Nursing bracelets are great for busy breastfeeding moms who can’t remember when their babies nursed last and for the life of them, also have no idea which breast they ended with.
For optimum results, most lactation consultants recommend nursing 15 minutes on one side and 15 minutes on the other for each feeding. Then, at the next feeding, start with the breast you ended with the last time. To time your feedings, use the time you begin breastfeeding. In this way, you can make sure your baby nurses every three hours, or whatever his or her usual nursing schedule is.
However, for sleep-deprived mothers, even this can seem too complicated. This is where nursing bracelets come in handy. They feature numbers one through 12, with beads between them for the quarter hours. There are many different types of nursing bracelets. They vary in style and color just as much as the moms who use them. Unfortunately, they also vary in price–from cheap to extremely expensive. Believe it or not, there are nursing bracelets for $30 and more!
But why pay good money for something you can make yourself? Yes, you can make your own nursing bracelet. Not only will it be cheaper, but you’ll enjoy it more. After all, you made it, and chose the colors, designs, and type of beads and string or wire. So you can create your nursing bracelet to fit you and your baby.
Here are basic instructions for making your own nursing bracelet.
What you need to Create a Nursing Bracelet
Strong piece of ribbon, wire or elastic. If you choose ribbon or wire, make sure it’s long enough to tie around your wrist. Elastic can be stretched, but also make sure it’s comfortable.
Beads you like. You can use number or letter beads of different colors, or create your own design. Some people use animal beads instead of numbers, so the bracelet seems more decorative than functional. Do what works best for you.
A clip-on charm, etc. This should be something you can easily clip on the bracelet. You’ll use it as a marker, placing it at the bead representing the time of your last feeding.
How to make a Nursing Bracelet
1. Knot the ribbon, wire, or elastic to keep the beads on.
2. String a starter bead.
3. String your first number bead, or whatever you’re using to represent the numbers of a clock. This is 1:00.
4. Put on three other beads. These represent 1:15, 1:30, and 1:45.
5. String the second number bead, for 2:00.
6. String three beads for 2:15, 2:30, and 2:45.
7. Continue until you’re strung enough beads to reach 12:45.
8. After your 12:45 bead, string a bead like your starter bead.
9. Knot the end of the bracelet. If you’re using elastic, knot the ends together in addition to making an end knot. For ribbon, knot the end, and make sure there’s enough room to tie it on your wrist. And for wire, after you make the end knot, twist the ends together, and push them under your last bead, so the ends don’t poke you or your baby. (Wire really shouldn’t be used for nursing bracelets, but many companies and moms still use it.)
10. Put on your nursing bracelet, clip on the marker, and remember to use it!
Nursing bracelets don’t have to be expensive. They’re fun to make and can also be a keep-sake item for you or your baby. Some mothers use beads the color of their babies’ birth stones, etc. Making a nursing bracelet is also relaxing, and what new mom doesn’t need to relax?
