Baby feeding shawl

10 Nursing Covers We Love for Breastfeeding

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, the reality is 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 state to state, all moms across the country now 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:

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The nursing apron. These nursing covers aren’t designed to be worn as regular clothing pieces, since, as the name implies, 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.

Image: Copper Pearl

Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Multi-Use Cover in Summit

Seasoned moms will agree multi-use items are a busy parent’s best friend. The Copper Pearl cover is a 5-in-1 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 giving you easy access to your little one, in case you need to adjust the latch or reposition. It’s made of a super-soft, stretchy rayon blend and comes in a variety of trendy prints.

Buy it: Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Multi-Use Cover in Summit, $27, buybuyBABY.com

Image: bee+roo

Bee+roo women’s classic weight poncho

How about 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 poncho can be used as a nursing cover-up, baby blanket, car seat cover or simply as a fashionable accessory.

Buy it: Bee+roo women’s classic weight poncho, $148, Maisonette.com

Image: Bebe au Lait

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.

Buy it: Bebe au Lait Muslin Nursing Cover in Atherton, $28, buybuyBABY.com

Image: Seraphine

Seraphine Reversible Green & Grey 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.

Buy it: Seraphine Reversible Green & Grey Maternity & Nursing Wrap Shawl, $99, Seraphine.com

Image: Bamboobies

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 woman’s 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.

Buy it: Bamboobies Women’s Chic Nursing Shawl, $25, Amazon. com

Image: Storq

Storq Mama + BB Nursing Cardigan

For an option you’ll still want to use even after your little one has weaned, this option by Storq is the best nursing cover for you. The oversized fit is right on trend, and it hits near the mid-thigh to provide you with full coverage. Hidden shoulder snaps turn the cardigan into a discreet breastfeeding cover—or you can wear it unbuttoned as a regular open cardigan. Either way, the soft alpaca wool fabric and timeless design make it a wardrobe staple. Available in sizes XS to XXL.

Buy it: Storq Mama + BB Nursing Cardigan, $215, Storq.com

Image: Bebe au Lait

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.

Buy it: Bebe au Lait Deluxe Infinity Muslin Nursing Scarf in Carmel Bay, $29, buybuyBABY.com

Image: LK Baby

Infinity Nursing Scarf in Heathered Grey

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. The soft jersey knit infinity 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.

Buy it: LK Baby Infinity Nursing Scarf, $10, Walmart.com

Image: CoverMe Ponchos

CoverMe Ponchos Plus Size Nursing Cover

The CoverMe Poncho is one of the best nursing cover picks out there for moms size 16 and up. Specifically designed for larger caregivers, the breastfeeding cover has an increased width and height to provide complete coverage. The lightweight, soft fabric keeps moms cool and comfortable while also providing plenty of room for baby to freely nurse. Bonus: This cover-up is available in petite sizes too.

Buy it: CoverMe Ponchos Plus Size Nursing Cover, $38, CoverMePonchos.com

Image: WeeSprout

WeeSprout Nursing Cover

If you often find yourself pumping on the go, you need a nursing cover up that can accommodate all the pump parts. WeeSprout’s 360-degree Nursing Cover keeps everything under wraps. This machine-washable, dryer-safe breastfeeding cover is comfortable, breathable and cut to provide the maximum amount of privacy. Plus, you can also use it as a convenient stroller and car seat cover for baby.

Buy it: WeeSprout Nursing Cover, $21, Amazon.com

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Everything You Need to Know About Breastfeeding in Public

Breastfeeding Tips Every Nursing Mom Should Know

Best Breast Pumps for Every Kind of Mom

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Breastfeeding for beginners | Philips Avent

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because it will take a long time during the first few months of a child's life. In this article, we will discuss all of its main aspects, from the basic principles of breastfeeding to the best tips for effective newborn feeding. nine0015

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, seek the opinion of another specialist.

Basic principles of breastfeeding

Although every baby is different, newborns usually eat every two to three hours, for a total of 8 to 12 times a day. In the first one or two days after birth, babies usually drink 25-50 ml of milk per feeding. This volume will gradually increase to 50-75 ml when the baby is about two weeks old. nine0015

More information on how much a newborn should eat can be found here.

How long does one feeding last?

Again, every baby is different, so there is no set time frame for every newborn. But in general, breastfeeding a newborn takes five minutes to one hour. This time depends on the size, age of the baby and the frequency and duration of feeding the newborn. nine0003

How to start breastfeeding?

