Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to feed your baby with many benefits.
Unfortunately, there’s an annoying and embarrassing problem that comes with the territory:
Leaking breasts.
You hear a baby cry on the radio and the next thing you know, you’ve got two telltale wet patches on your shirt slowly expanding. Eek.
It’s bad enough dealing with breast milk leaks at home when all you’ll need to do is a little extra washing. But, when you’re out at the grocery store? Or worse, when you’re back at work in a meeting with your boss or a new client?
Nursing pads help save your dignity by soaking up excess milk leakage and many have a waterproof backing that won’t let milk leak through to your shirt.
It’s perfect for the busy mom who doesn’t have time for endless extra washing or keeps forgetting to carry that spare cardigan in summer to hide the evidence… (aka every mom)
Note: this blog post probably contains affiliate links, which means we may receive small commissions from purchases made through links in this post (at NO extra cost to you). You can read our full disclosure for more information.
Our Top Nursing Pad Recommendations
Eco Washable Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads
BEST ORGANIC OPTION
Bamboobies Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding
BEST WASHABLE ALL-ROUNDER
Rebabies Eco-Friendly Organic Bamboo No-Leak Bra Pads
BEST BABY SHOWER GIFT
Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads
BEST DISPOSABLE ALL-ROUNDER
NUK Ultra Thin Disposable Nursing Pads
BEST DISPOSABLE FOR LIGHT LEAKAGE
Nanobebe Disposable Nursing Pads
BEST SHAPED DISPOSABLE
Quick Navigation
- What are Nursing Pads and Why Do You Need Them?
- Types of Nursing Pads
- Benefits of Using Nursing Pads
- What to Look for In a Nursing Pad
- Top 10 Best Nursing Pads
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion and Our Top Recommendation
What Are Nursing Pads and Why Do You Need Them?
Nursing pads are small pads that you stuff into your bra. Hands up f you thought your days of bra stuffing were over with your teenage years…
These nursing pads are super absorbent and stop any breast milk leaks from soaking through your nursing bra and through your shirt. Saving your dignity and your modesty.
But, what’s with the leakage in the first place?
If you’re new to momming it, or haven’t had your baby yet, here’s the deal:
In the early days of nursing, your breasts are doing their best to produce enough milk to keep your baby fed and keep up with demand. For some moms, it seems the boobs try to make enough for twins… or even triplets!
What causes breast milk leaks?
- pressure – when your breasts are full, even the slightest pressure (like cuddling your baby to your chest) can cause leakage.
- your letdown – in the early days, your breasts may feel like they have a hair trigger let down. If you so much as hear a baby cry or think about your baby too much it can trigger your breasts to let down some milk.
There’s no way to tell how much your breasts will leak until your baby arrives and you experience it for yourself. But, most moms do leak at least a little bit in the early days so it’s worth having nursing pads available to control the mess!
You might also be interested in Best Nursing Bras for Large Breasts [Actually Comfortable & Supportive Options]
Types of Nursing Pads – Disposable vs Washable
There are two main types of nursing pads you can buy: disposable or washable. There are pros and cons for both sides and different uses for each.
Here’s the scoop so you can choose what’s right for you:
Disposable Nursing Pads
Disposable nursing pads are similar to an ultra-thin sanitary pad (only smaller and rounded). They have an adhesive backing which helps the nursing pad stay in position in your nursing bra.
Disposable nursing pads tend to be:
- sold in bulk, so you can use and change them as frequently as you want to.
- they stick to your bra so they tend not to shift as much with exercise and activity.
- they are usually plastic backed so are capable of keeping big leaks from going through to your shirt.
On the negative side, disposable pads are:
- not as breathable (because of the plastic backing)
- not environmentally friendly
- can still move, roll down in your nursing bra and get stuck in awkward positions.
- nipples can stick to the nursing pad (which can be painful, but is relatively common with disposable pads)
Washable Nursing Pads
Washable nursing pads are made with cloth and can be washed, dried and reused over and over. They are often constructed with multiple layers that include a relatively waterproof backing, absorbent inner layer and a moisture wicking outer layer that helps keep you feeling dry. However, there are many different brands and the construction differs between them.
Some reasons you might love washable nursing pads are that they are:
- environmentally friendly
- you don’t need to buy more – just wash and reuse
- breathable, less likely to cause thrush
- they tend not to stick to your nipples like disposables can
- most brands get softer with use
On the negative side, washable nursing:
- have to be washed and dried prior to reusing (so you need to make sure you have enough and really keep up with your laundry schedule.
- need to be changed more frequently
- move around more easily during activity as they don’t have a sticky backing
- can leak easier as there’s no plastic backing – some washable pads will leak through the stitching of the seams
- you might need to use special nipple balms designed for washable pads (depending on the brand you buy)
- washable nursing pads are prone to black mould growth if not washed quickly after use and dried correctly. Most washable nursing pads care instructions say to use a machine dryer to ensure that all bacteria and milk residue is sanitized between uses.
How do you decide what nursing pad is right for you?
There’s no one right answer – you might find there are times when you want the convenience of a disposable and other times when you want to use washables.
As a basic guide:
For exercise? Disposables are less likely to move.
For overnights? Washables may be more breathable and comfortable.
Environmentally friendly? Washables win every time.
Avoiding chemicals and plastics? Washables are for you.
3 Benefits of Using Nursing Pads
As a new mom, nursing pads are one of the most helpful things you can have in your bag of tricks to make your life easier.
- minimises the need for washing – it’s much easier to wash (or use and discard) a set of nursing pads than it is to be constantly needing to wash and dry your nursing bras and shirts.
- helps you feel more secure in public – soaking through your shirt can be embarrassing, especially when in public.
- helps tender nipples stay dry and protected from the fabric of your nursing bra – most nursing pads wick the wetness away which can help your nipples feel better. Also, if your nursing bra fabric is a little rough (most aren’t exactly soft) your nursing pads might be softer and nice on sore nipples
What should I look for in nursing pads?
Although most nursing pads are one size fits all, they definitely aren’t! Some moms will prefer different styles and types depending on their needs.
When you choose your nursing pads, keep in mind:
- comfort – are these nursing pads comfortable for you?
- fit – do they provide enough coverage?
- absorbency – are you a heavy leaker? Do you need an overnight style just to get through the day?
- your activity level – do you plan to do a lot of exercise? Or are you very active in day to day life?
- visible under clothes – nursing pads are supposed to be discreet. Are they visible under the usual sort of clothes you wear?
