Best Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding: 8 Incredible Options
Breastfeeding is a natural part of parenting. Most health organizations recommend that your child is exclusively breastfed, with no solid foods, until six months old. Then, they recommend that parents continue to breastfeed until two years old.
Sooner or later, you will realize that you can’t stay home all day and you have to nurse out in public. It could be your family’s house or at a restaurant. Either way, your baby doesn’t wait until you arrive back at home to decide he is hungry. If you are uncomfortable with nursing in public, you may want to purchase the best nursing cover for breastfeeding.
For some people, breastfeeding in public isn’t an issue. For other mothers, breastfeeding around strangers can make them feel shy and uncomfortable. No matter your choice, purchasing nursing clothes and a cover make it a lot easier. Luckily, companies understand this need and offer mothers a lot of choices for nursing covers.
Easy Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
After breastfeeding three kids, one whom is still nursing, nursing in public feels like second nature. I still remember the first time that I did so. My entire family went to a restaurant for my sister’s birthday, and we joined, along with my two weeks old. I was petrified.
Soon enough, our daughter decided she was starving. Right now. My palms started to sweat, and I pulled out my nursing cover. I had never used it, but it couldn’t be too hard, right? I put it on and grabbed my daughter. I tried to latch her on, but I couldn’t see what I was doing. I looked down the neck portion, and she was angry. After about five frightful minutes, all was well. This story leads me to my first piece of advice.
- Practice at Home: I struggled using a nursing cover because I didn’t know how to use it. They truly aren’t hard. Some babies don’t like them, but many can learn to adapt. I highly suggest that you try using a cover at home so that you feel more comfortable out in public using one.
- Wear Nursing Clothes: No one should ever make you feel ashamed for nursing. Breastfeeding isn’t nasty; it is natural. Breastfeeding in public can be done in a discreet, elegant manner, with or without a cover. I highly suggest that you purchase clothes that make it easier to breastfeed. You can wear any top that you like and wear a breastfeeding tank top underneath. This ensures the top portion of your breast is covered and your stomach. A nursing bra is a must!
- Try Babywearing: One way to nurse in public without drawing any attention is to use a baby carrier. Ring slings are very easy to use. No one will have any idea! You can also use structured carriers, such as the Tula Baby, to breastfeed. I nurse my toddler in a Tula all the time; no one has ever noticed!
- Watch for Hunger Cues: My second mistake that fateful day was that I waited until my daughter was very hungry to get her to the breast. When you are out in public, it is best to watch for hunger cues, such as sucking on fists. At first sight, bring your baby to breast. Both of you will be much more relaxed, making the experience easier.
- Find Support: In the beginning, I only went out with my husband or close family members who supported my desire to breastfeed. They gave me the support I needed when I wanted to cry. If I needed to step away, they helped. Support is crucial!
Reasons to Use a Nursing Cover
You might wonder if there are any reasons to use a nursing cover beside adding extra privacy. I can think of a few reasons you might want to try a cover.
- Too Much Milk: When you have an overabundance of milk, your letdown can be intense. Your breasts are more likely to spray and leak due to being too full. This issue can lead to two problems. First, your baby latches on but then pops off due to the flow being too fast. Your breasts suddenly spray everywhere like a faucet. Another issue is that the breast not in use may leak, which could be an issue especially if you forgot to wear pads.
- Distracted Babies: Some babies from the start are easier to distract from the breast. If your baby happens to hear a loud sound or daddy’s voice, he is likely to come off of the breast and look for dad. At home, it isn’t a problem, but you might flash half of the restaurant this way.
Types of Nursing Covers
Surprisingly, there is more than one type of nursing covers on the market. There is no right or wrong answer. It is simply a matter of preference. Here are the different types you might find on the market.
- Apron Style: You might compare these nursing covers to an apron that you might wear in the kitchen. They are large squares of fabric, typically made with a lightweight fabric. The necklines are rigid, so you can look down and watch your child while he breastfeeds. The neckline also provides ample airflow, which is needed for warmer days.
- Scarves: Nursing scarves look just like a scarf you might wear on a regular basis. Some people prefer not to use the apron style because it is obvious that it is a nursing over. The scarf style covers are versatile and don’t scream “I am nursing my baby!” Nursing scarves are made with lightweight fabrics, and they provide ample coverage over your breasts.
- Poncho Style: If you want everything covered, a poncho style nursing cover will do so. Your front and back are covered. Poncho nursing covers are made with light materials. However, many babies don’t tolerate this style of nursing cover.
