Baby breast feeding cover
Best Nursing Covers of 2023
When baby is hungry, they’ll let you know it—regardless of whether you’re at home or out and about. And while it would be wonderful if there were clean, comfy nursing rooms on every corner, there will be times when you’ll have to find the closest spot to sit and breastfeed your ravenous little one. This is when a nursing cover can come in handy.
Are nursing covers necessary? Absolutely not! While the specific laws differ from state to state, all moms across the country have the legal right to breastfeed in public. But while some moms are at ease with public breastfeeding from day one, others feel more comfortable having a little coverage. Plus, certain babies nurse better when they’re under a nursing cover and less distracted by all the sights and sounds around them.
Types of Nursing Covers
If you’re in the market for a nursing cover, keep in mind that there are a few types. These are the different styles available, so you can pick the best nursing cover that suits your needs:
- Nursing shawl.
This option looks just like a “normal” shawl, in that it’s a large piece of fabric that can be draped across the shoulders and used for warmth as well as discreet nursing. Strategically placed buttons let you fully cover baby within the folds of the fabric.
- Nursing poncho. These are made from a single piece of fabric that slips over your head and covers the front, sides and back, providing slip-free coverage for nursing.
- Nursing scarf. This style can be worn around the neck when you’re not nursing, and then draped across your shoulders and over baby’s head when it’s time to feed.
- Nursing apron. These nursing covers aren’t designed to be worn as regular clothing pieces, since they look like aprons that tie around your neck and drape over baby. The benefit of nursing aprons? The slightly structured neckline allows for ventilation and an easy view of your nursing babe, and many designs include pockets for any breastfeeding accessories.
What to Consider When Buying a Nursing Cover
When choosing the best nursing cover to bring along, consider your needs—and baby’s too. Will you be using the cover just for nursing, or are you looking for a more multipurpose item? Many nursing covers now double as car seat covers, wearable fashion statements or even grocery cart covers.
Best Nursing Covers
Ready to start browsing the options? Below we’ll introduce you to some of the best nursing covers you can buy now, no matter what you’re looking for.
Overall best nursing cover
Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Multi-Use Cover in Summit
Seasoned parents will agree that multi-use items are a busy parent’s best friend! And that's precisely why the Copper Pearl breastfeeding cover is our choice for the best nursing cover on the market. It’s a five-in-one option that can be used as a nursing cover, infant car seat cover, shopping cart seat cover, high chair cover and infinity scarf. The poncho-style design gives you full coverage while still providing easy access to your little one, in case you need to adjust your latch or reposition.
Copper Pearl’s nursing cover is made of a super-soft, stretchy rayon blend and comes in a variety of trendy prints.
What We Love
- Multipurpose product that can be used five ways
- Lots of patterns and prints
Things To Consider
- It can be hard to see baby to correct latch
Best nursing blanket
Aden & Anais Muslin Swaddle Blanket, 4-pack
Aden & Anais’ super-soft and oversized muslin blankets are beloved by parents, and they certainly don’t disappoint if you’re looking to stash a nursing blanket into your diaper bag. Arriving in a pack of four, Aden & Anais blankets can be found in a ton of fun colors and patterns, and are perfect for just about any parenting task, from swaddling to nursing to diapers changes to providing a clean spot for baby to practice some tummy time. And with generous dimensions (44” by 44”), they’re large enough to drape over your shoulder for a touch of privacy while nursing.
What We Love
- Blankets can be used for just about anything
- Super-soft and breathable fabric
Things To Consider
- A little hard to position for privacy
Best nursing poncho
Bee+roo women’s classic weight poncho
Looking for a bit of luxury in your day? Check out this cashmere beauty by bee+roo. Voted the top nursing cover in the 2022 Best of Pregnancy awards, this poncho is incredibly soft and stylish. Made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, the natural fabric is touchably soft and breathable. The classic weight can be used all year round, but it also comes in a lighter knit for spring and summer. While it’s a relatively expensive item, this nursing poncho can be used as a nursing cover-up, baby blanket, car seat cover or simply as a fashionable accessory.
