Baby feeding cover up

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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Breastfeeding Products | products for breastfeeding |

There are many baby care products, accessories and clothes on the market. But which ones are really necessary for breastfeeding? More on this in our helpful list.

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If you are planning to breastfeed, the right kit will make it so much easier. However, it is not so easy to understand which accessories are really needed for this, and which ones can be dispensed with. To help you, we have divided the whole breastfeeding period into several stages, as your needs are likely to change over time. In addition, we asked breastfeeding moms for tips and tricks on the most useful nursing accessories.

Breastfeeding supplies for the early days

The first few days after your baby is born can be stressful, so it's best to prepare ahead of time. Here are some things you're sure to need, whether you're staying in the hospital for a few days or heading straight home:

nursing bras, nursing night bras and nursing tops;
nursing nightgowns or pajamas;
breastfeeding pillow;
disposable or reusable bra pads;
diapers;
nipple remedy for dry skin and cracks;
shapers* for flat or inverted nipples;
book on breastfeeding;
contacts of a lactation consultant, supervising doctor or hotline.

If you are having trouble breastfeeding, your lactation consultant or healthcare provider may recommend the following accessories:

Nursing pads* if your baby cannot latch on or your nipples are sore. Do not use nursing pads for a long time. If you have any problems or pain, contact your lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.

Breast pump** to relieve symptoms of breast swelling and/or stimulate milk production.
Some mums like to use the cooling hydrogel pads* which provide relief in the first days after delivery, especially when milk begins to flow.

Nursing Tips

“Pillows help a lot to support your back, legs and arms. I also need bra pads in case of milk leaks, a nursing bra and loose tops for quick access to the breasts (I converted regular quality bras into nursing bras that better support the breasts). And we also used a sling all the time,” advises Zaria, a mother of two from South Africa.

“Hydrogel pads were my number one product. They were given to me in the first days of breastfeeding, so I never had sore or cracked nipples. I highly recommend hydrogel pads and buy them for anyone who plans to breastfeed,” shares her experience Camilla, a mother from Australia.

“You absolutely need someone to bring you something to drink. I kept forgetting to prepare myself a glass of water before feeding!” says Meg, mother of two from France.

Thermos to drink hot while sitting in bed. Delicious food and light snacks. My mother-in-law cooked me amazing beef stew and delicious pancakes (I had to eat well!). A pillow to put the baby on because I didn't have the strength to hold it. A comfortable chair, a nightlight for feeding at night and a pillow to sit on (I had stitches - not a pleasant feeling!) ”advises Felicia, a mother of two from the UK.

“A caring spouse, girlfriend or grandmother to bring tea and anything else you might need while you sit and feed. And also an e-book to read with one hand!” says Julie, a mom from Spain.

Initial Breastfeeding Supplies

You and your baby will likely get comfortable with breastfeeding in the first couple of weeks. Feeding will occur frequently and take a long time. Here are some tools that will make your life easier and make breastfeeding more comfortable as your milk production begins to stabilize:

feeding chair;
breastfeeding mobile application;
disposable or reusable bra pads;
breast milk collection pads*;
Large stock of healthy snacks, drinks and ways to pass the time.

Sooner or later you will get bored with the comfort of home and want to start walking with your baby. For tips on breastfeeding outside the home, see our article on breastfeeding in public.

Tips for breastfeeding moms

“For me, the most useful things were breastfeeding bras, disposable bra pads and large diapers to wipe up leaking milk, cover the baby or cover the chest. With cracked nipples, I saved myself with lanolin cream, and loose tops and cardigans made the feeding process easier, ”says Tatiana, mother of three children from Switzerland.

“I find the most useful accessory to be a good quality U-shaped breastfeeding pillow. I also had a rocking chair, in which, at a certain inclination, it was very convenient for me to feed the child. To relax, I always listened to music,” says Violeta, a mother from Romania.

“A sports water bottle that doesn't leak, even when open, so you can put it next to you on a sofa or bed. And also an application to track feedings and remind me which breast I fed last time, ”says Francesca, a mother from the UK.

“Breast milk collection pads that are placed inside a bra to collect leaking milk. I had an overabundance of milk, that was the only way I was saved, ”says Lisa-Maria, a mother of two from Switzerland.

“I really liked the D-ring feeding cover to cover my baby and not distract him when feeding outside the house. The slightly rocking chair turned out to be a great alternative to outrageously expensive rocking chairs. Reusable bra pads, in my opinion, perfectly absorb milk, and diapers, as it turns out, can be used in a thousand ways. I regret that I didn’t buy the Medela Easy Expression bustier, it would have been much easier to pump with it!” says Camilla, a mother from Australia.

Breastfeeding accessories for pumping

During breastfeeding, you may need a breast pump to express your milk. The right type of breast pump depends on the individual case and how much milk you want to get. If you plan to express milk regularly, you may also need:

steam sterilizer, cold water sterilizer, or microwave sterilization bags;
breast milk storage bags;
bustier top for hands-free pumping;
cool bag.

Advice for breastfeeding moms

“At first, when I thought my breasts were about to explode, I used the Medela Electronic Breast Pump** just to get rid of excess milk without overstimulating my breasts. He made my life a lot easier,” says Tatiana, a mother of three from Switzerland.