Best Nursing Covers for Breastfeeding
Udder Covers
The first on our list is the Udder Covers, one of the most popular choices by mothers. This cover was my first pick when I had my first child! Chances are you know someone who uses an Udder Cover; they are that popular.
Their nursing covers are made with 100% cotton, which is a fantastic choice for a breathable material. Cotton is perfect for summer because it allows air to flow in and out. Synthetic materials hold in the air, so don’t go for those in the hot temperatures.
If the Udder Cover happens to get dirty, you can simply put it in the washing machine with the rest of your weekly laundry. There are no special washing instructions, so it is simple to maintain.
Udder Covers have a rigid neckline that allows you to keep an eye on your baby while he is nursing. This feature is necessary for latching on. Otherwise, your baby might latch somewhere other than your breast, and that is never a fun experience. These covers stand out because the necklace stays rigid. Most of the time, they flop around, making it hard to see.
You can purchase Udder Covers in very simple and classy patterns and colors. Some companies make their nursing covers with loud and obnoxious colors that make it obvious to the entire restaurant that you are breastfeeding. With the low price of an Udder Cover, you could purchase more than one, so you also have one in your bag or your car.
Dria Nursing Cover
If you have a higher budget and want to buy a poncho style nursing cover, the Dria Nursing Cover is the top of the line choice. You could also wear it as a top if you wanted, and you wouldn’t have to bring another item with you in the diaper bag.
Mothers love the Dria Nursing Cover because it is a stylish choice. It doesn’t scream nursing cover to everyone around you. They made the cover with a fashionable, jersey style t-shirt material. It is breathable, so you don’t have to worry about sweating everywhere. However, there is a lot of material, so it might not be the choice you want to make for warmer months.
Something else to note is that the Dria Cover is made with 100% modal. It is lightweight and soft, but it is a synthetic material. It breathes better than typical synthetic fabric, and the stretch is incredible! The fabric allows it to keep its shape indefinitely. Plus, it never wrinkles. I love this feature because my nursing covers typically end up like a ball at the bottom of my diaper bags.
The last negative to this nursing cover is that there is no structured neckline. It can be hard to see your baby to help him latch on or just simply to make sure all is well. However, if you want a poncho style cover, the Dria Nursing Cover is the top of the line.
Qaqadu Nursing Cover
Parents love to purchase versatile products. It is awesome when you can buy something that performs many tasks instead of wasting money on multiple items. The Qaqadu is a multi-purpose nursing cover that is designed like a breastfeeding scarf. It is flexible and stretchable, as well as soft and lightweight.
The Qaqadu has endless possibilities, or so it feels. You can use it as a stroller cover, car seat canopy, infinity scarf, poncho, high chair cover, shopping cart cover, and more! That is a lot of functions for one item! All you need to do is bring this nursing cover with you, and all of those are covered!
If privacy is a huge issue for you, the Qaqadu offers 360-degree protection. You will feel fully private, and no one will be able to see anything while in breastfeed in public. The cover also keeps your baby safe from the environment and germs. You can use it to cover up the car seat when it is time for a nap or to stop the wind from hitting the baby in the face!
This nursing cover is machine washable, so you just stick it in the washer if it gets dirty. The only downside to this nursing cover is that it will hold in the heat. Due to the materials used to make this cover, it might be too warm during the summer time. It covers a large portion of your body.
Quality Nursing Cover Scarves – 2 Set
If you want to try nursing scarves that have smaller dimensions than the Qaqadu, these scarves come in a set of two and are very affordable. They offer a versatile solution for mothers who want to breastfeed without the huge covers.
One of the reasons we love these nursing scarves is that they are made with a lightweight material, perfect for summer time. You don’t have to worry about overheating during a nursing session if you are outside. The scarves are made with a polyester and cotton blend. The cotton helps the material breathe and provide airflow. The polyester adds a lovely stretch and bounce to the material that makes it extremely soft.
The scarves are sold in a gray and black color scheme, so they will match almost any outfit you put together. After use, you can put them in the washing machine for easy cleanup.
These scarves offer mothers an item that can be used in multiple functions. You can use it as a stylish, fashion accessories, stroller cover or car seat cover. Unlike other nursing covers, you can get your money back guaranteed. I love that feature!
There aren’t many negatives to consider. It would be nice if the manufacturer created the cover in only two colors. Ideally, you would be able to select what color nursing scarf you wanted for the day to match your outfit! However, the price of these nursing scarves is affordable, and you get two!