What We Love
- Beautiful, fashion-forward design
- The cashmere material can get a bit warm
Things To Consider
- Expensive option
Best nursing scarf
LK Baby Infinity Nursing Scarf in Heathered Grey
A nursing scarf makes a great choice for parents who don’t want yet another thing to stash in the diaper bag.
Instead, you can simply wear it around your neck for a fashion statement that’s super-useful too. If you’re on the hunt for true value, the LK Baby Infinity Nursing Scarf is one of the best nursing cover options for those on a tight budget. This soft jersey knit infinity nursing scarf can easily be thrown over any outfit and positioned over one or both shoulders for full coverage when nursing. It’s lightweight, breathable and comes in heather gray and navy blue.
What We Love
- Low price point
- You can wear it on one shoulder or two
Things To Consider
- Only available in two color options
Best nursing shawl
Bamboobies Women’s Chic Nursing Shawl
This option from Bamboobies stands out as a best nursing cover, thanks to the fact that few people will ever guess its real purpose. This simple, chic cover looks like a normal shawl you’d find in any closet, and it has a flattering drape that’s perfect for all shapes and sizes.
Still, you can rest assured that it provides plenty of coverage for a nursing baby. Made of a soft, sustainable bamboo blend, it even offers UPF 50+ protection for when you’re nursing in the sun.
What We Love
- Super-soft sustainable material
- Looks like a regular shawl
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Things To Consider
- Some taller moms say they wish it was a bit longer
Best nursing apron
Bebe au Lait Muslin Nursing Cover in Atherton
Bebe au Lait’s apron is made of lightweight, breathable muslin to keep baby (and mom) cool, making this one of the best nursing covers out there. The flexible neckline ensures that baby gets plenty of air, and allows you and your little one to maintain eye contact during feedings. (After all, breastfeeding is a great bonding experience!) A nice extra feature: The whole cover folds up into a portable mini-pouch for easy storage when you’re on the go.
What We Love
- Design enables you to see baby and offers optimal breathability and air flow
Things To Consider
- Apron style is not very versatile
Best car seat nursing cover
Milk Snob Luxe 5-in-1 Baby Car Seat Cover for Babies
A nursing cover that doubles as a car seat cover offers a great way to not only nurse discreetly, but also to shield baby from all the germs that can circulate in crowded places. Milk Snob’s premium car seat nursing cover makes a great choice, with beautiful colors offered in a stretchy rayon material that easily stretches over just about any car seat brand, shopping cart or even some baby swings. And of course, when it’s time for a public nursing sesh, the Milk Snob cover provides a private environment for baby.
What We Love
- Multipurpose product that can be used five ways
- Beautiful color options
Things To Consider
- Slightly higher price point than many competitors
Best muslin nursing cover
Bebe au Lait Deluxe Infinity Muslin Nursing Scarf in Carmel Bay
No need to stash this nursing cover in your diaper bag—you’ll definitely want to wear this one out! Bebe au Lait’s infinity scarf is lightweight, breathable and proof that breastfeeding cover-ups can look totally chic.
It can be worn wrapped around your neck or draped over your body while you nurse. It’s made of soft cotton muslin fabric, and the roomy construction promotes airflow and allows for eye contact between Mom and baby.
What We Love
- Stylish option
- Soft breathable fabric
Things To Consider
- Limited designs and patterns available
Best knit nursing cover
Seraphine Reversible Green & Grey Two-Tone Maternity & Nursing Wrap Shawl
If you prefer something a bit more luxurious than the standard stretchy nursing cover, Seraphine’s Two-Tone Maternity and Nursing Shawl Wrap is one of the best nursing covers money can buy. The cozy knit shawl is ultra-soft with plenty of stretch for warmth and comfort. We especially love the slim-fit cuffed sleeves and chic sage green color with contrasting gray on the reverse. You’ll look put together and glamorous—no matter how little sleep you may be getting.