In the very first minutes of a child's life, his mother should put the baby on her chest and ensure body contact. This time is called the "golden hour": it is at this hour that a connection is established between mother and child and the newborn's natural instinct to seek the breast manifests itself. As soon as the child begins to show signs of hunger, you need to give him a breast.

Mothers who are just learning to breastfeed their newborns should remember that comfort is key. There is no better way to ensure breastfeeding success than by creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for the mother. For starters, mom can sit comfortably on the couch, on the bed, or in a chair with pillows to support her back while feeding. Breastfeeding moms can get creative with breastfeeding and choose specific lighting, soothing music, or anything else that helps them relax. nine0015

Bring your baby to your breast, not the other way around. If you want to make breastfeeding a newborn easier, then do not lean towards the baby, but bring it to your chest. The baby's mouth should be opposite the nipple, the neck should be straight, and the shoulders and hips should be in line. Mom can also lightly touch her nipple to her baby's nose and mouth to encourage him to latch on.

Support your chest. Holding the newborn with one hand, the mother can place the other hand directly under the breast to support it. When learning to breastfeed, some mothers prefer to leave one hand free; in this case, a rolled towel can be used. nine0015

Breastfeeding can be done in different positions; experiment with them to find the one that works best for you and your baby. We list the most common breastfeeding techniques below:

Cradle. In this position, the baby lies on the mother's hand from the side of the breast, which he sucks. The baby's head lies on the mother's elbow during feeding.

Cross cradle. With a cross cradle, the mother holds the baby with the hand opposite to the mammary gland that the baby sucks. With the other hand, mom can support her breasts. nine0062

Underhand or Football. In this position, the mother holds the child next to her, putting her back on her arm. With the other hand, she supports the baby's head, facing the mammary gland, with which she feeds the baby.

Lying on your side. In this position, the mother lies on her side, and the child lies next to her, facing her chest. Mom can support the child under the back with the hand that is on top, or put a folded towel under the back of the child. nine0062

Newborn Breastfeeding Tips

After looking at breastfeeding techniques, here are some tips for new mothers:

A good grip is important for both mother and baby. With a good grip, the baby will suck out milk correctly, and the mother's nipples will not hurt. To achieve a good latch, the mother needs to find a position that makes it easier for the newborn to latch onto the breast, and to do this, she should experiment with different positions. If a mother is having difficulty feeding, she should contact a lactation consultant. nine0015

2. Maintain milk supply. Sometimes a nursing mother cannot be constantly with her child during feedings. In such cases, it is very important to maintain milk production. An excellent solution for maintaining milk production when mother and baby are not together is pumping milk.

Take a look at this double breast pump: it reduces pumping time and features a massage petal attachment to gently stimulate milk flow.

3. Breastfeeding everywhere. One of the many benefits of breast milk is that mom always has it with her. But some moms feel awkward at first when they have to breastfeed their baby in public. For such mothers, we recommend that you first practice breastfeeding your newborn in front of a mirror and choose clothes that allow you to cover your breasts during feeding. A shawl or scarf can help with this - with them, the mother will feel more comfortable when feeding the baby outside the home. nine0015

And to keep clothes dry and clean while breastfeeding, we recommend that mums use these disposable bra pads with a porous and breathable structure: they do not leak and let air through.

Be prepared for difficulties. It is important for moms not to panic or get upset when faced with a common breastfeeding problem, such as insufficient milk production, breast engorgement, clogged milk ducts, mastitis, or sore nipples. To feel calm and confident during all stages of breastfeeding a baby, mothers need a circle of support: family members, friends, and healthcare professionals. The main thing is to stay calm, but if a mother is concerned about any aspect of breast health, she should definitely see a doctor. Learn more about breastfeeding difficulties and how to overcome them. nine0003

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The period of breastfeeding is one of the most important stages in a child's life

The period of breastfeeding is one of the most important stages in a child's life, which can be regarded as a transitional period from intrauterine development to full independent existence.

Man is born completely dependent on his mother, and nature has provided for the possibility of transferring all the necessary nutrients to the child through mother's milk. nine0003

The best food for a baby is the milk of his own mother, and this is understandable. The fact is that during pregnancy, the child and mother are practically a single organism, and it is very dangerous for the baby to lose this connection immediately, from the first minutes after birth. It is not for nothing that they often say that 9 months of pregnancy and at least 9 months of breastfeeding is the full cycle of “bearing” a baby, which is necessary for its proper growth and development, as well as for the normal state of the mother. nine0003

So why is breastfeeding so important?

