Best Nursing And Breast Pads: Buyers Guide For Breastfeeding Pads

Nursing pads are one of the most essential breastfeeding supplies in those first few weeks of breastfeeding. When your milk first comes in, leakage can be a real problem. In addition to the embarrassment of your leaky boobs getting your shirt wet, staying in wet clothing can cause health issues that you really don't want to deal with right now.

Luckily, you have some options when choosing the best nursing pads for your life, body, and milk flow. I've put together this guide to help you navigate the world of breast pads so it's one less thing to worry about as you do your last-minute baby-prep shopping. It's good to know what to expect when breastfeeding so you can best prepare for the experience.

Nursing Pads FAQs

Do I really need nursing pads?

Yes. Your breasts will leak for a while after your milk comes in, and it's important that you stay dry to prevent sore nipples and yeast infections. It's also inconvenient to let your bras and shirts get wet and have to change your entire outfit. Remember, even if you're planning to formula feed, your body doesn't know that. You will still produce milk, which will tend to leak until it dries up.

Will the hospital provide nursing pads?

Some hospitals provide nursing pads, and some don't. However, if you've created a baby registry and gotten the free goodie bag that goes along with it, you may have received a few free samples of disposable nursing pads to try out.

How many nursing pads should I bring to the hospital?

Your milk may not come in until after you're home from the hospital, so you may not need any before you're discharged. However, because you never really know how long your hospital stay will be or when your milk will come in, bring a few pairs just in case. If you're breastfeeding, you may also want to use nursing pads to protect your clothing from nipple cream or lanolin even before your milk comes in.

Related Post: Breastfeeding tips for new mothers

Can nursing pads cause thrush or mastitis?

Allowing your nipples to stay wet for extended periods provides an environment where candida yeast (thrush) and bacteria are happy to grow. Not changing your nursing pads frequently enough or not properly sanitizing the reusable type between uses can lead to problems with thrush or mastitis.

When do I start using nursing pads?

Allowing your nipples to stay wet for extended periods provides an environment where candida yeast (thrush) and bacteria are happy to grow. Not changing your nursing pads frequently enough or not properly sanitizing the reusable type between uses can lead to problems with thrush or mastitis.

What are nursing pads made of?

Reusable nursing pads are usually made of natural, absorbent materials, such as cotton or bamboo fabric. Disposable nursing pads are also made of absorbent materials, much like disposable panty liners.

When do I change my nursing pads?

Change your nursing pads every time they get wet, as well as when you wake up in the morning and every time you shower or bathe.

How do I wash my nursing pads?

Reusable nursing pads should be carefully washed and sanitized to kill any bacteria or yeast that may be lurking in them. Follow the manufacturer's directions about whether they should be washed in the washing machine or by hand, as well as what temperature settings you should use. Sanitize or replace your reusable pads after a bout with thrush. Some people recommend cleaning them in vinegar to kill the yeast.

When can I stop using nursing pads?

Even if you practice extended breastfeeding, you won't leak milk forever. Every woman is different, but after a few months your milk production will balance out and you probably won't need the pads anymore.

What are the best nursing pads for thrush?

Even if you practice extended breastfeeding, you won't leak milk forever. Every woman is different, but after a few months your milk production will balance out and you probably won't need the pads anymore.

What are the best nursing pads for small breasts?

If your breasts are small, you can try a brand that offers sized nursing pads, or the Johnson's brand of disposables, which aren't as large as other popular brands. Some women have had success cutting or folding disposable pads to fit, but you'd have to make sure they don't fall apart if you try that.

What are the best nursing pads for large breasts?

If your breasts are large, try a contoured nursing pad, such as Medela disposables or Nuk Ultra Thin. You could also go with custom-made reusable pads.

What are the best nursing pads for sore or cracked nipples?

Adhesive-backed nursing pads may give you some relief from sore or cracked nipples because they won't move around inside your bra and cause friction.

What are the best nursing pads for overnight or heavy milk leakage?

Unless you are a very light leaker, use specially-designed overnight nursing pads every night. Eco Nursing Pads makes a 10-pack of reusable, leak-free pads with varying levels of absorption so you can use the heavy-flow type overnight.

What are nursing/breast pads?

Nursing pads are reusable or disposable absorbent pads that go into your bra cups to catch leaking milk. Some just tuck into place, whereas others use Velcro or adhesive strips to help them stay put. Even if you don't plan to breastfeed, you will need nursing pads for the first week or so before your body gets the message and stops producing milk.

Disposable vs. reusable

You can choose either disposable or reusable nursing pads. They both do the same job, but the difference is whether you throw them away or wash them after each use.

