Breastfeeding in public

Breastfeeding in public

With a little practice, you will be able breastfeed your baby in public. You can breastfeed without a cover. Or, there are many creative options you can choose for privacy that include:

  • putting a sun hat on your baby
  • using a blanket to cover your baby
  • using a commercial product that covers your baby

Talk with your lactation resource if you have questions.

Minnesota and Wisconsin both have laws that protect rights to breastfeed in public. You can breastfeed anywhere you and your baby have a right to be.

a mom wears her baby

Wearing your baby is good for bonding and breastfeeding.

a blanket covers baby while breastfeeding in public

 baby wears sunhat while breastfeeding in public

There are different ways to breastfeed in public. Your lactation resource can help you.

'Wearing' Your Baby

You can spend close time with your baby by wearing your baby. Use an approved, safe carrier to keep your baby snuggled to your chest and stomach.

While wearing your baby and watching for feeding cues, your baby will cry less often and nurse more. This also allows you to have your hands free to get things done.

Try the baby carrier on at the store to make sure it fits.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5, sixth edition, ped-ah-91554
First Published: 02/01/2010
Last Reviewed: 11/16/2022