First of all, mother's milk is the best food for a baby. The mother's body produces milk with exactly the properties that are necessary for a particular newborn - different women have slightly different composition of breast milk, adapted to meet the needs of her baby.

Mother's milk also changes its properties as the child grows. Often women try to "check" if their milk fits certain regimens and are upset that it is "low fat" or, conversely, "too fat". But it would be enough for them to simply understand that their body produces exactly the product that is designed specifically for their children, and that the differences between the milk of different women are caused precisely by the fact that their children are not the same. nine0003

However, if for some reason the mother cannot breastfeed the baby, then it is better for him to receive donor milk from another woman than artificial formulas or cow's milk.

It should be remembered that just as a woman cannot raise a healthy baby of any animal on her milk, so a cow is not able to give milk that is optimal for a human child. Cow's milk is for calves, just like women's milk is for children.

Human milk contains more than 400 components necessary for the optimal development of the child. Some of them have an anti-infective effect, they gradually form the child's immune system, protecting it from various infections. nine0003

Some of the antibodies contained in mother's milk protect the baby's gastrointestinal tract from the introduction of pathogenic microflora and help him develop normal microflora.

The amino acids contained in breast milk are involved in the proper development of the baby's central nervous system and brain.

It is not for nothing that children who are fed with mother's milk for at least a year develop better than their "artificial" peers, learn more easily both in the garden and then at school, grow up more calm and balanced. nine0015 It is no coincidence that we started talking about school: we must always remember that breastfeeding a baby is important not only during his first year, but throughout his life. In addition, it should be recalled that the enzymes that make up breast milk help the child to digest it more easily, breast milk vitamins are easily and completely absorbed by the baby's body, and proteins and fats are in the optimal amount for the newborn.
A lot of substances necessary for a child are contained not only in milk, but also in colostrum, which some time ago was considered a completely useless product for a child. And only in recent years, it has become clear to scientists that in no case should children be fed during the first hours and days of life with donor milk, which is not designed for them. nine0003

The baby is much healthier than its mother's colostrum, which contains substances that help the child's immature intestines adapt to a new way of eating. A child needs very little colostrum - just a few drops, and this is justified by the fact that the body of a newborn cannot yet digest a large amount of liquid.

Therefore, we can say that the practice that exists in some maternity hospitals, and previously existed everywhere, the practice when the baby was fed with donor milk from a bottle for three days, and only on the third day was brought to the mother, does not hold water. Its results are mastopathy in the mother, jaundice in the child, and problems with the establishment of feeding in both. Colostrum is necessary for the baby, and early, immediately after childbirth, attachment to the breast is for the mother. nine0003

Early attachment to the breast is a natural end of childbirth, which is needed not only to feed the baby. The child begins to suckle the breast, the mother's uterus contracts, which helps to easily and painlessly exit the placenta.

In addition, contractions of the uterus during suckling by the baby of the breast rather quickly "put her in place" - and usually, the figure of a breastfeeding woman is restored somewhat faster than a woman whose child is bottle-fed. But, of course, much more early breastfeeding gives mom and baby psychologically. nine0003

During the 9 months of intrauterine development, the child was in close contact with the mother. Having been born, he remembers her smell, her voice, her heartbeat, the taste of amniotic fluid. If you immediately pull him out of his usual environment, then the stress experienced by the baby may be unbearable for him.

Therefore, nature provided for such a kind of "return" to intrauterine life as breastfeeding. A child at the mother’s breast experiences almost the same sensations as before birth: he hears the familiar rhythm of his mother’s heart, her voice, inhales her smell, feels the warmth of her body, and the taste of milk, according to many experts, really resembles the taste of amniotic water. nine0003

That's why breastfeeding is more than a feeding process for a baby. It is also a kind of “relaxation” necessary for its normal growth and development.

Mom experiences the same thing. When she puts the child to her breast, she feels especially clearly that this is the same child that was in her womb. In addition, breastfeeding is the most important process of communication between mother and baby, necessary for both. Therefore, nothing should distract the mother from feeding: neither the phone, nor the book, nor the conversations, nor the TV. This is a complete concentration on the child, the moment at which mother and baby again become one. nine0003

Mother's breasts are not only a source of nutrition. An anxious, frustrated child can also be attached to the chest. He will not eat more than necessary, and then he will not seek solace only in food - this is not true. He will just feel calm and comfortable next to his mother. In general, one should not be afraid to once again attach the baby to the chest, take it in his arms - this will not spoil the child, but on the contrary, will give him a sense of security and self-confidence.