What We Love
- Super-stylish option
- Provides ample coverage and a touch of warmth
Things To Consider
- Expensive option
Best organic nursing cover
The Milk and Honey Company Organic Nursing Cover
Your nursing cover is likely to come into contact with baby’s brand-new skin quite often, so you may prefer an organic fabric. If so, the Milk and Honey infinity scarf is the right choice for you. It's handcrafted from 30 percent organic cotton and 70 percent stretchy organic bamboo fibers. This organic nursing cover is only available in an attractive, match-with-anything medium gray.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Breastfeeding 101: How to Breastfeed Baby
The Best Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Best Maternity and Nursing Bras for Every Need
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Multifunctional Nursing Covers | 5-in-1 Nursing Cover-Up – Milk Snob
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This collection features our world famous 5-in-1 cover as featured on ABC’s Shark Tank. The Original Milk Snob cover is multifunctional and can be used in many ways, including a full car seat cover, breastfeeding cover, a cover for high-chairs, infant swings, shopping carts, and more. This is a great alternative to the traditional nursing apron because it provides full 360 coverage and can be used in a variety of ways.
However you choose to use it, you can do so with confidence —our multifunctional nursing covers have been safety tested in the USA and are made with a silky-soft, premium rayon blend fabric material that is stylish, breathable, and come in a variety of neutral and modern designs.
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Different breastfeeding positions
Try different breastfeeding positions to find the one that works best for you and your baby. You can see the options in our selection of photos
Share this information
There is no right or wrong way to hold the baby while feeding
, and mom and baby are sure to find their favorite position.
It is important that both you and your child feel comfortable.
1.2 It's good to learn a few different breastfeeding positions and techniques because life's circumstances often require us to be flexible, especially as your baby gets older and you start to leave the house more often.
Whatever position you choose to breastfeed your baby, remember a few simple rules.
- Prepare everything you need before feeding, including drinks, food, mobile phone, TV remote control, book or magazine. And do not forget to go to the toilet - the feeding process can take a long time!
- Make sure your baby is comfortable. Whichever position you choose, it's important to keep your baby strong, level, and provide good support for their head, neck, and spine.
- You should also be comfortable. Don't stress. If necessary, use pillows of different sizes or rolls of towels to support your back or arms.
- Make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Proper grip is the key to comfort when breastfeeding.
- If your baby does not latch on well or you experience pain while feeding, contact a lactation consultant for help.
The specialist will also be able to show you how to hold your baby more comfortably.
1. Relaxed feeding or reclining position
The relaxed feeding position, also known as biological feeding, 1 is often the first position for most mothers. If, immediately after birth, the baby is placed on the mother’s chest or stomach, normally, he instinctively reaches for the breast and tries to grab the nipple. This phenomenon is known as the breast seeking reflex. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates the infant's feeding instinct, and gravity helps him to latch onto the breast and maintain balance.
But it's not just newborns that can be fed in the reclining position - this position is great for babies of all ages. It can be especially helpful if your baby does not latch well in other positions or does not like to be touched during feeding, and also if you have too much milk flow or too large breasts. Isabelle, a mother from the UK, shares her experience: “I had large breasts, and the baby was born small - 2.
7 kg, so it was not easy to find a comfortable position at first. After a few weeks, it became clear that there was no “correct” posture for me. As a result, I most often fed lying down, putting the baby on my chest. ”
It is more convenient to feed not lying flat on your back, but half-sitting, leaning on pillows. So you will have a back support and you will be able to watch the baby during feeding.
2. Cradle position
This is the classic
first thought of breastfeeding. Mom sits
straight, and the baby lies on her side on her arm, pressing his stomach against her stomach. 3 Although this is a very popular position, it is not always easy to master with newborns because it gives the baby less support. Try putting a pillow under your back, and put a special breastfeeding pillow on your knees and lean on it with your hands. So you can more reliably support the child, without overstraining your back and shoulders. Just make sure that the baby does not lie too high on the pillow for feeding.
The breast should remain at a natural level so that the baby can grab it without effort, otherwise sore nipples cannot be avoided.
