Switch It Up, Mama! A Fun Guide to Breastfeeding Positions (Including Tandem Feeding)
When it comes to breastfeeding, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” — and that’s the beauty of it! Whether you’re feeding your first little one or juggling two babies at once (hello, tandem moms!), finding the right position can make nursing more comfortable, effective, and even enjoyable.
Let’s explore some of the most popular — and some surprising — breastfeeding positions to make your feeding journey smoother and more relaxed.
1. The Classic Cradle Hold
Perfect for: Newborns and relaxed daytime feeds.
This is the "go-to" position many new parents try first. Your baby’s head rests in the crook of your arm while their body faces yours — tummy to tummy. It's cozy, simple, and great for bonding.
2. The Cross-Cradle Hold
Perfect for: Newborns learning to latch or babies who need extra guidance.
Similar to the cradle, but your opposite arm supports baby’s head — giving you more control to guide baby’s mouth to the breast. A favorite for lactation consultants teaching early latching skills.
3. Football (or Clutch) Hold
Perfect for: C-section recovery, twins, or larger-breasted parents.
Tuck baby under your arm like a little football, with their body along your side and feet pointing toward your back. This keeps weight off your belly and helps you see baby’s latch clearly.
4. Side-Lying Position
Perfect for: Nighttime feeds or tired moms who want to rest.
Lie down on your side with baby snuggled up beside you, tummy to tummy. This is an amazing position for cozy nighttime feeding and safe bed-sharing setups.
5. Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing) Position
Perfect for: Relaxed bonding, skin-to-skin contact, and helping baby self-latch.
You recline slightly with baby lying tummy-down on your chest. Gravity does the work as baby naturally roots and latches. Great for newborns and post-birth skin-to-skin time.
6. Upright (Koala) Hold
Perfect for: Babies with reflux, ear infections, or curious older babies.
Baby sits upright, straddling your thigh or hip, and nurses while facing you. Perfect for little ones who want to look around between sucks!
7. Tandem Breastfeeding Positions (For Twins or Sibling Feeding)
Perfect for: Moms nursing twins or a newborn plus an older sibling.
Some creative ways to tandem feed include:
Double Football Hold: One baby under each arm — great for newborn twins.
Double Cradle: Both babies lying across your chest — snuggly and close.
Cradle + Football Mix: One baby cradled in front while the other is tucked under your arm.
Tandem feeding takes practice but can be a lifesaver for growing families — and yes, you ARE a superhero.
How to Know Baby is Latched Well (and What to Watch For)
Finding the right position is only part of the breastfeeding puzzle — knowing your baby has a good latch is just as important. A great latch helps your baby get plenty of milk and keeps you comfortable, too.
Signs of a good latch include baby opening their mouth wide like a big yawn, with lips flanged outward like a fish. Their chin should touch your breast, and their nose should be close but not pressed in. You’ll usually see more of the darker areola above baby’s top lip than below the bottom lip (though this can vary with breast shape).
Baby’s cheeks should stay rounded and full, not sucked in or dimpled. You’ll hear steady, rhythmic sucking and swallowing without clicking or smacking sounds. Nursing should feel like a gentle tug or pulling sensation — not sharp pain or pinching. If it hurts deeply, gently unlatch and try again.
After feeding, your nipple should look round and not flattened, pinched, or creased. A relaxed, satisfied baby and plenty of wet and dirty diapers are also great signs that feeding is going well.
Pro Tips for All Positions:
Use lots of pillows — or a nursing pillow — to support your arms and baby’s weight.
Adjust your latch often, especially in the early weeks.
Switch sides and positions to avoid soreness and ensure full drainage.
There’s no “wrong” position — only what feels best for you and your baby!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re lounging in a laid-back position, snoozing side-lying at night, or tandem nursing like a pro, remember: there’s no single “right way” to breastfeed — only what works best for you and your little one(s).
Keep experimenting, stay flexible, and most importantly — enjoy the sweet, fleeting moments with your baby.
Fed with love is always best.