Having started to crawl and walk, he won’t be able to pick himself up so easily, and as practice shows, by the end of the first year of life, the most active discoverers of this world are precisely those children who spent infancy in their mother’s arms, and not at all those whom forced to stay in bed. Mom's hands, a patchwork holder, or a "kangaroo" is much more natural than a crib, the baby's habitat. nine0003

The same can be said about the notorious scheduled feedings. More and more neonatologists agree that breastfeeding should be as frequent as the child needs. Surprisingly, after a while the baby “sets” his own daily routine, and goes on for about the same three to three and a half hours between feedings.

The fact is that a child needs a mother's breast not only as a source of nutrition, but also as a "comforter", a source of warmth, comfort, a kind of link between him and the outside world. nine0003

In addition, even if we only talk about the nutrition of the child, then, as you know, everyone has a different appetite: in order to feel good, someone needs to eat three times a day and a lot, and someone needs six times a day, but only a little.

Newborn babies are as individual as their parents. Sometimes a baby, especially a young one, needs to be breastfed every hour, and sometimes more often. But all the inconvenience associated with feeding will pay off with interest. The main thing is not to be afraid to understand your child, listen to him and have no doubt that he is the one who knows what he wants better than all the authors of books. nine0003

Mom's secrets: feeding outside the home.

Summer is the time for joint walks and small trips around the city, and it's very disappointing to be dependent on constant feeding when it comes to a baby in such a wonderful time of the year.

Get away from home and still breastfeed with our secrets for moms:

- the baby sling can be adjusted so that the baby's mouth is just opposite the breast. And if you cover it with a hood, which usually comes with a sling, no one will even guess that the baby is doing an important job; nine0062
- a nursing bra, a button-down shirt and a small shawl (or neckerchief) will allow you to feed your baby while sitting on the subway, in the park, cafe or on the beach. If at the same time you do not bend to an unnatural position, but sit in a relaxed position, they will not pay attention to the nursing mother at all;
- in summer everyone prefers open terraces, and the halls inside the cafe are often empty. You can sit at one of the tables, and for complete peace of mind - put something voluminous on the table - the intimate process will go unnoticed; nine0062
- in large cities, large shopping centers are equipped with mother and child rooms, and clinics are equipped with healthy baby rooms. You can build your route in advance, given the proximity of buildings where you can feed the child;
- now in fashion - transformer capes of various shades. There are several options: some turn from a car seat cover into a shelter for mom and baby, others play the role of an apron that is worn around the mother’s neck and completely hides the child from prying eyes; nine0062
- a time-tested option - a bottle with pre-expressed milk: simple, convenient, for the most shy.

Have a nice summer adventure!

Mother's nutrition during breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, mothers-to-be actively prepare for the arrival of their baby. They carefully think over the interior of the child's room, lovingly choose things for the baby, attend classes to prepare for childbirth. But not many people think about how important its first food is for the baby, or rather, the mother’s diet during breastfeeding. In fact, this is a separate topic that should be given special attention. nine0003

Mother's milk is very important for the development of the baby, it contains all the necessary substances for the baby. In addition, during feeding, a close bond is established between mother and baby. Clinging to his chest, the baby feels the warmth of the mother and the beating of her heart, at these moments he is absolutely happy and calm. In order for milk to regularly arrive and not disappear in one day, women need to consume at least 2000 calories, but the list of products should be limited.

So, in the first months of a baby's life, experts recommend sticking to a strict diet and focusing on proper nutrition while breastfeeding. At first, the list of products is very scarce, since the baby's gastrointestinal tract is still developing and adapting to our world. Mom's nutrition during breastfeeding during this period is as follows: buckwheat, barley and oatmeal, millet, pasta are allowed. You can also introduce lean meats and white fish into the diet. From vegetables it is worth giving preference to potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli. Carrots and beets are allowed to be used in soups. For the fat content of milk, a young mother is recommended to include thirty grams of butter in her diet. Most likely, at the time of the rush of milk, you will want to consume dairy products in large quantities. Here it is worth noting one important point: choose milk, kefir and yoghurts without fruit additives and fillers. The ban includes: everything fried and smoked, black and red caviar, as well as products that cause the fermentation process - legumes, grapes, fresh bread. White cabbage, cucumbers, and apple peels can cause colic in a newborn. nine0003