“I used a Medela Freestyle Dual Electronic Breastpump** to increase my milk supply and fixed it with an Easy Expression bustier to keep my hands free. It turned out to be a wonderful decision,” says Amy, a mother from the UK.

Read instructions before use. Consult a specialist about possible contraindications.

* RC No. FZ 2010/07352 dated 07/19/2010

** RC No. FZ 2010/06525 dated 03/17/2021

Breastfeeding in public places | Tips for breastfeeding moms

Open breastfeeding in public takes some getting used to. Here are some tips to help you and your baby feel more confident

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The beauty of breastfeeding is that everything you need is always at your fingertips: you can feed your baby wherever you are, and the milk temperature will always be just right. But while there's nothing more natural than breastfeeding, the very idea of breastfeeding in front of everyone, especially the first time, can be a little unsettling. Whether you are worried about what others will think or not, our tips will help you prepare for this event.

1: Rehearse

If you are embarrassed by the prospect of breastfeeding your baby for the first time in a public place, practice in front of a mirror at home to imagine how you will look from the outside. You will surely notice that the chest is not so open at the same time: it is blocked by the head of the child.

First, try breastfeeding in public in a friendly environment. In the company of other mothers or in a cafe with a friend, you will obviously be more comfortable than alone in the train or in a noisy shopping center.

2: Dress comfortably

When it comes to comfortable clothing for breastfeeding in general and in public places in particular, there are many options. If breastfeeding is going well and you intend to continue, it's worth picking up a few pieces of nursing clothing that will make feeding easier.

“I had a very comfortable nursing shirt. It was possible to discreetly feed the child in it even in winter, since nothing had to be removed. Just put the baby on the slit in the T-shirt and you're done. You can feed anywhere and anytime!” says Caroline, mother of two from France.

However, it is not necessary to buy special nursing clothes - you can just wear two regular T-shirts. “I solved the problem with a stretch blouse that I wore under a loose top. When it was necessary to feed the child, I pulled the jacket under my chest and lifted the top. He covered my chest, and the jacket - my stomach. So it was possible to feed discreetly anywhere, while not freezing and not showing anyone your tummy that sagged after childbirth,” recalls Suzanne, a mother of two children from the UK.

Other handy options are tops and dresses with buttons or front zips, with straps or side slits. You can also try wraparound styles, collar collars or shawl collars.

“Wrap-around cardigans have been a lifesaver when I have to feed in public,” says Natalie, a UK mom. - I just untied one floor and covered my baby's head with it during feeding or when she cried. And you didn’t have to carry anything with you to disguise.”

3: Know your surroundings

Before you go anywhere with your baby, make a list of good feeding places in advance so you don't have to rush around looking for them at the last minute. Shopping malls, department stores and children's clothing stores often have mother and baby rooms where you can feed your baby in peace and quiet, sitting on a comfortable chair, or use the changing table. Many cafes and hotel restaurants also try to create comfortable conditions for nursing mothers.

“If you're worried, look ahead for breastfeeding friendly places so you know where to go if you need to. Feeding in public can be difficult at first, but over time it gets better and better. And then you do it so quickly and imperceptibly that people around you don’t even realize that you are breastfeeding a baby, ”says Rachel, a mother from the Maldives.

Other potentially suitable locations are fitting rooms in department stores, furniture stores, community centers, libraries, museums, and parks. Ask around moms you know - they can probably share their experience about suitable feeding places nearby.

“In the UAE, children under the age of two are legally allowed to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is highly encouraged here, shopping malls have dedicated facilities for breastfeeding, and mothers who breastfeed in public places like restaurants are treated with respect,” says Fay, mother of two from the UAE.

4: Try a breastfeeding cape

Some moms prefer to cover themselves and their baby with a cape when breastfeeding in public. The choice here is huge - from simple shawls and ponchos to special capes and aprons with a rigid semicircular hole on top, which allows you to watch the baby during feeding. There is a solution for every taste. And you can also feed your baby in a sling or carrier - this is both convenient and shelters you from prying eyes.

“I recommend buying a carrier,” says Caroline, mother of two in the US. “With a little practice, you can feed on the go, without looking up from other things.”

However, the last word often rests with the baby. Some babies do not tolerate any capes when feeding, and someone, on the contrary, is distracted if he is not covered. “Both of my babies didn’t like it when I tried to cover them with a shawl during feeding, so I just had to rely on their heads to cover their breasts enough,” recalls Esther, mother of two from the UK.

5: Know your rights

Breastfeeding in all public places is legal in many countries. Moreover, there are laws aimed at protecting breastfeeding mothers. If you are not sure if there are such laws in your country, search the Internet for information. The best place to start is with the websites of government and health agencies. Or try asking your doctor. You can also ask familiar mothers, friends and relatives about their own experiences. The answers may surprise you.

"Breastfeeding is widely accepted in Australia, and it's quite normal to sit bare-chested in a cafe while a nice waiter takes your order for a fat-free latte!" says Amy, mother of two from Australia.

If someone is upset that you are breastfeeding your baby in a public place, politely remind them of your rights. If you believe that asking you not to breastfeed in a store, cafe, or similar establishment violates your rights, you can file a formal complaint—if you are willing and supported by local law.