, fresh air, and enjoying the natural world available without having to invent a new way of getting outside everyday. If you don’t have an outdoor space, I recommend setting a hammock up inside. I much prefer it to a nursing chair. The chair is bulky, and you still have to hold the baby up.
It’s also awesome before the baby comes. The hammock was my safe place during pregnancy. It’s so luxurious to be able to recline during pregnancy. To be swayed and held. To feel weightless when every part of you is growing.
Click here to read my favorite hammock meditation.