Disposable nursing pads

PROS

• Convenient
• Usually have adhesive backing to stay in place
• plusNo need to worry about reinfection after having thrush
• plusOften thinner and less noticeable under clothing than reusable options

CONS

• Not great for the environment
• Have to buy more when you run out
• minus May wick away moisture so quickly that you don't realize they're wet

Reusable nursing pads

PROS

• Easy to wash with your regular laundry
• You only need to buy a few pairs
• plusCan feel when they're wet so you know when to change them

CONS

• Have to remember to wash them
• Must be sanitized after thrush
• minus May move around in your bra if they don't adhere to the fabric
• minus Usually thicker and more noticeable under clothes than disposables

How to use disposable nursing pads vs. reusable nursing pads

Disposable nursing pads: usage and care

• Just remove the backing and stick them inside your bra where they will catch milk leaks
• Throw away when damp and replace with a new pair

Reusable nursing pads: usage and care

• Insert pads into your bra, using Velcro if applicable
• When damp, replace with a fresh pair and wash with your regular laundry

Benefits of using a nursing pad

Nursing pads will help keep your nipples dry and comfortable and will protect your clothing from milk leaks, resulting in several benefits.

Health benefits

Keeping your nipples dry will help you avoid pain and infection while breastfeeding.

Cost savings

Using nursing pads could save you money on clothing because breastmilk sometimes stains.

Comfort

Staying in wet clothes is uncomfortable, especially for a sensitive area such as your breasts. Using nursing pads (and changing them frequently) keeps you dry and comfortable while saving you from changing into a fresh bra several times per day.

Tips on how to choose the best nursing pad

Once you've decided on whether disposable or reusable nursing pads are for you, check out the dimensions of several different pads or see if you can get a few samples. Always read online reviews so you can get a better idea about what other women have experienced with a particular brand or style.

Most popular nursing pad brands

Lansinoh

Lansinoh is a leader in breastfeeding accessories, including nursing pads, breastmilk storage bags, and nipple cream. They offer a variety of breast pad options, including "ultra soft" and "stay dry" varieties.

Medela

Medela is another well-known breastfeeding and breast pump brand. They make soft, super-absorbent nursing pads with double-stick tape to stay in place.

Eco Nursing Pads

Eco Nursing Pads are among the most popular reusable breast pads. They offer a multi-pack with different levels of absorbency so you can tailor your pad to your needs, including overnight.

Johnson's

Johnson's is a trusted brand that makes contoured, rustle-free disposable pads

Bamboobies

Bamboobies are popular because their reusable, washable nursing pads feature leak-proof backing and their overnight pads really do the job.

Best nursing pads​

• Quilted and breathable
• Leakproof
• Individually wrapped

PROS

• Stay comfortable and keep you dry
• Contoured shape means they're discreet under clothing
• plusTwo adhesive strips keep them in place, even at night
• plusSoft and absorbent

CONS

• Not reusable or washable

• Medical-grade silicone
• Prevent leaks instead of absorbing them
• Adheres to breast

PROS

• LilyPadz prevent leaks by putting pressure on the nipple
• No need for a bra because they adhere to your breast
• plusWashable and reusable

CONS

• May be a learning curve to apply them correctly

• Contoured
• Adhere to bra
• Breathable backing

PROS

• Comfortable due to breathability
• Small-breasted reviewers love them
• plusQuiet, rustle-free construction

CONS

• Embossed nipple may show through clothing

• Ultra-thin
• Super absorbent
• Soft

PROS

• Recommended by doctors
• Soft and comfortable
• plusIndividually-wrapped for hygiene and convenience

CONS

• Not washable or reusable

• Super soft
• Waterproof backing
• Comes in different absorbencies

PROS

• The super soft interior is soothing to chafed nipples
• The waterproof backing ensures no messy leaks onto your clothing
• plusWashable and reusable
• plus Choose between light and heavy absorbency

CONS

• May shift inside a loose-fitting bra

Best nursing pads comparison table

What's the best nursing pad?

Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads are the best overall. The fact that they are washable, reusable, and leak-proof make them the easiest to use and least costly overall. They also perform well, even with heavy leakage, and are oh-so-soft against your skin. Four reusable pairs to a pack means it's even simpler to get all the coverage you're looking for.

How the best breast pad was picked

As a nursing mama, I've tried pretty much every product out there. I call on my tribe of mamas as well as online reviewers to help inform my decisions on what I haven't tried. What I love most about reusable nursing pads is that I never run out and have to go buy more. One set can last through multiple kiddos, so it's one more thing I don't have to worry about.

Relevant products to buy

Nipple cream

Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do, but it doesn't always come naturally for mama or baby. Translation: Your nipples will be sore, especially in the beginning. Pick up some nipple cream or lanolin for quick relief.

Breastmilk bags or bottles

If you ever pump your breastmilk, even just to relieve some pressure, you won't want to pour that precious resource down the drain! Stock up on breastmilk bags (disposable) or bottles (reusable) that fit your pump, and you'll never have to worry about wasting milk.

Nipple soothers

In addition to creams and lotions that can ease nipple pain, you can get wearable soothers. They're kind of like little ice packs built just for your breasts. Aaaaah, relief.

Final review on the best nursing pads

Hopefully this guide has helped take some of the mystery out of purchasing nursing pads. One of the best ways to ensure you continue breastfeeding as long as you want is to keep yourself comfortable and pain-free! Is there anything you would add to this list, or any tips you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments!

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