“I breastfed in the cradle position because it suited me perfectly! It was comfortable and I loved just sitting and looking at my little one,” recalls Rachel, a mother of two from Italy.
3. Cross Cradle
This breastfeeding position looks almost the same as Cradle, but the baby is on the other arm. 3 This gives baby support around the neck and shoulders so he can tilt his head to latch on. This position is great for breastfeeding newborns and small babies, as well as for babies who do not latch well. Since the baby lies completely on the other hand, it becomes easier to control his position and you can adjust the chest with your free hand.
Julie, a UK mother of two, finds this position very practical: “I usually breastfeed my youngest in the cross cradle position. So I have a free second hand, and I can take care of an older baby at the same time.
”
Do not hold the baby's head at first, otherwise you may inadvertently press his chin against his chest. Because of this, the child will not be able to take the breast deeply, because the nipple will rest against the base of the tongue, and not against the palate, which will lead to inflammation of the nipples. As the child grows, this position becomes more comfortable, and he can rest his head on your palm (as shown in the photo above).
4. Underarm breastfeeding
In this position, also known as the "ball grip", the mother sits with the baby lying along her arm at the side, legs towards the back of a chair (or any other seat). 3 Another comfortable position for newborn breastfeeding, you can give your baby good support, full control of his position and a good view of his face. And the baby feels safe in close contact with the mother's body. This position is especially good for those who have had a caesarean section or a premature birth, as well as mothers of twins and women with large breasts.
“When I breastfed my first daughter, I had very large K-sized breasts—twice the size of her head,” recalls Amy, an Australian mother of two. - I put rolls of towels under each breast, because they were very heavy, and fed my daughter in a pose from under the arm, but only sitting straighter so as not to crush her. This position was also convenient because I had a caesarean section and could not put the baby on my stomach.”
5. Side-lying position
The side-lying position is ideal for a relaxed
nighttime feeding in bed or on the couch. If you had a
caesarean section or ruptures during childbirth, this position may be more comfortable than sitting down. 3 In this position, mother and baby lie side by side, tummy to tummy.
“It was difficult for me to sit during endless night feedings, firstly because of the caesarean section, and secondly because of lack of sleep,” recalls Francesca, a mother from the UK. “And then I discovered that you can feed your baby lying on your side and rest at the same time.
”
“Because of the short tongue frenulum, Maisie could only properly latch on to her breasts while lying on her side. The lactation consultant showed me how it's done. In this position, the flow of milk was optimal for my daughter, and it was easier for her to keep the nipple in her mouth. As she got older, she became much better at grabbing her breasts in normal positions,” says Sarah, mother of two from Australia.
6. Relaxed breastfeeding after caesarean section
If you can't find a comfortable position for breastfeeding after caesarean section, 3 try to hold the baby on the shoulder while reclining — this does not put pressure on the postoperative suture and allows you to breastfeed the baby comfortably. You can also try side feeding.
7. Sitting upright breastfeeding or “koala pose”
When breastfeeding in an upright position or “koala pose”, the baby sits with a straight back and a raised head on the mother's hip. 4 This position can be tried even with a newborn if it is well supported, but it is especially convenient for feeding an older child who can already sit up by himself.
The upright sitting position, or “koala pose,” is great for toddlers who suffer from reflux or ear infections and feel better sitting. In addition, this pose may be suitable for children with a shortened frenulum of the tongue or reduced muscle tone.
“When my daughter got a little older, I would often feed her in an upright position, which was more comfortable for both of us, and I could still hold her close,” recalls Peggy, a mother from Switzerland. “Besides, it was possible to discreetly breastfeed her in public places.”
8. Overhanging position
In this position, the baby lies on his back, and the mother bends over him
on all fours so that the nipple falls directly into his mouth. 4 Some mothers say that this breastfeeding position is good to use occasionally for mastitis, when touching the breasts is especially unpleasant. Some say that this breastfeeding position helps with blockage of the milk ducts, although there is no scientific evidence for this yet.