360 Full Coverage Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding
Perhaps you liked the Dria Nursing Cover, but it is out of your price range. You are in luck. The 360 Full Coverage Nursing Cover is highly rated and loved by mothers. Instead of being an apron style cover, it is a fashionable poncho that provides ample coverage while out and about.
There are quite a few positive reasons to purchase this nursing cover. It is made of breathable cotton, so you don’t have to worry about being too hot. However, all nursing ponchos may not be the best choice for a hot summer.
Unlike other ponchos, the manufacturer designed this nursing cover to have a wider neckline, allowing you to see your baby at all times. At the same time, you still are appropriately covered. You can purchase this nursing poncho in three different colors. At this price, you could purchase all three and still be a few dollars under the cost of the Dria Nursing Cover!
This poncho is generously sized, so it fits all mothers. It is even large enough to use when nursing a toddler. However, if you have a very long torso, it may not be long enough for you to use as a shirt if you are out.
Bebe Au Lait Organic Cotton Nursing Cover
Bebe Au Lait makes one of the most popular choices, loved by hundreds of mothers. It is an apron-style nursing cover that is stylish but still functional. The reason that Bebe Au Lait stands out because it is made with 100% organic cotton. It also has two terry cloth pockets for cleanup and storage.
It features a lot of other nice things such as the patented Rigiflex Open Neckline and Interlocking Cap System. The cap system makes sure there are no sharp edges that could potentially harm your child. It prevents poke-throughs. Bebe Au Lait has received awards for their features, making it a favorite since 2004. You can see your child at all times because of the rigid neckline. It allows you to make eye contact with your baby while nursing, which promotes eye contact.
You can purchase the nursing cover in three different colors. If your nursing cover gets dirty, all you have to do is put it in the washing machine. I love this feature; we all know that babies make everything dirty. If you prefer to have your child around organic fabric, the Bebe Au Lait is the best choice.
Tykes & Tails Multi-Use Breastfeeding Infinity Nursing Cover
Tykes & Tails sells a highly rated, affordable nursing scarf for mothers that comes in 13 different colors! At this awesome price, you could buy a few of them in different colors to match your outfits.
Not only does it work as a nursing scarf, but you can also wear it as an infinity scarf when you don’t have your baby with you. It is a fantastic, versatile purchase, and it makes a wonderful gift for expecting mothers. If you happen to get your nursing scarf dirty, it is machine washable, another great feature.
Tykes & Tails makes their infinity nursing cover with lightweight, soft and breathable fabric. In the summer months, it will be cooler than your average cover. At the same time, you will still have ample coverage. The material is stretchy and will move with you and your baby, especially as he becomes more active. Many mothers note just how soft it is; they love that!
There are plenty of other reasons to love this nursing scarf! They offer 30 days no questions asked return policy. They are a company based in the USA, located in Texas; it feels great to support a small business!
Kids N’ Such Stretchy 4-in-1
The last choice for the best nursing cover for breastfeeding is a 4-in-1 product created by Kids N’ Such. You can use this as a car seat canopy, nursing cover, shopping cart cover and a high chair cover. They created it in multiple lovely colors and prints.
If you purchase the Kids N’ Such cover, you are doing so because you want to use it for more than just nursing. Everyone loves this car seat cover. You can easily peek in the top to view your child. They made the cover from a high-quality rayon blend, allowing it to stretch around your child’s car seat easily. The blend also allows the fabric to breathe in the summer time, but it cuts down on the cold wind during the winter.
As a nursing cover, the Kids N’ Such is soft and stretchy, providing 360 degrees of coverage while breastfeeding. sIf you are concerned about modesty while nursing, this nursing cover will stay in place the entire time, creating a nice snug place for your baby to nurse.
There are multiple ways for you to wear the nursing cover. You can wear it with one arm out of the cover, or both arms in depending on what you prefer! When you have just one arm in, it provides you with more movability to do other things at the same time.
While the Kids N’ Such Nursing Cover wasn’t originally intended to be used as an infinity scarf, many mothers noted how well it works for this purpose. The beautiful colors and patterns make it the perfect accessory for an outfit while out and about. It is no wonder that these are one of the most popular choices for nursing covers! They are so versatile and can be used in so many ways.
Conclusion
The first thing you have to do is decide what style will work best for you. There is no right or wrong answer. You may want an apron style, nursing scarf, or you might prefer a poncho nursing cover. Decide which is best for you then making the final decision is much easier.
Don’t forget to look at the type of material used. If you live in a region with warmer temperatures, it would be best to ensure you pick a cover that won’t be too hot during the summer. No matter your choice, the best nursing cover for breastfeeding will help you feel more confident breastfeeding in public.