You can also feed in the “overhanging” position while sitting, kneeling over the baby on a bed or sofa, as well as reclining on your stomach with support on your elbows. Pillows of various sizes that you can lean on will help you avoid back and shoulder strain.
“I have breastfed several times in the 'overhang' position for clogged milk ducts when no other means of dissolving the blockage worked. And this pose seems to have helped. I think it's because of gravity, and also because the breasts were at a completely different angle than with normal feeding, and my daughter sucked her differently, ”says Ellie, a mother of two from the UK.
Feeding in the "overhanging" position is unlikely to be practiced regularly, but in some cases this position may be useful.
“I used to breastfeed in the overhang position when my baby was having trouble latch-on,” says Lorna, mother of two in the UK. - This, of course, is not the most convenient way, but then I was ready for anything, if only he could capture the chest.
We succeeded and have been breastfeeding for eight months now!”
9. Breastfeeding in a sling or in a sling
Breastfeeding in a sling takes some practice, but it can be used to go out, look after older children, or even do a little household chores.
The sling is also useful if the baby does not like to lie down or is often attached to the breast. Lindsey, a mother of two in the US, notes: “I used the carrier frequently for both of my children. When we were out, I tied the sarong around my neck and covered the carrier with it. Under such a cape, the baby can eat as much as he wants until he falls asleep.
This breastfeeding position is best when the baby is already good at breastfeeding and can hold his head up by himself. Any slings are suitable for breastfeeding, including elastic and rings, as well as carrying bags. Whatever option you choose, the main thing is that you can always see the face of the child, and his chin does not rest against his chest.
10. Double hand-held breastfeeding
Double hand-held breastfeeding (or “double-ball grab”) is great for mothers of twins—you can breastfeed both at the same time and still have relatively free hands. 4 When feeding in this position, it is advisable to use a special pillow for breastfeeding twins, especially at first. It will provide extra support and help keep both babies in the correct position, as well as reduce the burden on the abdomen if you had a caesarean section. In addition, the hands are freer, and if necessary, you can deal with one child without interfering with the second.
“My twins were born very tiny and had to be fed every two hours at any time of the day or night. Very soon it became clear: if I want to do anything besides feeding, I need to feed them both at the same time, - says Emma, mother of two children from the UK. “I breastfed them two by hand using a breastfeeding pillow.”
Other good positions for breastfeeding twins are two criss-cross cradles, one baby in the cradle and the other close at hand, reclining feeding, or sitting upright (one baby on one side, the other on the other).
11. Feeding in the “hand-supported breast” or “dancer's hand” position
muscle tone (which is typical for premature babies, children suffering from various diseases or Down syndrome), try supporting his head and your chest at the same time. 4 Grasp your chest with your palm underneath so that your thumb is on one side and all the fingers are on the other. Move your hand slightly forward so that your thumb and forefinger form a "U" just in front of your chest. With the other three fingers, continue to support the chest. With your thumb and forefinger, hold the baby's head while feeding so that his chin rests on the part of the palm between them, your thumb gently holds the baby on one cheek, and your index finger on the other. So the baby gets excellent support, and you can control his position and see if he is holding his breast.
Literature
1 Colson SD et al. Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding. Early Hum Dev . 2008;84(7):441-449. - Colson S.D. et al., "Optimal Positions for Provoking Primitive Innate Reflexes to Induce Breastfeeding." Early Hume Dev. 2008;84(7):441-449.
2 UNICEF UK BFHI [ Internet ]. Off to the best start ; 2015 [ cited 2018 Feb ]. - UNICEF UK, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, Start the Best You Can [Internet]. 2015 [cited February 2018].
3 Cadwell K. Latching - On and Suckling of the Healthy Term Neonate: Breastfeeding Assessment. J Midwifery & Women's Health. 2007;52(6):638-642. — Cadwell, K., "Latching and sucking in healthy newborns: evaluation of breastfeeding." F Midwifery Women Health. 2007;52(6):638-642.
4 Wambach K, Riordan J, editors.
